Class Notes
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1949
Joan Boodey Lamson
I arrived in Durham in 1945 on a beautiful early September day, as a 17-year-old UNH freshman. My mother, dad, and younger brother and I had just driven 350+ miles, a long distance in those days with few highways, from Yonkers, NY. I did not know anyone at UNH, but everyone I saw was smiling and laughing. There was a joyous atmosphere everywhere. WWII had officially ended on September 2, 1945, and on that memorable day I was on my uncle’s small motorboat in the Hudson River off New York City. Horns were blowing and church bells ringing, sailors were lining the decks of ships we went near, and everyone was cheering. The end of a war is the happiest of days. Why had I chosen to go to UNH! My father graduated in 1921, and his five brothers and sisters attended UNH. They all grew up on their parents’ dairy farm in Barrington, where my brother and I spent summers growing up, and where my cousins (five UNH grads) who are teachers, not farmers, live now. The end of WWII also brought the veterans, who had been UNH students, and many who came, thanks to the G.I. Bill of Rights, to Durham, much to the pleasure of all the co-eds, including me. I married one, and never regretted it: Don Lamson ’48, a New Hampshire native like my dad. Thaddeus “Ted” Pecorak was one of these veterans. He survived harrowing experiences in WWII and then lived a long life. Ted died on March 15, 2024, at the age of 101 in Davidson, North Carolina. He received the Bronze Star for service as a machine gunner with the First Armored Division in the U.S. Army from 1943 through 1946. He fought in North Africa, landed on the beaches of Anzio, battled his way to northern Italy, and remained part of the occupation force in Germany until 1946. Ted returned to UNH in 1946 where he earned varsity letters for football and track before graduating with a degree in History. He married classmate Phyllis Jacobson and they enjoyed 64 years together until her death. Ted’s career was in the building supplies industry. He is survived by his daughter, two sons, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He loved his family, his dogs and even the local wildlife for whom he used to leave food. Calvin Whitney is also a WWII veteran and a ’49er. He died on June 6, 2024, at age 98 at his home in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Calvin was born on December 4, 1925, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, but grew up and attended school in Cumberland, Maine. He was a veteran of both WWII and the Korean War. He served in both the Air Force and the Maine Air National Guard. Calvin married Helen O’Donnell in 1947 in Portsmouth. He was an engineer for IBM for 35 years. In retirement he became involved in genealogy, and was a member of societies in New England, New York and Florida. He also became an avid golfer. Calvin and Helen had 71 happy years together until her death. He is survived by their four children, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Helping others and doing community service have been big factors in the lives of many ’49ers, and Rose Marie Jones Rogers is a good example of that. She was born in Wolfeboro and in more recent years lived in Rochester. She died August 25, 2024, with her family near her in Quincy, Massachusetts. After graduating from UNH she earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. The majority of her career was spent working for the NH Association for the Blind, where she became the director of professional services. In her retirement she began her second career as a New Hampshire state representative. Rose Marie was passionate about the protection and conservation of New Hampshire’s natural resources. She served multiple terms on the Fish and Game Committee. Rose Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roland Rogers. She is survived by a son, a daughter and son-in-law, six grandchildren and a great grandchild. She greatly enjoyed her grandchildren, and often was seen cheering them on during many baseball and hockey games over the years.
1953
Ann Merrow Burghardt
I’ve tried to contact classmates in Florida about hurricane damage there but only had one response before class notes deadline from Barbara Pritchard Joyce in Tampa who said she wasn’t affected but areas around her certainly were. Now hear this: recipients of our endowed scholarship fund, to which we contributed years ago, say thank you for your help: Ryder Downes ’26, business administration; Sydney Vanasse ’26, climate and the environment; Tabitha Nugent ’25, pre-veterinary; Tucker Lane ’25, psychology. Your dollars at work! Unfortunately more obits. Lt. Col. Richard Bryant, an agricultural education major, a member of the Arnold Air Society and Lambda Chi Alpha, died March 21, 2024. At UNH he met Marjorie Covell who became his wife of 69 years. After graduation he was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, then post-retirement taught at Embry Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Retiring again, he and his wife moved to Kennebunk, Maine, enjoying gardening and world travel. Raymond “Bud” Hildreth, a government major plus president of Kappa Sigma and Senior Skulls, died March 31, 2024. He was in the Army from 1953 to 1955 and a captain in the Reserves from 1955 to 1964. Bud was a salesman’s rep for International Packings Corp. until retirement. Alda Rodrigues Collins of Lincoln, Rhode Island, died April 11, 2024. With her husband she was the former owner of Fairlawn Wine in Pawtucket and was an interior designer the owner of Contempora, also in Pawtucket. After graduating from UNH where she was a home economics major and a member of Alpha Xi Delta, she attended New York School of Design. A member of the UNH honorary home economics society was Nancy Rice Hopkins who died May 2, 2024. She continued training with a dietetic internship at the New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center, and continued on as staff dietician in New York City where she met and married Richard Hopkins. After her two sons were grown, she earned a master’s in counseling and human services at Montclair State College and worked in hospice and pastoral care. I haven’t any more details for the obit of Diane Cohen Caplan, Chi Omega, who taught physical education in Natick, Massachusetts, schools for more than 25 years. She was the wife of the late Gerald Caplan for more than 65 years. Ralph Levitan (economics, Phi Alpha) of Westport, Connecticut, died on Dec. 12, 2022; Norman Beairsto of Stratham, died Oct. 13, 2023, and Bruce A. Holmes died July 28, 2023. He was a forestry major and an Alpha Gamma Rho. A horticulture major, Judith Dorr Emery of South Berwick, Maine, died July 15, 2024. She also earned a master of science degree in horticulture from Washington State University. Peter Bedrosian of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, an electrical engineering major, died July 9, 2024. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict and had managerial and engineering positions with RCA and successor companies, later working as a consultant at Bosch Security Systems. A member of the American Radio Relay Team, he had his own call letters.
1955
John Everson
What did you think of the last issue of the magazine? This certainly was an issue that reported news from every class and was full of information about people you may have known in the past. It certainly gave us lots of reading about our own class and those of people we may have known in surrounding classes. I was interested in the wonderful tribute to Jack Weeks who devoted so much of his time to help building UNH and contributing to its future growth. You could not have asked for a better alumnus. I received a very nice letter from Sarah Hunt ’09, director of Alumni Engagement, thanking me for my participation in welcoming a new 2024 graduate into the Alumni Association. Doug Jones sent a nice note last April that just missed our last newsletter. His wife, Darlene, after 43 years of marriage, had just passed away. Darlene worked in the admissions office at Ohio State spending 22 years helping to admit more than 69,000 students. Recently they had moved to a senior indirect living facility near the university, while maintaining their New Hampshire condo in Hampton to use for fall getaways and see a few UNH football games. Thanks for your message, Doug, and we’re sorry to hear the news about Darlene. Bert Lloyd Wolf sent a note to let us all know he is living in South Portland, Maine, but does run away to Key Biscayne, Florida, for four months every winter to play a little pickleball. Glad to hear from you, Bert, and thanks for the update. We recently heard that “Dick” E. Lacasse, USAF retired, passed away. Dick had graduated from Laconia High marking the beginning of a remarkable journey filled with dedication, creativity and love. His granddaughter wrote to say that his life was a tapestry woven with an unwavering commitment to both his family and his country. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. Janet Sacco sent a very nice note. After graduation she went to New York to pursue an accounting position. She then transferred back to New England where she met her husband and started to raise her family. Her husband passed away 12 years ago. After retiring she started a part-time bookkeeping job from home, working for two firms and is still doing that from home. She enjoys many activities with her four children and eight grandchildren especially spending two weeks a year with the family in Martha’s Vineyard. She now lives in Marlborough, Massachusetts — and life is good. Robert (Bob) Hicks passed away recently at age 90. Barbara Trask Taylor passed away on March 4, 2024, in Hatfield, Massachusetts. After college she taught art and was a downhill ski instructor. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years. They had twin daughters and moved to Deerfield, Massachusetts. Barbara had a great love of nature and the outdoors, the mountains and ocean. She had a love of all the arts and appreciated all types of music. She became a member of the White Church Community Center. Received an update from Ruth (Roberts) Schenck that husband Bill had passed away and she had sold her 48-acre farm to move into a senior living complex in Derry. She sent a little information along to let us all know the history of the Schenck Family. Married for 69 years, five children, six spouses, 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Certainly enough to keep Ruth busy in the coming years. She was concerned in her note about our recent hurricanes and how we had made out. Some high flooding but we made it through with little disruption. However, our neighbors did lose a number of cars. We would like to thank Toni Pappas for once again helping to raise funds for Billy Pappas’ scholarship. Great to see she is still very involved with the program. Toni writes, “The second annual Billy Pappas Football Camp was a big success with over 100 registrations. Parents were happy, kids were excited, and the coaches were very BUSY.” It has been my privilege to be your class correspondent these past four years and hope that Corena Garnas will be able to find a replacement from our remaining class members, that total well over 150 members. We all love reading our class news and hope one of you will help. out. Thank you all for your help and support.
1956
Pat Hollarn
I’d love to hear from you! Share your latest news, memories, photos or updates to keep our class connected and celebrate our enduring friendship. Share your favorite UNH memory — what was your first impression of UNH when you arrived as a freshman? What clubs did you participate in? What’s your advice to today’s students?
From left to right: Steve Tompkins ’58, Dick Spaulding ’57, Charlie Swanson ’58, Paul Aliapoulios ’57, Jim Hellen ’57 and Joan Holroyd ’56 attended the ROTC Hall of Fame ceremony last fall, where their friend and Joan’s husband Don Holroyd ’57 was honored posthumously.
1957
Nancy Jillson Glowacki
As I write this, it’s a sunny summer-like October in Wolfeboro, in the beautiful fall surroundings of Lake Winnipesaukee and the now snow-capped Mount Washington along with a spectacular leaf show this year… and it’s Jim Hellen’s 89th birthday to boot! As always, there are things of note such as birthdays to celebrate. And right in the mix are other life happenings that bring a more somber reflection as we age and say goodbye to classmates (always noted in the back of the magazine). I discover their full lives in reading the obituaries, each so unique, amazing and celebratory! Their families, life choices and changes, skills, sports, hobbies, travels, innovative spirits…all shine! Happy to send a copy of one. The classmates who have moved on are: Carlyle W. “Carl” Shaw, 87, June 3, 2024, in Chichester, John B. Hagen, 88 , June 12, 2023, of Canton.; Dr. Dorothy Karandanis, 88, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, on May 31, 2024. Interestingly, she was one of the first of two women accepted at Emory Medical School prior to which med schools were not accepting women as students! Dewanne M. Bucceroni, 89, Philadelphia, December 5, 2024; Art Halprin, 88, of Newark, Delaware, June 11, 2023; Donat Cloutier, 88, Punta Gorda, Florida, May 10, 2024; Eleanor Anne (Wesslen) Holsman, 89, May 8, 2024. An amusing comment was that she hated margarine until the day she died because one of her chores was squishing color tablets into the white margarine! I remember that! Bruce Dreher, 92, Grangeville, Idaho, July 21, 2024; John Galli, 93, of Newington, July 27, 2024; and Henry F. Warner Jr. 95, of Cape Neddick, Maine, August 8, 2024. Thank you all for living inspiring lives in our midst! It’s been a pleasant laid-back summer for me in New Hampshire. Part of the pleasure was spent on the phone catching up with UNH friends…and the two hurricanes intensified the need to contact them! Earlier In May, Carly and Jim Hellen, Lee Perkins ’55, widower of Anne Garside Perkins ’57, and I attended a touching celebration of Lois Jesseman Armstrong ’58’s life with Fritz Armstrong and the family at the Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Massachusetts; a lot of love there! When the storms hit, we all scurried to locate Fritz safely in Florida (he had just sold the Cape Cod house and moved back to Venice), and Jim Yakovakis safely driven from Venice to St. Augustine, Cyndy MacCauley Colbath is safe in Osprey, Florida, near Venice in a new retirement place. Cyndy lists her email here as CMC35516@att.net and phone as (941) 223-8396 and invites class friends to stay in touch! Gwen Marsh Caldwell was in the phone mix too; doing very well in Marshfield, Massachusetts, as is Janice Gardella Gilroy in Bradford, Massachusetts, my high school, college roommate, sorority ‘bud’! So happy to reach Bill Zimmerman in Keene. He had a single kidney removal after Ruth passed earlier this year; post treatment is going well. And in typical Zimmerman style, he plays piano gigs two to three times a week with a band. Send in news of contacts … I often make a weekend time slot to reach out to old friends. Very energizing and mutually supportive — try it! Carly Hellen, OTR retired/consultant, residing at Riverwoods Durham, reports that UNH has launched an OTD (occupational therapist doctorate) program. Gold medal news from Ira Carmen: Competing in the 2024 New York State Senior Olympics, Ira ran the 5000-meter event in a time of 39:05, a meet championship record. He earned a gold medal by finishing No. 1 in the 90 and over age group. Accolades, cheers and bravos to you Ira; this is a major feat indeed! What inspires a person to run, and keep on running into their 90s? Two grateful, warm letters were received thanking the class of 1957 for our scholarship. Hudson S. Levin ’25, in the field of business marketing, said our funds made a great study abroad trip possible — “a reality better than I could have expected.” Delana Mooney ’26, said in gratitude that the scholarship took the financial weight off her shoulders and put a college education within reach. She is part of Women In Business and a dual finance and management major. The impact on these two students is immeasurable; thank you 1957! Life is a happening! Reunion Weekend June 2025! Stay in touch!
1958
Peggy Ann Shea
David Frye entered the Navy in 1959 and retired as a captain and naval aviator. He held squadron and naval air station commands and served two years at the Naval War College War Gaming Department. He founded a bank consulting business after leaving the Navy and has retired from that business. David still resides in Rye and has two daughters, one son and eight grandchildren. Richard (Dick) Gaudette writes that after working on the Apollo 11 project, he worked as a chemical engineer at Polaroid for 26 years. He moved to San Rafael, California, and was the substitute organist at about 25 churches of various sects in that area. When he developed cardiac problems, he moved to the Kansas City area where his daughter is a physician. He now lives in a retirement home in Kansas where he was planning to give his fifth piano recital. He travels to New England each Christmas time to visit family. Rochelle (Rikki) Wolf Robinson resides on Long Island and spends time with her daughter in Montpelier, Vermont, and her son in Nashua. Rikki has four grandchildren; the oldest grandchild is a freshman Paul Scholar at UNH and resides in Rikki’s old dorm, Sawyer Hall. Rikki still enjoys her winters skiing at Mad River Glen in Vermont. In conjunction with being a co-editor for the publication Advances in Space Research, your class secretary attended the international COSPAR assembly in Busan, Korea and was a co-author of two presentations at that meeting. She was also a co-author of a published scientific paper. In September she presented two seminars in Huntsville, Alabama. Below are some brief comments of classmates who are no longer with us. If interested, I have additional information on most of these individuals as reported in obituaries. Frederick Aziz, Jr. (Bourne, Massachusetts) had a lengthy career in sales and financial services. Fred was an avid golfer and over many golf seasons, he carded three holes in one. After graduating from Tufts Dental School, Dr. Wilbur Blackey (Salem) specialized at the Harvard Forsyth Orthodontics Program. He served in the Army and had an orthodontist practice for many years. For recreation he was a master gardener and was involved with the Salem Historical Society. Ron Blanchette (California) received a master’s degree from UNH and after moving to California in 1960 was employed as a school psychologist and then director of special services. Later he taught university extension classes part-time, was a self-employed tree trimmer and volunteered with Hospice and a soup kitchen. Thomas Burbank (Eliot, Maine) worked for Fuller Brush, DC Health, Merrill Publishing and Staff Development for Educators. His passion, however, was as a principal in schools in New Hampshire and Vermont. Hope Zanes Butterworth (Concord) was known for her fine art photography which became a lifelong passion. Together with her husband, she worked to make Concord’s Friendly Kitchen a place that could regularly provide hot meals to those in need. Janice King Feuer (Keene) was a social worker for the state of New Hampshire and an active volunteer for the Monadnock Area Foster Parents Association raising awareness for foster parenting programs. She also wrote and published a book “Stories of the Heart.” Richard George (Mendham, New Jersey) worked for Allied Chemical for 25 years and retired from Asarco in 2000. After retiring, his Kennebunk Beach, Maine, house and the stock market became his full-time hobbies. While working for the chemical division of General Mills, Kurt Hellberg (Richmond, Virginia) had an adventurous career in international specialty business marketing with a focus in the Far East. After living in Tokyo, Japan, for three years, Kurt and his wife settled in Wayzata, Minnesota. Kurt also worked for MTS Systems and NCR Comten. James Johnson (Bellows Falls, Vermont) was active in the lawn and gardening business all his life and was a tireless advocate in the non-GMO movement even having his license plate changed to promote the movement. He had a vast collection of cast iron tractor seats, one-cylinder antique engines and other farm antiques and memorabilia. Leo “Patrick” McGrath (Meredith) served as the controller for Pike Industries and Persons Concrete. After retirement he and his wife traveled extensively; they had been married 70 years at the time of Pat’s death. Richard Mika (Salem) taught in high schools in Hudson and Derry. In 1959 he established Country Living Real Estate for the next 60 years. Clifton Wetherbee (Fishkill, New York) worked as a chemist at Texaco. He was active in his children’s lives as den leader with both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Other classmates we have lost include Deborah Duke Burnham (Hingham, Massachusetts), Carolyn M. Durrette (Martinsburg, West Virginia), Donald Hildreth (Fountain Valley, California), Clifford Moody (Newport Beach, California), Sally O’Neil O’Driscoll (Wayland, Massachusetts), Benjamin Patch, Jr. (Scottsbluff, Nebraska), William Randle (Newmarket), and Edmund Robert (Loveland, Colorado).
1959
Jack Sanders
Bob Pascucci writes that things are good. Fortunately, his home was not damaged by the hurricanes that hit North Carolina this fall. As you may recall, Einar Dohlen travelled from Oslo to attend all our class reunions. Einar and his wife Sidsel have been married for 65 years. They have two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Einar is retired after 26 years working in the oil business working for Shell in Oslo, Conoco in New York and Panama and Amoco in Singapore and Oslo. He was an active soccer player until a hip replacement 10 years ago. He was a cross-country skier on the UNH Ski Team and stopped skiing a few years ago. Einar tried golf, but with little success sold his clubs. Einar’s address is: ED. 71 Ullern Alle, 0381 Oslo. The family of alumna Betty (Belletetes) Shea has close connections to New Hampshire and UNH. Bette grew up in Peterborough, the town where her grandfather had founded Belletetes in 1898, as a grocery store, which eventually became a building supply center with several locations. Betty married Ted Shea, who worked in the Belletetes business for 40 years, becoming CEO. Betty and Ted’s older son, Mike, a 1983 graduate of the Whittemore School of Business (now the Paul College of Business and Economics) is now CEO of Belletetes. Martha, their only daughter, is a 1984 graduate of the Whittemore School. Typical of the time, no women worked for Belletetes, so Martha worked for a wholesaler that supplied Belletetes! Their younger son Matt graduated from Babson and is manager of the Peterborough Belletetes store. Their grandson Derek, Mike’s son, works for Belletetes as well as other extended family members. Last year, Belletetes celebrated 125 years in business. Presently, Betty is living in the River Mead retirement community where she is chairwoman of the Mead Library. Betty enjoys playing tennis and golf and was recently featured in the Monadnock Ledger Transcript. The Concord Monitor included Betty and her photo in the article, “NH Active Aging.” In their words, “of course, she still plays….”
1960
Estelle “Stella” Belanger Landry
To begin with, I am hoping that none of our classmates were affected by last October’s hurricane which slammed Florida’s west coast. In my recent conversation with Sam Paul, however, he did mention that he heard from Doug Blampied of Venice, Florida. Doug reported that they were spared from any damages because their home was located in the center of the eye of the storm. As of this writing, it is late October here in southern New Jersey where we have had very little rain. As a result, our foliage was not as prominent as it has been in the past. Unfortunately, I received only two notations from classmates. Dick Mikszenas and Terri Mikszenas of Clearwater, Florida, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October and planned a riverboat cruise on the Danube River. Dale Hardy and Penny Hardy of Lee celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August. He remains quite active in his church, singing in a barbershop chorus, volunteering for the NHPBS auction, as well as being active in the Civil Air Patrol and the VFW. Sadly, I report on the following obituaries which the Alumni Office sent to me. Dr. Frederick G. Lea, formerly a long-time resident of Concord, Massachusetts, died October 26, 2023, in his new home in Maynard, Massachusetts. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War era. After graduating from the University of Vermont and later Yale University, he became an OB/GYN physician delivering more than 16,000 babies. Holly Patterson Horne died peacefully surrounded by family on December 21, 2023. Holly was very active in school organizations and was voted Winter Carnival Queen. Her husband Peter, also a graduate of UNH, passed away in 2016. Early on, they lived in Rye, where they began raising their two boys. In 1975 they moved to Freeport, Maine. Holly enjoyed many family trips in August with her family to Cape Cod at Craigville Beach. Carroll (Tom) N. Jackson of Colebrook died on April 12, 2024. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, he came to UNH studying business administration. He then attended Cornell University for his master’s degree in industrial labor relations. After retiring in 1987, Tom returned to Colebrook where he remained very active. Robert F. Haley of Stratham passed away May 5, 2024. Bob served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. Upon his return, he attended UNH and graduated with a bachelor’s in business. Bob met his wife Phyllis while carpooling to UNH from Dover. He worked as a banker in Dover for more than three decades. Peter E. Paquette died May 10, 2024, in Smithtown, Long Island, New York. He played football and basketball for UNH. He met and married Carole Sofronas also a graduate of UNH. Peter worked as a science teacher for 30 years and then 20 more years at a genetics lab. It was noted that ever the athlete, he ran in the Long Island Marathon three times and was also selected to run in the prestigious New York Marathon. Thomas Lyon Purdy III of North Salem, New York, died peacefully on June 29, 2024. After graduating from UNH, he took courses toward a master’s of agronomy at the University of Northern Iowa. He returned to work with his father in the family office in Purdys, New York, helping to manage the family’s commercial farms in the Midwest. Tom was the sixth generation of his family to be involved in the business. As a lifelong resident of North Salem, Tom was involved in many town organizations. In addition, for almost 30 years he was in charge of the Christmas Eve bonfire at the town Christmas Tree. Additionally, the following classmates’ death notices were sent to me without obituaries. Leonard Ritterbush, February 23, 2020; James Gardner, Kennebunk, Maine, May 2, 2023; Barbara Knicely, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 26, 2023; William A. Kneeland, Waltham, Massachusetts, October 30, 2023; David LeFevre, Columbus, North Carolina, February 4, 2024.
September 2024 lunch of 1961ers lunch in Concord, left to right; Art Monty, Pam Monty, Lou D’Allesandro, Pat D’Allesandro, Lise Tighe, Bill Tighe.
1961
Bill Tighe
Harvey Galloway advises “My dad graduated from UNH in class of 1932, in pre-med. He ended up, after serving in WWII, as the town doctor in Wilton. He was the one town doctor from 1945 through 1968 — 23 years. I found out the town of Wilton was building a gazebo on their riverwalk trail, so I was able to contribute some money and the town agreed to dedicate the gazebo to my dad, Dr. Raymond P. Galloway. Fast forward to August 10, 2024, we had a dedication ceremony and about 36 members of the Galloway clan showed up along with 20 to 30 town folks. In attendance was my good buddy Dennis Shinn, his wife, Sherry, and their son and daughter-in-law. Also in attendance was my older sister, Nancy, who graduated UNH in 1956. Also, several nieces and nephews who graduated from UNH were in attendance. Probably about eight UNH graduates were in attendance with Denny and I from the best class ever — 1961.” From Douglas Krebs comes some philosophy from an old man: “When you reach your high 80s it’s nice to have a man cave. Fortunately, I have two — they are labeled Fish Camp North and Fish Camp South. They are full of 8 x 10 framed fish photos, hundreds of them, stripers north and tarpon and snook south. A 52-pound striper north and a 250-pound tarpon south are mounted as center pieces. Having sold both boats, at least I can enjoy the memories in my man cave.” From California come some thoughts from Bob Lavoie: “After living in San Diego for 14 years following our move from New Hampshire, my wife DJ and I continue to enjoy all the attractions, fun walks in local parks, symphony orchestra concerts and occasional cruises. Bonus is living near our daughter. We continue our annual visits to New Hampshire and Maine to meet with family and friends.” Lynne Bigelow Kribs tells us she was planning to visit Vancouver, British Colombia, soon to see the fall colors there and do a bit of touring. She is still in contact with Lars Ljogodt, he lives in Oslo, Norway. This past September, four ’61 classmates were pleased to meet for a pleasant lunch in Concord: Lou and Pat D’Allesandro, Art and Pam Monty and my wife Lise and I — a mini reunion of sorts. From the October 18 edition of the Messenger, Hillsboro comes the following: “ … Lou D’Allesandro has retired. The New Hampshire Senate bid a final farewell to one of its longest serving members on Thursday. It was Sen. Lou D’Allesandro’s last day on the senate floor in an official capacity, as lawmakers voted on a series of the governor’s vetoes. D’Allesandro has served 50 years in state government as a representative, executive counselor and senator.” (See more about Lou on page 50.) From the in-memoriam pages come the following list of our classmates who have recently passed away. Barbara Frances Herrick Baker, Wolfeboro; Robert A. Beaudette, Holyoke, Massachusetts; Carl Thomas Crosby, Jr., Madbury; John F. Damon, Tamworth; Robert E. Dillon, Fort White, Florida; Nancy-Jane Jackson Duncan, Ashland; John A. Filpula, Danielson, Connecticut; Stephen L. Fine, Clermont, Florida; Alice Wheeler Frazzini, Revere, Massachusetts; Brenda C. Browne French, Crozet, Virginia; Paul E. Fuchs, Moultonborough; Roger A. Kieffer, Niskayuna, New York; Denis E. Lacroix, Riva, Maryland; James B. Lindgren, Phoenix, Arizona; Curtis G. McCrady, New Oxford; Stephen E. Root, Jr., Guilford, Connecticut; Gail Walker Sampson, Beverly, Massachusetts. May they all rest in peace. Please send along your thoughts and ideas for future issues.
1962
Judy Dawkins Kennedy
Edward Mullen and wife Gail Fairbault Mullen had more than 60 years of marriage when Gail passed away November 2022. Gail was always a strong UNH supporter and really enjoyed hockey games. Ed was recently recognized as the donor of the football game for his support and involvement with UNH. Ed is most proud of creating and being a long-time sponsor of an outreach program offered by the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, called the Center for Family Business which has helped many family-owned businesses transition to the next generation successfully. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from this Center for his involvement over the years. He continues to see friends from UNH although the number is dwindling. He is involved with classmate Ken McKinnon to raise money for renovations to the hockey arena. They are focused on the players that played before the arena was covered and are known as the “Outsiders.” Go Wildcats! Our condolences go to the families and friends of: Elizabeth A. (Lunt) Downing passed away March 22, 2024, at Concord VA Hospice House. After graduating from UNH, she earned her master’s in social work from the University of Connecticut in 1988. She worked for Metropolitan State Hospital and Tufts Medical Center in Boston. She returned to New Hampshire to Hanover Hill Health Care and Elliot Hospital, working at both for 18 years, retiring in 2007. She loved helping families navigate life’s circumstances. Elizabeth enjoyed the seacoast, hiking, gardening, reading and spending time with family particularly her granddaughters and great-granddaughters who kept her laughing. Robert I. Smith, Keene, passed away March 28, 2024. He earned his degree in civil engineering at UNH and graduated from ROTC with a commission as second lieutenant. He was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War in the 410th Civil Engineering Squadron, and received medals and ribbons for his service. He married Rosemary Warwick in February 1962, and was honorably discharged in 1974. He enjoyed working for NH Ball Bearing Co. as plant engineer for 19 years, and Ingersoll Rand as facilities manager for 15 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, scuba diving, traveling and watching New England sports teams. Ruth Ann Wovkonish Cullinane, Somersworth, died May 2, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida. She graduated from UNH with a degree in English education and earned her master’s in communication services on an Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Honors grant from Boston University. Ruth met husband Robert L. Cullinane in the Debate Club at UNH, and they were married in 1964. Together they published a summer weekly newspaper, The York County News, in Maine, and enjoyed travelling. She served as director of speech and language services for Stoughton, Massachusetts, schools, and was a consultant for the Massachusetts Dept. of Mental Health and the Massachusetts Nurses Association. In 1968, Ruth created a speech and language program in the Dover schools, and then began a private practice. She often traveled more than 100 miles a day, bringing services to homebound patients. Ruth served 12 years on the Somersworth School Board, two years on the UNH Alumni Board. She enjoyed picnics and boating, hiking, reading, genealogy and hosting dinners for family and friends. Lorna D. Pervier Fuller passed away June 17, 2024. After graduating from UNH and Palmer Chiropractic College, she opened her first practice in Wolfeboro. Over her 30-year career she became the first woman to be president of the NH Chiropractic Association and the second woman appointed by the governor as NH Chiropractic Examiner. Her advocacy for equality and recognition of women in business was acknowledged in the state’s high school curriculum. Lorna retired to Spring Hill, Florida, where she enjoyed friends, caring for her aunt and painting more than 60 landscapes of New England and Florida which she gave to family and friends.
Sue Chapman Clark ’63 spent a wonderful few days in Chicago visiting with Alpha Xi sister, Ruth (Hurley) Vihon ’63. Lots of great conversation and good food with a fun trip into the city to meet one of Ruth’s sons for lunch.
1963
Class Notes Editor,
Editor’s Note: As this edition of UNH Magazine was in production, we learned of the death of Class Correspondent Cheryl Kuebler Dickson on November 9, 2024, at the age of 83. We are deeply saddened by the news. You can find her obituary online here: www.connorhealy.com/obituary/cheryl-dickson. Cheryl had already sent in her class column for this edition a month prior to her passing, full of news and updates from her classmates. To honor her legacy, we are running the column she wrote in full here: A cheery hi classmates and a loud Wildcat roar for all the class news sent to me. Wraye Dugundji wrote of memories while living in Scott Hall: cutthroat bridge with Ginny T and yet he never learned how to play, panty raids on the fire escape which led to his room as resident assistant, spaghetti dinner on the front porch and boiling the water on a hot plate. These were good times in Scott Hall! Pamela Chatterton-Purdy and her husband Rev. Dr. David A Purdy were one of nine who received a 2024 Emanuel Nine Humanitarian Award from Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. “We feel so honored and humbled,” Pamela writes. She created an icon in loving memory of the nine people shot and killed at the church in 2015. “We had met Marjorie McIver, a member of the church, who arrived on a bus tour at the Zion Union Heritage Museum on Cape Cod in 2017.” The museum is home to Pamela’s 47 Civil Rights icons on display. Marjorie’s sister, Myra Thompson, was one of the nine parishioners shot and killed by a 21-year-old white supremacist. “We flew Marjorie up here to bring greetings and dedicated the icon in our Harwich United Methodist Church. We then gifted the icon and shipped it to the Mother Emanuel AME Church. We also delivered copies of our latest book, ‘Slavery to Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter.’” You can read more about Pamela’s work here: magazine.unh.edu/issue/fall-2020/pamela-chatterton-purdy-63/. Donna Heistad Bowie continues to downhill ski on New Hampshire and Vermont slopes and hopes to recover from recent surgery in time to ski this season. She and her husband Ralph play in community bands — Ralph on the cornet and Donna on the euphonium. They’ve played many times at the Mount Washington Fourth of July festival. In past years Donna volunteered to teach sailing for a “Women Can Sail” program sponsored by her local sailing club on Mascoma Lake. They used to sail the Maine coast in their Catalina 25” sailboat. They backpacked the western mountains and rented llamas on their last trip. Donna said that besides lightening the load on their backs, the llamas would hum while walking. I wonder if they knew “New Hampshire Alma Mater?” Brenda Israel Altschul kept a low profile while at UNH, concentrating on her studies. She was diagnosed with Type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes in her junior year making student life difficult as she adjusted to taking care of herself. She wrote that now at 83 years old, she has 63 years of diabetes under her belt. Brenda taught 32 years as a middle school teacher and worked with numerous diabetic students helping them through their medical trauma. Brenda also did motivational speaking for diabetic organizations and has participated in countless medical research studies. Brenda and her husband traveled widely before she lost him to cancer in 2009. They also became trained ballroom dancers. Brenda’s former UNH roommate and lifelong friend, Eileen Insero Faulkner, passed away in July. James Twombly has a grandson, Aidan, who graduated from VMI. Aidan played football with Seth Morgan, who is now the starting quarterback at UNH. Aiden ended his career at VMI by being selected the No. 1 tight end in the Southern Conference on both the coaches and media polls. Needless to say, Jim and Jean Anne are proud grandparents. Stella Emanuel Scamman and Doug ’64 are long-term Stratham residents still living on the Scamman Farm where more than 200 acres have been protected with conservation easements. Both Doug and Stella have had interesting terms in the state legislature. Doug served 12 terms as a representative and was elected speaker of the NH House for three terms. Stella served three terms as a representative and 12 terms as a trustee for the University System. Several members of both families are UNH graduates dating back to 1946. They love seeing classmates at football and hockey games — true loyal UNH supporters. Rosanne Bukata Raley travelled from Oregon to join classmate and sorority sister, Susan Flanders Parr, for their Portsmouth High School 65th reunion. Other UNH ’63 graduates Robert Scarponi, Wayne Beeder, and Charles Hegarty were at the reunion. I was happy to be able to have lunch with Sue and Rosanne at Popovers in Epping. We had many laughs as we shared our good times at Chi Omega. Homecoming this year was the URI game in October. As always, there was a great crowd of alums. I met with Sue Robinson Long, Stella Scamman, Ed Wade, and Carroll Winch up in the Victory Club. With a sense of pride and fond memories, we sang the UNH Alma Mater prior to the game. I hope you ’63 Wildcats had a wonderful holiday season and joyous New Year.
1965
Jacqueline Flynn Thompson
As I begin these class notes, the very busy 60th reunion committee is meeting monthly to plan a great 60th reunion for all of us. I urge you to seriously consider joining us June 6–8 for lots of fun with memories from those special days at UNH. I am working with the Reunion Committee, and plan to attend; I hope to see you there to renew old acquaintances and make new ones. And if you ever considered making a contribution to your alma mater, now is the time; donations made from now through June count towards our class gift. Here are notes from a few members of your Reunion Committee. Gil Ellis writes that he and his wife, Patricia, look forward to renewing past acquaintances in June. He retired in 2017 after a long tenure as associate professor of physiology at Barry University in Florida. Pat retired after a law career, primarily working as a prosecutor in Massachusetts and Florida. They have a daughter, son, four granddaughters and one grandson. “We really enjoy visiting the people and beautiful campus at UNH.” Jim Ball and his wife have enjoyed traveling around the U.S., and in the last 15 years have visited numerous European countries. They just returned from a trip to Spain and Portugal. Jim retired in 2004 from working as a secondary educator and has since worked in real estate, farming and part-time at Okemo ski area. He has three kids and three grandkids. “I am serving on the reunion planning committee because I enjoyed visiting the UNH campus and meeting old friends during our 50th and 55th and I want to help out on number 60.” Judy (Corbett) and Ralph Young enjoyed Vermont leaf-peeping with family. The family operates both a boys and a girls summer camp there. Highlights included camp tours and blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup. Ralph is enjoying collaborating with classmates to plan our 60th; he’s using his investigative skills to locate classmates who have slipped through the cracks. He is doing a remarkable job, and Gil Ellis has offered to help in his detective work. Thank you, Ralph and Gil. Jan Mitchell Jackson shares: “for our 50th reunion, Gretchen Stahley called me … she was so enthusiastic and congenial that I offered to call classmates. Everyone had great memories and made positive comments. I was blown away … each call was lengthy and extremely gratifying. I decided to do it again and now again. I am enjoying later UNH years while carrying on the legacy of seven family members that attended UNH in the 1920s. My Dad was president of his class of 1928. He continued his involvement for years following graduation; I am a loyal and grateful alum. My husband and I have lived in the Vail Valley for 34 years. Our two boys grew up here and became avid skiers, rock and ice climbers. I left my OT career in New Jersey to work for 25 years with Vail Resorts. Now retired, we enjoy vacations with family, especially Cape Cod.” Bob Houle wrote to Ralph, and now he is an active committee member. He has been living in Durham for the last four years, and he says it’s great to be back. He’s a five-minute walk from his old apartment above Town and Campus, and it’s like a dream to walk around campus at will. News from a new snowbird: Theresa Murphy McKenney was leaving Barrington on Dec. 1 to live in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until April. This is the third winter that she has had two homes. She volunteers at CHI Memorial and participates daily in fitness programs at the Y. Her home is New Hampshire so all summer long she enjoys time with family and lifetime friends (many since UNH days). Barre Hellquist says it has been a long time since he contacted UNH. He retired in 2004 from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Biology Department. He lives in Allen, Texas, where his wife, Marion, died two years ago. He gets back to the family’s summer home in Freedom every summer. He is still busy working on freshwater aquatic plants. “Last year, Dr. Garrett Crow (former UNH botany professor) and I published our second edition of ’The Aquatic Plants of Northeastern North America.’ I have taken many trips to Australia working on tropical waterlilies.” His granddaughter is a junior at UNH (theater major) — she’ll be the 10th Hellquist to receive a UNH degree.
Paula Latos-Valier ’67, front.
1966
Rev. Jonathan Tetherly
Dear fellow members of the centennial class: Happy birthday to the great majority of us who turn 80 this year. Given that fact, I guess we’ve got to stick together. Bob Peyser wrote about his work connecting work partners on an international scale. His company is SearchFind Partners, a member of NPAWORLDWIDE. He prides himself on doing the work of recruiting and pairing people himself, not giving the job to someone less experienced. He has been doing this for 40 years; previously he worked as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch for five years. Then he worked for a contingency firm and retainer-based work. Bob lived in Florida for 40 years, recently moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, to escape the hurricanes. Sounds like a good idea. But he expresses his sadness for the people in the Asheville area. He would like to connect with other UNH graduates who live in or near Charlotte. Bob spent some time in the National Guard. Bob said that while he doesn’t have children, his twin brother has three daughters, all of them doing very well. Judith Davidson writes she has spent 24 years working for Merrill Lynch, and has begun her retirement program, working 20 hours per week. She will be fully retired on June 1, 2026. A UNH teacher, Ruth Murray, suggested she attend Chelsea College, now the University of Brighton, in Sussex, England, which she did right after her bachelor’s degree. There she learned about movement education, which became a valuable foundation for her teaching, and most of her life. Among her accomplishments were being named director of intercollegiate athletics at Central Connecticut State University after a national search, and also at Central Connecticut State University, where she was the first woman hired as a director of athletics from a national search. She also held that position at Sacramento State University. She served for eight years as president of the U.S. Field Hockey Association, traveling all over the country. I asked Judith about movement education. She was challenged to remember, after so many decades away from it, and said that it may have changed, but gave me an example. It was like children crossing a room without using their feet. In various other ways, it was teaching children about the use of their bodies. She said, “I think it’s a great way to work with young kids to develop a sense of their own strengths and to work to their own capabilities.” She adds, “As long as a child fulfills the task, they are never wrong. It’s a confidence builder.” In the 1980’s, Judith was field hockey coach and assistant professor at the University of Iowa. She had her dream situation when the Iowa team was in the 1986 Division One NCAA final game and won! Just one sad note: the opponent was UNH. She remarks how much she loves UNH and the good time she had there. I have learned so much I didn’t know about what’s going on in the world from these two classmates. Perhaps you have also. My book, “What’s Going on in There? A Jail Chaplain’s Story” (Levellers Press, Amherst, Massachusetts) is finally in print. It’s about my experiences during 30 years as Protestant chaplain at Hampden Jail and Correctional Center in western Massachusetts. And…If you’re looking for a quiet and beautiful place for a vacation, my house in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, has a 120-degree view of the ocean, 500 yards away but 200 feet high. To see more, go to VRBO, ID 4730426. For a 10% discount, identify yourself as a ’66 UNH grad. I achieved the All-American Masters standard of USA Track and Field in the 800 meters in four five-year divisions, from 55-59 to 70-74. Originally I accomplished it only in the 65-69, but then they lowered the standards to let me into the other divisions. I also achieved the standard in the 2000-meter steeplechase in the 65-69 division. Alas, I was done in 2017 from a cardiac arrest between races, followed by a 43-degree temperature induced coma. I thank God I was in Worcester, Massachusetts, with the world class cardiac care at UMASS hospital there. I would very much like to hear from you, and anything you’d like to say about your life. I’ve got 750 words to use. Take care.
Dick Knight ’67, Judy Gilbert ’67, Jan Brown-Ritch ’67, and Brenda Levesque Dolan ’67 during a trip.
1967
Diane Deering
Greetings to our classmates and friends. We hope that all alums are safe after the two-week barrage from hurricanes Helene and Milton along our east coast. Lots of responses from our classmates with many requests to be in touch. Our SW Florida chapter is continuing to hold events including cruises, luncheons and the annual Red Sox spring training game on March 1. We are also planning events in the Tampa area to reach our working professional graduates, as well as our retirees. Paula Latos-Valier has lived in Sydney, Australia, since 1977. After retiring as managing director of the Biennale, she has devoted her time to pro bono work for non-profit art organizations and has recently been awarded an AM medal given the honor by the Australian Prime Minister. Paula writes fondly of her UNH years and the unbelievable inaugural year abroad in Dijon, France: Merci beaucoup, UNH. Bill Yeaton rode out the hurricanes in Florida. Bill continues to write academic papers, although COVID ended his teaching career. Drop a line to bill.yeaton@yahoo.com. UNH chemistry graduate Terry Tarbell moved to Bonita Springs, Florida, two years ago from Virginia winters. They visit their daughters and seven grandkids in Illinois often, as well as his other alma mater, Penn State. Our request for news reached Gerard Morin while visiting familiar spots in Tokyo. He credits his master’s degree work with Professor Allen Linden and John Voll for his long teaching career in Japan and China. While in Japan, he taught English at the American School and Asian history to American servicemen and women through the University of Maryland in addition to leading study tours to China. Dick Knight writes that he and his wife Lee returned from Switzerland and France with UNH Chi Omega members organized by Judy Gilbert and joined by Jan Brown-Ritch and Brenda Levesque Dolan. Bill Brownell moved back to the North Kingston, Rhode Island, to get together with high school sweetheart Donna and to be near daughter Holly in Connecticut. Bill had spent 35 years in New Zealand and noted this marks the 25th year of the successful ECOQUEST/UNH New Zealand study abroad program that he founded in 1999 for over 1,000 graduates. Back home he and Donna have sponsored Afghan families and worked tirelessly to bring college-age women to the U.S. to study. Peter Jacobi retired in 2019 from Dartmouth after teaching organic chemistry for 44 years and enjoys calling Hanover home. Richard Gsottschneider who still lives in Durham has pursued music and songwriting since his retirement. He is represented by a music label in Atlanta and featured on Spotify under the artist name of Richard Karl. On a sad note we report that classmate Leroy Baines passed away in Hampton. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s, Lee taught 32 years at Massena, New York, high school and then as an adjunct professor at Potsdam State. Lee is survived by his wife Mary of 61 years and three children. After a UNH graduation with majors in English and Spanish and teaching Spanish at her alma mater, Haris Joyce Georges of Burkburnett, Texas, joined the Air Force as a civilian, retiring in 2007 but continuing activity in professional businesswomen’s issues. John Hammond of Crete, Illinois, where he worked as a bio-chemist for Kraft & Wrigley, was the holder of nine patents. John traveled extensively for business while continuing missionary work for his church in Ukraine. Bob Evarts of Bedford, received master’s degrees at the University of California and Webster College while serving 22 years in the Army with tours in Vietnam retiring as a lieutenant colonel. John Barrett served on the USS Wasp during the Vietnam War and spent his working years as sales manager for wholesale foods in Norwalk, Connecticut. On a very sad personal note we report that our good friend Peter Spaulding, UNH senate president, member of Acacia fraternity, staff assistant to Congressman Jim Cleveland, many years on the NH Executive Council and chair of the John McCain for President campaign, has passed away. It was hard to realize that Pete would not be here during this most recent campaign season. We send our condolences to all these families of our UNH classmates.
1968
Angela Piper
As of this writing, it has been a busy two weeks here with two hurricanes, Helene and Milton, bearing down on us. The waters are beginning to recede, and things are getting back to normal. Steve and Mac Dudley have sold their Florida house in Ft. Pierce and purchased a home near Beaufort, South Carolina. They still have their home in Maine. On the other side of the world, Paul Pitarys has lived abroad most of his career. After he earned his master’s in teaching English as a second language, Paul now splits his time living in Hawaii and Thailand with his wife, Banjob. Mike and Nancy Farrell spent six days e-biking parts of the El Camino pilgrimage route from Santiago, Spain to Porto, Portugal. What a thrill that was for them. Bruce and Donna (Cheney) McAdam have founded a free tutorial program for grades 3-12 and continue to travel when they are not tutoring. Cathy Whall Smith have retired from University of Connecticut. Ed Tiffany and his wife live in Boston and spend their time on Cannon Mountain and on Buzzards Bay participating in various sports and enjoying their grandchildren. We would love to hear from more of you!
Steve Capistran ’69 and Judy Gaiero ’69 at Niagara Falls.
1969
Steve Capistran
I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying a beautiful winter in New Hampshire or elsewhere. Kathy and I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Niagara Falls. Our next big trip will be to Hawaii, in early spring. On this trip was another ’69 grad, Judy (Wiggin Marion) Gaiero and her husband Mike. Judy has retired from her career as a paralegal and currently lives in North Hampton. Lynda (Bradford) Miller shared her memory of how she met her husband. She lost her dining card, then one day a young man stopped her with her card in hand. They started dating and were married the day before graduation. Lynda currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida. Received an interesting correspondence from Jack Carpenter (mechanical engineering). Following graduation, he went to work for Pratt and Whitney in Florida. There he met his wife, Carol (UMiami’70). They relocated to Phoenix where Jack took a position with Honeywell Aerospace. He retired after 50 years in 2019 as a chief engineer. They currently live in Portland, Oregon.
Carl Patterson ’71 and his family.
1970
Jan Harayda
As I write these notes, my part of the Gulf Coast mercifully has been spared the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But many of you face storms that could wreak similar chaos where you live. Why not drop us a line to let our classmates know how you’ve fared? Do you have an extreme-weather story or strategy that might help others? Let Bill Clay inspire you with a note sent after he and his wife, Laura, and their house on Lake Jackson in Sebring, Florida, survived Milton. Bill writes: “Along with 97% of our county, we are awaiting restoration of power. Great time to be quietly thankful and to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature … all around us. Great time to BBQ outdoors and drink a cold brew. Glad to be feeling very healthy and to be playing pickleball at least five days a week. Glad to be a semi-retired criminal defense attorney. Still love the work and the challenges and adventures it brings. Still meeting fascinating characters who are the international clientele, federal prosecutors, agents and judges.” A recent case involves a complicated international crypto-currency alleged money laundering organization. “Learning a lot about the blockchain, crypto wallets and more.” Bill says he looks forward to traveling with Laura to the charming city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and adds: “I reflect often about my NH upbringing, my wonderful special UNH friends and the memories. We lived in a unique college era. Thanks to you all. God bless and, of course, ‘Live Free or Die.’” Thomas Earle Moore (also ’71G) and Gwen Fowler Moore ’82 have retired (he from NASA, she from InstallNet), and relocated to Scarborough, Maine, after 14 years in Alabama and 27 in Maryland. They look forward to reuniting with friends and family, and cooler weather. While in Huntsville, they enjoyed respites from work in Gulf Shores, which has beautiful beaches near my town that I, too, have enjoyed. Gary Evans had an experience any skier might sympathize with: He broke his leg after a fall from a stepladder that required him to spend three “miserable” months without putting weight on it. He and his wife, Connie Kellogg Evans, decided to sell their farm and buy a condo in Hopkinton that should require less upkeep. Jim Fiore still enjoys running, singing and his family. He ran in a 10K race and came in third in his age group in a 5K Great Pumpkin Challenge. At karaoke nights he’s still doing songs our class will remember well, including “Let It Be Me” by the Everly Brothers and “Summer Song” by Chad & Jeremy. Son James has become president of the Loyola School in Baltimore. John Christie and his wife, Naomi Schalit, were inducted in November into the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame for being the founders (2009) of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting. The center was among the first dozen non-profit investigative news services in the country. They were lauded with the award for “their commitment to fearless and non-partisan journalism …Their pioneering work in the non-profit media sector has expanded the organization from a two-person operation to a thriving team of 11, serving over 10,200 subscribers.” They handed over the reins in 2016 and now live in Gloucester, Massachusetts. John published a memoir, “The Prince of Wentworth Street: An American boyhood in the shadow of a genocide” (Plaidswede Press). We are sorry to have lost valued classmates: Robert Kemp, Ellen McEvoy, James Borbotsina, Donald Waterman, Michael Samara, Kathleen Brennan, Carole Barr Brown, William “Hank” Mancini, Andrew Schulte, Cynthia Baggett, Mahendra Amin, Uriel Goldsmith, Nancy O’Connor and Rosemary Simpson Buia. It’s always inspiring to read about the full and rewarding lives our classmates led, and I hope you’ll search online for their obituaries. I’m still writing for Medium, but it’s become more fiercely paywalled than when I started; I’ve launched a free Substack newsletter called Jansplaining on topics I’ve covered for years, such as books and the media. I wrote recently about one of my favorite assignments from our legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning professor Don Murray ’48: Don asked us to rewrite New York Times leads to help us see that even writers for America’s newspaper of record can sometimes do better. What UNH homework assignment do you remember? I’d love to hear about it for a future installment of these class notes! Don’t forget to check out the information on our 55th reunion in June at www.unh.edu/reunion. Hope to see you there!
1971
Debbi Martin Fuller
The Wildcats welcome UNH Hall of Famer Dr. Rick Schavone back to New England as the head diving coach. Schavone spent over 35 years coaching at Stanford University where he molded Stanford into one of the top all-around diving programs in the nation. Rick has Olympic coaching experience and is a four-time NCAA Diving Coach of the Year. Schavone has also served as the head coach for numerous United States diving teams and has traveled all over the world as head coach or assisting at FINA World Championships, World Cups, World University Games, Goodwill Games, European Championships and nearly every international meet imaginable. We are thrilled and humbled to have Dr. Rick Schavone on deck working with our divers, it is an incredible opportunity for both the student athletes, and the entire coaching staff, to learn from this legendary coach. Doug Knapp wishes the class of 1970 all the best for their 55th Alumni Reunion upcoming in June. He is still reminiscing about the great time we had in June 2022 when three classes, 1970, 1971 and 1972 celebrated 50th reunions together. I second that Doug. Peggy Haughton MacLeod wishes us all well! Claire Prout wrote to say that she and Kathy (Blajda) Tyson, Kathy (Hayes) Capistran and Katy (Peyser) Huntress reunited in Exeter this summer to raise a toast in memory of their Alpha Xi sister, Gail Thimont, who was listed in the digital edition of UNH Magazine’s In Memoriam list this past summer edition. Mark Zelonis has been retired for eight years now from the world of historic site and public garden administration but is keeping busy with several volunteer commitments locally and nationally, as well as leading occasional tours to gardens, museums, and historic sites. Mark really wanted to mention his participation as a contributor to an anthology of essays by former Peace Corps volunteers and others connected to the country of Liberia where he served from 1971–72, immediately following graduation from UNH. The new book is “Never the Same Again – Life, Service, and Friendship in Liberia.” It was sponsored by the Friends of Liberia as a way to celebrate Peace Corps’ 60th anniversary in that West African country. It was published by Sidekick Press in 2022. He and his wife of 41 years, Dottie, are enjoying the fall season. They are both in good health and keeping active. Carl ‘CP’ Patterson writes that he has so many great memories of his time at UNH. One occurred just after he graduated. Because there was a shortage of bass voices, he was asked to accompany the concert choir to a choral symposium in Europe. They went to Vienna and Venice; and also Switzerland, France and Germany. It was a wonderful experience that he’ll remember always. Beverly Stiles Shea writes that she is retired cheerfully from 21 years of government service, now every day enjoying the mild gardening climate of Virginia and keeping a hive of bees. Her spouse, Dr. Russell Shea, passed on in 2008, much to her sorrow. They have three married children and five grandchildren. She enjoyed the 50th reunion in 2022. Lastly, yours truly, wrote a book about my 10 years with Pan Am. Should you want to read it, it is available on Amazon and it’s called “Adventure Called.” It’s not a literary work-of-art, but it is fun to read and I mostly wanted a record of my misspent youth for my nieces. I tried to keep it mostly G-rated! Looking forward to hearing from more of you for the next notes.
Alpha Chi Omega reunion (left to right, back row): Dianne Carpenter Taylor ’72, Kathy Rowlings Ianello ’73, Debbie Young Gryzbek ’72, Carol Hoban McCubrey ’72, Frannie Rowlings ’72, Gail Charpentier ’72. Front row (l-r): Laura Iasiello Vailas ’72, Vicki Broomhall Amoroso ’72, Patti Gabriel Kemen ’71, Barbara Andrews Hale ’72, Arlene Gazda Walker ’73.Absent from photo was Dr. Kathy Kirmil-Gray ’72, who had travelled from San Jose to join in.
1972
Mary Burke Desfosses
As of this writing, it’s been a beautiful fall here in Durham and I was happy to hear from several classmates. Barbara Hawkins wrote that she is professor emerita at Indiana University, retiring 10 years ago from the School of Public Health. She notes, “I am married 45 years to Robert Poortinga. We have two grown children and four grandchildren.” She loved her career but is thoroughly enjoying her life as ‘Nana.’ She was recently in Durham and says, “Lots of memories came back … I was so very pleased to see that UNH has an incoming woman president. I wish her all good successes in her presidency.” Louise Duperron Mainella also wrote and mentioned that she first took a computer programming class at Manchester Central High School in 1968 and then went on to complete a degree in mathematics at UNH; at that time there were no computer software degrees at UNH and the software classes were electives for math majors. “I fell in love with writing computer software. At almost 74 years old, I am still employed as a software developer and DBA. This profession has allowed me to work from anywhere. I now split my time between south Florida and southern California. I’m very grateful for the education I received in New Hampshire.” Vicki Broomhall Amoroso sent me a wonderful email from a recent reunion of Alpha Chi Omegas held in Standish, Maine. She writes, “Some of us hadn’t seen each other in 50 years! So great to catch up on our lives. Gail Charpentier and Laura Iasiello Vailas helped a lot in planning this gathering.” She spent 38 years as a special ed teacher in her hometown of Rumford, Maine, and was very active in her local teachers’ union, serving as president for 10 years. She was also a member of the Maine Education Board of Directors for six years and a delegate to the NEA for 20 years. She notes that she has “two boys: Shane (43) and Rory (39) who don’t live too far away, which is nice.” I also heard from Judith French Simpson who retired eight years ago to Durham. She taught art at the secondary level for seven years, followed by a master’s in art education from Massachusetts College of Art. After several moves and career changes, including working as a decorator for her husband Joe Simpson’s real estate firm (Joe passed in 2023), Judith earned a doctoral degree in urban education and came to Boston to become the chair of art education at Boston University. She writes, “At this time I am resuming my painting and loving living in New Hampshire and enjoying serving on the Cultural Tour Committee for the Active Retirement Association, playing bridge and all my wonderful friends.” On a sad note: If you knew TKE fraternity or Freshman Camp or MUSO, you knew Skip Prior and his big smile. Originally from Brookline, he worked for almost 30 years for AFSCME as a videographer/producer/director and retired to Bradenton, Florida, with his wife, Chris Malinowski. He passed away on March 24, 2024, and will be missed.
1973
Joyce Dube Stephens
Wow! I am so pleased to have received lots of messages from our classmates! David Fellman was an English major and worked in the New England Center kitchen, which led to his first career in the restaurant industry. Next, David worked in corporate America beginning with a sales job at Moore Business Forms. His third career was with his own consulting practice in 1989. He has since written five books and had more than 300 articles published, David has delivered keynote addresses and seminars for a wide range of events across the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Four of these were business books, and the most recent is a novel entitled “A Thousand Dollars a Month.” Available on Amazon and at bookstores including Barnes & Noble. It is about two guys with the side hustle of stealing things. It takes place in Raleigh, North Carolina, where David has lived for the past 35 years. Long-time friends Becky Kimball Faunce and Dr. Patricia Cristofaro ’69 shared a September singing weekend called “Star Harmony” on the Isles of Shoals’ Star Island. Both ladies were involved in music at UNH with their favorite professor Dr. Mark DeVoto, remembering the many pieces that he introduced to them. Becky retired from federal lawyering in 2016, and now lives in Stratham. Dr. Pat’s many publications on infectious diseases continue to keep her sought out for her medical expertise. She also keeps busy with grandchildren and lives in Rhode Island. They still enjoy playing the piano and singing. Christopher Bean lived in Hunter Hall for three years and then off-campus his senior year. He was a history major preparing to become a high school teacher. However, he decided to change directions after student teaching. Christopher worked as an engineering technician and surveyor for a couple years in Portsmouth, then moved to Rhode Island in 1975 and entered the library science program at URI. He worked as an academic librarian for approximately 45 years in positions at Virginia Tech and Sweet Briar College. In 1989, he was appointed director of university libraries at Shenandoah University. He was also the director of institutional accreditation at Shenandoah and served as a peer reviewer for the Southern of Colleges and School-Commission on Colleges [AACS-COC] for many years. Chris retired in 2020 during the pandemic. He has been married 49 years to wife Kim, with two children. They reside in Winchester, Virginia. William Stewart writes that he and his wife, Dolores, are excitedly expecting the arrival of their third grandson Zachary. They recently took their first cruise of eight days to Bermuda. Hollywood has called him back on an idea that he floated to the Baldwin Entertainment Group 20 years ago. The story will center on an urban court and what goes on in the day-to-day “meat grinder” system of justice as seen through the eyes of a probation officer. This would be a new point of view as compared to that of the DA or defense attorney. Stay tuned! Allan Chamberlin has been a faithful writer over the years. He retired three years ago as a CPA, and he and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 44 years. Allan remains in touch with Rick Sheldon, with whom he played golf at the Cocheco Golf Club in Dover until he moved to Ohio. Allan writes that after graduating at UNH, he became the assistant sports information director at UNH and developed a friendship with Clarkson head coach Jerry York. That led to a position under Coach York at Bowling Green State University. Allan became the assistant commissioner of the Mid-American conference. After eight years there, Allan returned to school and attained his CPA and worked as a CPA for 22 years. John Kuusisto, Lambda Chi Alpha brother, mournfully wrote that his wife of 50 years, Cindy Walker Kuusisto, Phi Mu sorority sister, passed away recently. She was diagnosed with ALS and succumbed to the disease nine months later. Cindy remained positive until she could no longer communicate. She knew the situation that she was in from her years as a medical social worker in the ICU. John writes, “I know she was thinking to herself, ’How will I prepare this family for my situation and the inevitable outcome?’” and he states that she did it well.
Left to right: Paul Gaffuri ’74 on Appledore Island, with Sara Morris, John M. Kingsbury Executive Director of the marine lab. A recent trip to New Hampshire included five UNH Class of ’74 grads in Snowville: (left to right) Barbara Fraser, Steve Young, Sherry (Gardner) Young, Bill Klotz and Dick Fortin. Sherry Gardner Young ’74 and Barbara Fraser ’74 in front of their old dorm at UNH, Devine Hall.
1974
Jean Marston-Dockstader
After retirement, Daryl Breed Hoitt is now running two businesses, Asbestos Inspections/Abatement in New Hampshire and All Demolition & Asbestos Services LLC. She is also a 40+ year herbalist and has more than 250 herbs at the Red Fox Farm. She would love to hear from classmates at redfoxfarm9@gmail.com. Donna (Schleinkofer) Lynne joined the UNH Foundation Board earlier this year and now returns to Durham twice a year. Professionally, she is the chief executive officer of Denver Health and loves the Colorado life with skiing and hiking. She returned from France, Italy and Switzerland, completing the Tour de Mont Blanc, a 106-mile, 10-day trek, covering 35,000 feet in elevation. Kenneth Epstein moved a few years ago from the New York metro area to near Hilton Head, South Carolina, and is enjoying everything about the area. Classmates from Hetzel Hall try to get together each year. This year they gathered in Ely, Minnesota, in July for a 50th and 49th reunion. The reunion included Pat Nelson Hicks, Sue Hambrook Greene, Ellen Gallagher Berchtold and Robin Holbrook Vermette and Sandy Keenan Dooley who were class of ’75. Steve Young and his wife, Sherry Gardner and met up with fellow classmates Dick Fortin, Bill Klotz and Barb Fraser. They also visited the UNH campus and walked around taking in all the changes that had taken place over the decades. John Tommasi is on the committee for the ’75 Class Reunion. Jim Miller is on a mission: to run in his 300th marathon, raise $100,000 for the American Liver Foundation in memory of his father, and be a global ambassador for the foundation, showing how exercise and healthy living can help eradicate fatty tissue liver disease. As of the fall, he’s currently at $56,000 and marathon No. 279 — “all this by a 72-year-old ’74 UNH guy,” he says. He aims to run another 21 marathons in 28 weeks. You can read more here: https://diy.liverfoundation.org/multi-event-changemakers/jim-miller/. Please send news to share with fellow classmates!
Left to right: Members of the 1975 Reunion Committee gathered at the Elliott Alumni Center in Durham to commence planning for the 50th, June 6–8, 2025. 1975 Hetzel Hall classmates gathered in Ely, Minnesota in July for a 50th and 49th reunion. Sue (Hambrook) Greene ’74, Ellen (Gallagher) Berchtold ’74, Nancy (Parker) Piragis ’74, Sandy (Keenan) Dooley ’75, Pat (Nelson) Hicks ’74, and Robin (Holbrook) Vermette ’75.
1975
Kim Lampson Reiff
We’ll be celebrating our 50th Reunion in Durham, June 6–8, 2025. Can you believe it? Registration will open in March — watch your mailbox for the registration mailer. Make plans to celebrate with us! We are hoping to have at least 300 classmates attending in person and are making arrangements so those of us unable to travel to Durham at that time can join via Zoom! Stay tuned for more information to come! www.unh.edu/reunion. Join the Facebook group to reconnect: www.facebook.com/groups/unh75. Fifty years ago, I, like you, was mentally preparing for graduation from UNH. If someone back then had gazed into a crystal ball and told me all that would happen in my life over the next 50 years, I would have been in awe. There have been joys and heartbreaks, deaths and births, rejoicing and grief, stability and chaos, mountaintops of happiness and depths of despair, disappointments and glorious surprises. I think we can all attest to the same type of experiences. Those of us reading these words are fortunate. Many of our classmates have passed away including those who died this past year: Pat Foss, a psychology major, Arthur Addison, Nancy Drew, an early childhood education major, and Tom DeCamilla, a hotel and restaurant administration major. We are saddened to hear that they are no longer with us and their passing is a reminder that every day is precious. Michael King and wife Eleanor recently completed a conservation easement on 70 acres of pasture, wetland and woodland in the northern part of Goffstown. https://plcnh.org/clarkridge-farm-conserved/ This land was originally purchased by Eleanor’s parents, Richard Clark ’49 ’52G and Ruth Clark ’78 (associate degree) in 1960. The easement was accepted by the Piscataquog Land Conservancy of New Boston. What an amazing accomplishment, Michael! In addition, Michael retired from his full-time position with the State of New Hampshire in 2021 where he conducted administrative hearings for 26 years. Some of our Hetzel Hall classmates gathered in Ely, Minnesota, in July for a 50th and 49th reunion including Sandy (Keenan) Dooley, and Robin (Holbrook) Vermette. Their dorm volleyball team was known as the Hetzel Hellions. I lived in Hetzel my junior and senior year — how did I not know about the Hellions! Go team! Michael Lanza liquidated his goat farm in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and moved down to The Rio Grande Valley in Texas to be closer to family including his 8th grandbaby, who was expected in mid-December! No retirement for him! He just received approval to be a substitute teacher for grades 6 through 12 and is delighted to be back on the stage to do public speaking for companies that need guidance in collecting their accounts receivable. Speaking of not retiring, I am not ready to hang up my shingle yet either. I am excited to share that a book I wrote will be released in December, “Therapy for Relationships with Eating Disorders” is about relationships in which one person has issues with food, weight, body image or compulsive exercise that affect the relationship. Although written for clinicians, it is of benefit to couples who struggle in any of these areas. It is available on Amazon. I am also becoming an advanced trainer for the Gottman Institute, a designation that means I am qualified to train other professionals in all levels of the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy. Even more important than these professional endeavors is the birth of my first grandson, Landon, who is only 4 days old as I write this column. As many of you know, being a grandparent is the most wonderful thing! This year it is especially important for members of our class to send in contributions for our column since it is our 50th reunion year. I would really like to hear from all of you!
1976
Ken Kincaid
Alumni gathered for a match in Durham in September. Craig Smith ’77, Mehdi Miremadi ’75, Gary Trotter ’76, Kevin Dewhurst ’77. Missing from photo are Tom Johnson ’76 and Paul Koch ’77.
As usual I get up to the U for soccer games and alumni functions and recently joined the Alumni Board for the Men’s Soccer team trying to implement a new direction for the program as per funding, game plans and alumni recruitment. We recently had an Alumni Day and a group of us who played together in 1974 were in attendance and played in an alumni match. I’d like to see what Larry Neiditz (business administration), Jim Holmes (animal sciences), Mike Robinson (business administration) and Jim Annese (hotel administration) are up to as I am in contact with the other 1976 grads that played back then. Marnie Silbert became a grandmother for the first time. She’s wondering if there are “any other Sawyer Mansion survivors out there (36 out-of-state women were housed in a condemned nursing home in Dover our freshmen year)? I still have the papier mâché bird ornament made for our holiday exchange.” After UNH, Marnie went on to earn a master’s of divinity from Princeton. Chet Kostrzewa writes, “I have never in all the time since graduation submitted anything toward the class notes. However, after five years of retirement, which has been fun but uninspiring, I have launched a new career. I thought it might be of some interest for the class notes that after a 40-year career in aerospace, I have decided to try to revive an old passion and become a photographer. I finally launched a website this summer (chetkostrzewaphotography.com) and have been enjoying working on developing my creative voice. Wish I had found time for something like this earlier!” Chet graduated with a degree in business administration, and most recently had worked for Align Aerospace. Glenn Coppelman writes, “I was recently appointed to the COLSA Dean’s Development Board, which works closely with Dean Anthony Davis on his goals, priorities, and initiatives for the college. I am honored to serve on this board and am enjoying the collaboration with colleagues and the dean.” Glenn earned his graduate degree with our class, and is currently a community planning and economic development advisor, based in Kingston, where he also runs Evergreen Farm, a Christmas tree farm. He was previously an economic development director for the state and senior economic development planner on the North Country Council. Stephen Swan says hi; he was an animal science major in our class and lived in Hunter Hall. George Clairmont (biochemistry major) attended Tufts University School of Medicine after UNH, and went on to practice internal medicine in Abington, Massachusetts, and has held many different positions in practice and business management of medicine. “I retired from practice five years ago and currently serve as a trustee for the Massachusetts Medical Society where I hold several committee appointments. I am also the president of the Plymouth District Medical Society. I am married to my lovely wife, Frances, a retired dentist. She is very involved with the Massachusetts Dental Society. We both enjoy our daughter and grandchildren in addition to many athletic activities.” Dan Nodes (UNH English master’s ’76) retired from the Classics Department in Baylor University in Texas and is now emeritus. He continues scholarly activities, and among this year’s publications is a volume of collected essays on the Renaissance cardinal and luminary Giles of Viterbo, titled “Mens Platonis, Cor Ecclesiae: Giles of Viterbo between Philosophy and Theology,” published by Nerbini International, 2024. Classmates who have passed are listed in the In Memoriam section of the magazine. Please send more news and pictures for the next issue of the magazine!
Top to bottom: Neil Rubado ’77 back at the turntables at WSLR Sarasota. Dana Davis ’77 and Mark Clark ’76 at Copper Mountain, Colorado. 1977 class correspondent Lois Kelly’s new memoir, “Slow Loss: A Memoir of Marriage Undone by Disease.”
1977
Lois Kelly
Our 1977 classmates have shared some great updates and UNH memories. What’s notable is how much the UNH experience shaped people beyond the classroom. Pam Weeks is the Binney Family Curator of the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts. Since graduating, Pam was the first Nordic director at Gunstock in the late 1970s, worked with her family in the Weeks Restaurant Corporation, worked at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters, and then was executive director of ABC Quilts, a volunteer organization that has made and distributed more than one million quilts to at-risk babies and children around the world. Pam has also written two books on quilt history, co-authored another and has two more in the works. All this, she jokes, despite her UNH degree in recreation resource management! Philip “Chip” R. Smith continues to follow UNH men’s soccer via coach’s updates. Chip was one of the captains of the 1976 soccer team, which he loved as much as being part of the Sigma Beta. He’s practiced law at Bacon Wilson for many years, has stayed in touch with Scott Scolly Davis, and has plans to have dinner soon with Jack Edwards in Boston. Two favorite UNH memories: streaking in the Quad and chowing down Karl’s burgers and shakes. Brian Young retired last year and has been married for 30+ years. He misses his dad’s restaurant on Main Street in Durham, Young’s Restaurant (don’t we all!), and his days in the Army ROTC Program and the Anthropology Department. Both programs, he says, offered him invaluable lessons throughout his work life. He also misses watching hockey at the old Snively arena. Neil Rubado remembers “working” at WUNH as a DJ and production manager, much to the detriment of his regular studies. Yet, that experience helped him grow personally and professionally. After graduation, he worked in radio sales in Cambridge and Boston. He’s now back at the turntables as a volunteer at WSLR in Sarasota, Florida, where he reports having so much fun. Dana Davis works construction for nine months a year and takes winters off to ski. He skied in Japan in February 2024 and connected with Matt Clark ’76 in March at Copper Mountain in Colorado. Neil Cohn moved to York, Maine, a couple of years ago after 45 years in Kittery, a true “Maineac” at heart. Neil works at Hannaford, which allows him to chat and get to know the community. While his mobility keeps him from getting over to Durham, he watches UNH sports online. He’s become an ardent supporter of women’s sports and laments that women’s athleticism is equal to that of men’s, yet only seems to get a small percentage of attention. Mark Ross shares the news that H. Roger Menear, master’s in exercise science in 1977, recently died. Mark knew Roger through UNH crew in 1975-1977 and recalls that Roger loved rowing and coached for many years at various colleges and Oyster River High School. Lastly, I am thrilled at the response to my new book, “Slow Loss: A Memoir of Marriage Undone by Disease.” If I had spent less time eating blueberry pie at Young’s and drinking 25-cent draft beers at Scorpios, I’m sure I would have become a better writer at a younger age. Thanks to all who shared their news. Let us know what you’re up to and your favorite UNH memories.
1978
Carol Scagnelli Edmonds
Julie Palais retired from the National Science Foundation where she had been a program director in the Office of Polar Programs from 1990-2016. Upon retirement Julie earned a master’s degree in anthrozoology in 2019 and another master’s degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in animal law in 2024. She is working part-time as a consultant at the Animal Welfare Institute. Julie also started an initiative called SAVE Nepal. SAVE is an acronym for Save Animals and Value the Environment. The initiative’s goal is to improve protections for animals and the environment, and to train future lawyers in animal law. Send me your news. Have you taken up a new career? Relocated to a different area? How about news of those grandchildren you are visiting? Your classmates would love to hear from you.
1979
Jayne Murray and Leslie Murray ’90G are the owners of New England Chocolate Company in Salisbury, Massachusetts, which is celebrating its 20th year. After retiring from her career as a speech pathologist and his career as a high school principal, the pair reinvented themselves as importers of Belgian chocolate and they’re happy to report that business is flourishing. Bruce Barnard, Brent Belz and Daniel Poulin shared some updates. All three are also alumni of Manchester West High School. Successful UNH grads, each is “independently wealthy, semi-retired and enjoying diverse sources of fixed income after successful careers in various forms of ruthless capitalism. And they still like girls!” jokes Dan. Wildcats might remember Dan as a bouncer at Scorpio’s Pub. Bruce and Brent reside with their respective families in Ponte Vedra, Florida, and collaboratively won the 2023 Shuffleboard tournament there and were in training for the 2024 event. Dan and his wife, Jennifer, split time between New Orleans and Grayton Beach on the Florida panhandle, while still dabbling in commercial real estate leasing and development. Their son, Daniel, is a junior at Ole Miss class of ’26.
1980
Caryl Dow
Top to bottom: Bruce Barnard, Brent Belz and Daniel Poulin (all class of ’79) had dinner last summer at Cap’s on the Water restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida after a typical long day at the Beach Club. Chris Engel ’79 caught up with his old Sawyer Hall buddy Geoff O’Connell ’79 in New York City recently. “Fifty years since we had seen another but fell right back into funny UNH stories. Both of us are well; grandparents, and enjoying the time with our families.”
Hello classmates — we have a lot of news to bring you, so enjoy! This must have been the year for friends reuniting which is so great to hear. Many of us are retiring so there’s more time to travel and see old friends. Lisa Roman and fellow Gibbs Hall friends reunited on campus, returning “to where it all started” and apparently “not much has changed” she wrote. I think it’s great when you can see friends and places after 44+ years and discover not much has changed! Five of my roommates from Stoke 5 and Webster House gathered this summer in the Seacoast. We’ve been friends 48 years, most of us meeting in 1976. We laughed and shook our heads at escapades of our youth, and ultimately came away like the others, not much has changed except we travel about, visiting children and grandchildren, but we all agree, UNH enriched our lives innumerably. We spanned three classes, missing from our joyful reunion was roommate Maryellen Potter Dutton. Sally Heckel is looking to unite with fellow dancers at the UNH Theatre & Dance 101 Years celebration in April. Sally retired to the South Shore after 32 years in higher ed in Boston. Reach her at sallyheckel@gmail.com. (You can register for the event here: unhconnect.unh.edu/thda101). Richard A. Gosselin Jr. aka “Goose” retired as USAF lieutenant colonel from flying A-10s and C-5s and later a Boeing 737 captain, now living in Weston, Florida. He is enjoying his “wheels down” stress-free time, but misses flying! Laura Bowering Mullen retired as libraries faculty emerita from Rutgers University Libraries where she was behavioral sciences librarian and open access specialist. She and husband Mark ’79, have been married 40 years and have two children and four grandchildren. Mark owns Fair Winds Farm in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, a standardbred horse breeding farm which sponsors the Fair Winds Farm Equine Scholarship for undergraduate students of COLSA or Thompson School. Both need and merit-based scholarships are available. One of the things I enjoy most about being class notes editor is that when I travel, inevitably I find alumni and if I’m on my game, I gather us for a group photo. This summer I found myself in Chile with several alumni, however, I wasn’t on my game. Apparently being upside-down in the southern hemisphere and skiing in August at 11,000-12,000’ every day deprived of oxygen; I forgot to gather us. However, not to be left out of this issue, our fabulous skiing adventure to the Andes, and with the help of modern photography, I have a collage photo of the UNH gang! Eric Wasson ’88 ’92 waving from a chair against the beautiful sky, Robin Wiley ’79 and Dennis Duquette ’72 on a ridge probably 12,100’ and Jane Liemer LeSavoy ’82 showing us one of the many gorgeous sunsets we had at Valle Nevado. Go if you ever get the chance; Santiago, old and new is full of culture and Valpariso their port city is full of beautiful expressive street art! As is the case with each new issue we have sad news of several classmates who are no longer with us. Kathryn A. Beebie of Haverhill, Massachusetts, passed away March 28, 2024. A 1975 graduate of Mount St. Mary Seminary, Kathy later served as clinical team leader at Thom Pentucket Early Intervention and helped hundreds of families as a private therapist spanning a 36-year career. Michael Themelis passed away April 20, 2024. A self-employed private investigator, Michael had many unique passions which included poetry, being a CASA volunteer, a naturalist, an uncanny Mr. Fix It, an inventor and a regular live commentator on The Howie Carr show as “Zebra.” Ann Young of Rye passed away April 26, 2024, leaving an active life including stints as an animal trainer, a DJ, a construction worker and finally a 35-year career teaching English. Marylou Lazos died June 1, 2024. A profoundly talented artist and historian, Marylou dedicated much of her life to volunteering with the arts at the Currier Museum, New Hampshire Institute of Art, Boothbay Regional Art Foundation among others. Also serving at Our Lady of the Cedars Melkite Church she brought the flavors of Lebanon to Manchester through her love of cooking. Sigma Nu brother Mark Bryan Howell died June 18, 2024, in Acton, Massachusetts, where he worked as a software engineer for IBM and Fisheye Software. Mark was also an avid volunteer.
Top to Bottom: Retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel Richard Gosselin Jr. aka “Goose,” class of 1980. From top, left to right: Lisa Roman ’80, Karen Bolton ’80, Carol Sargent ’78 and Nancy (Dancker) Hovey. From top left to lower right: Eric Wasson ’88 ’92, Robin Wiley ’79, Dennis Duquette ’72, Jane Liemer LeSavoy ’82, Caryl Dow ’80.
Top to bottom: Stoke and Webster House roommates, Caryl Dow ’80, Lisa Doty Cloyd ’79, Sharon Pullen Hartung ’79, Kim Matyas Morgan ’81 and Maureen Bergeron Gnecco ’80. Ted Corcoran ’81 and Debbie Borsari Dodge ’81. Franz Eberth ’81 and John Haggerty ’81, taken at UNH vs. Harvard Football Game.
1981
Caroline McKee Anderson
Douglas Romano wrote that it was great to spend time with former teammates and UNH friends at a big gathering at the UNH vs. Harvard football game. Some of the class of 1981 attendees included Mark Etro, Phil Hamilton and Jeff North. Rounding out the crowd from other classes were Joe Atkinson ’83, Tim Benson, class of 1979, Tim Confrey ’84, Bob Doherty, Franz Eberth ’83, John Flanagan ’84, Arnold Garron ’84, John Haggerty ’83, Dave Kass ’82, Chris Kosinski ’82, Matt Kurylo ’81, Ron Layne ’78, Mike Marchese ’80, Mike Moroney ’76, Sean McDonnell ’78, Jeff Miller ’80, John Nocera, class of 1982, Billy Peach ’84, Neil Rosenberg ’80, Brian Saranovitz ’85, Terry Schrepfer ’80, Brian Strachan ’83 and Grady Vigneau ’77. Theodore “Ted” Corcoran wrote to share a “small world story.” Ted is the president and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce in Florida. One of his responsibilities is to greet new members. At a networking lunch, he met Debbie Borsari Dodge where they quickly learned they both graduated from UNH in 1981 and lived in Christensen Hall freshman year, he on the second floor and she on the third. While they never met at UNH, they’ve enjoyed joking about how many times they likely shared an elevator, were eating at Philbrick or enjoying a beverage in a bar in downtown. Ted shared that Debbie drove Kari Van, was a member of SCOPE, and worked at Weeks and Shop & Save while at UNH. Muriel Finnegan of Santa Fe, New Mexico, died on April 3, 2024. She was a graduate of Franklin Pierce School of Law and an attorney for the City of Boston. She is survived by her husband Peter and two sisters. Joseph Strassler Dorison of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, died on April 10, 2024. Joseph was committed to helping others through his work as an investment manager and through many charitable endeavors. He is survived by his wife Catherine, his three children, and and extended family. Armand V. Auger of Bristol, died July 20, 2023. Armand served with the Air National Guard for nine years and was the owner of Auger Dental Lab for 39 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and climbed 28 of the 40 four-thousand-foot peaks in New Hampshire. He is survived by his wife Janice, two sons and a daughter. Joan Stevens Wozer of Clarence, New York, died on November 26, 2023. She is survived by her husband Gregory Wozer and four children. Ray Rist died on June 23, 2024. After UNH, he pursued a career in sales engineering and worked at Hadco in Salem. He is survived by Jane Hollinrake and an extended family. Athena “Anne” Caragianis Sayce died on August 21, 2024. Anne was a nationally certified counselor, focusing on career counseling in private practice and Keene State College. Anne had three friends from her UNH years who described themselves as “The Sacred Circle.” Anne was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Montford “Bunny” Sayce. We send our condolences to the family and friends of these members of the UNH community.
1982
Julie Lake Butterfield
Mark Phelps ’82 (left) at dinner with Stanford Seed Coaches and Leadership in Accra Ghana.
Steve Silva writes: “After living away from New England for over 35 years, mostly on the West Coast, I happily relocated back to the 603 in the spring of 2022. Reconnecting in person with lifelong friends after so many years has been amazing and heartwarming! I especially enjoyed the Big 80s Reunion last June and encourage every alum to get involved in these events; you won’t be disappointed! I’d love to reconnect with other classmates and friends and can be reached at svsilva82@gmail.com.” Mark Phelps reached out from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was meeting his wife, Susan, and daughter, Wesley, for a first-time safari adventure to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mark has been living in Accra, Ghana, since 2024, volunteering as a business coach for Stanford University. He currently advises seven SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal, working closely with each company’s CEO. Since retiring in 2019, Mark has found a new purpose helping graduates of the Stanford Seed Program. Paul Houghton writes, “Last summer, I attended the Appledore Island/Shoals Marine Lab tour. On that trip I met Dr. Paul Gaffuri ’74 who was returning to Appledore 51 years after he attended the first, four-week Appledore program in 1973. His family gave him this trip back to Appledore as a present.” Toby Weir writes that he is now 82 years old and is doing well. He’s still living in his home in Rochester and is enjoying the company of his adopted grandson and godson! Toby sends greetings to all in the class of 1982! Dennis Chase, a “Jeopardy!” Champion from 2021, was invited back for the Wildcard Tournament of Champions in November 2023. He made it to the finals and won $25K in four days of thrilling competition on national television. From Jim Thibeau: “It’s with sadness that I share the news of the passing of our classmate Dave Sculley in May 2024, following a brief illness. Dave spent all four years at UNH living in Gibbs Hall, where he was well-loved for his clever sense of humor and infamous puns. He played trombone in the marching and jazz bands and spent the last 30 years in the Newburyport/Amesbury area. Dave worked in financial services and educational software throughout his career and was working on a book about shipbuilding during the American Revolution at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, three sons and countless friends from UNH and beyond who will miss him dearly.”
Left to Right: “Jeopardy!” Champion Dennis Chase ’82. Adrienne Schlesinger Aldermeshian ’82 (right) and Elaine DeLong Ockerbloom relaxing by the lake at Elaine’s cabin in Massachusetts. Adrienne also visited with Lauren Vail Boretti ’82 in York, Maine. Steve Silva ’82 and Jack Burns ’82 and Lindsey Burns ’83 from the Big 80s reunion.
Deb Dupnik ’83 with daughter, Micki.
1983
Ilene H. Segal, DVM
Hello 1983 classmates! Thank you to everyone who emailed me their updates so I can share them with you. Chris Avery writes that he had a great time seeing old friends at the Big 80s reunion — he sends a shout out to Ray Dow, RJ Downer, Kelly Heindl, Jeff and Sue Friederichs and many more. Chris says he was very honored that his band The Crab Shack Band was chosen to play at the Saturday evening dance. He says they have some great videos from the event on The Crab Shack Band Facebook page and encourages everyone to take a look! Linda Lyons Weight writes that she retired from the Department of Defense after 41 years of service. Her husband Greg has 44 years of service with the federal government for a total of 85 years working for Uncle Sam! Greg is planning on continuing to work until their youngest child graduates college. They currently live in Maryland and are contemplating the location of their future retirement home. Peter Schlesinger sent a note remembering the day we graduated where he had the luxury of sitting in the stands for the ceremony, followed by skinny dipping in Mendum’s Pond with two dear friends who will remain anonymous unless they choose to name themselves in the next issue … Deb Dupnik participated in an LL Bean two-day, full-immersion fly fishing course with her daughter, Micki. Deb lives in New Jersey and is currently the director of the American Osteopathic Association where she manages board certification in family medicine. When she is not working, she enjoys working on endless DIY projects at her summer cottage in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. We send our condolences to the families of our classmates who have passed away — Alison Jane Ferrell Morris; Christoper M. Ahlquist; Barbara O. Kalinowski; Robert Gordon Slattery Jr; Dr. Robert Sinclair Farrell; Albert Malcolm Fereshetian Jr; Beth Ellen Magliocco Hammond; Gail B. Harmon Rider; Shirley Jane Woodrow Silver; Mary F. Robertson; Margaret T. Tiralla; Peter Bryant Blackadar.
1984
Robin Peters Schell
Top to bottom: Barbara and Rich Powlowsky ’84 with Pete and Carla Brown ’84 hiking in the Greek Isles. Mark Syracusa ’84 pledging Sigma Beta in 1981 (a favorite memory). Kristin Kany ’84 poses with rugby Olympian Ilona Maher.
Thanks to all of you who took the time to write with updates on your lives, and to all who donated to our Classes of ’84, ’85 and ’86 scholarship fund this past year. It’s always a great day to be a Wildcat! Kristin Kany began her rugby career as a UNH freshman. Thanks to UNH exposing her to this dynamic sport, she pursued club rugby after college, competing for the USA in the 1994 Women’s World Cup in Scotland — the team earned the silver medal! This summer, Kristin wore her USA game jersey to honor a fellow international rugger at Burlington Vermont’s celebration of hometown Olympian, Ilona Maher, after she helped the American women medal in Paris. Kristin is thrilled to see the sport gaining more and more popularity! Barb and Rich Powlowsky recently vacationed with Pete Brown and his wife Carla on a two-week trip to hike in the Greek Isles. They highly recommend it! Arthur Hembrough got his MBA from Franklin Pierce in 2002 and worked at Raytheon Co. for 29 years. He ended his career as a government furnished equipment logistics manager for Patriot Missile Upgrade program based out of Andover, Massachusetts, where he lives. In retirement, he helps out N.H. Fish and Game and UNH Extension on forestry and wildlife programs, including forest stewardship and wild trout surveys. He spends a lot of time at his tree farm in Franklin and sends good wishes to all his class. Curt Collins and his wife, Nan, relocated from New Jersey to Salem to be closer to their youngest daughter who lives in the Boston area (their other daughter lives in Oregon). He had a 36-year career with Nike and is now working in sales leadership for Puma. He is in regular touch with a slew of former football teammates, including Arnold Garron, Paul Hinsch, Mark Nichols, Byron Best, Phil Andrews, and David Orr. They have a monthly video call to catch up on their lives and families, and to laugh at UNH stories. Curt is looking forward to living closer to campus and being able to attend sporting events. Jill Jones is an English professor at Rollins College in Florida. She gets to New Hampshire in the summers to visit her New England-based kids. Jill has a chapter forthcoming on the American con woman in literature and credits the influence of her excellent English UNH professors, particularly her advisor and role model, Melody Graulich. Todd Robertson writes that he was laid off from his job in printer maintenance at Xerox in May 2020 and became a caregiver for his parent, who passed away in 2022. He is now enjoying taking classes in everything from welding to veterinary assistant and is considering nursing classes. Katy Chant Brandin received her master’s in teaching and during her career, she taught English, coached girls’ lacrosse, served as the director of college placement, and married Eric Brandin, a scientist at Harvard. While raising her sons (now 29 and 26), she ran an educational services business out of her home. She continued her love of fitness by teaching classes at local gyms and earned her personal training certification, which led her to start her own fitness business. She served as a writing and learning coach at St. John’s Prep after her sons graduated from there and she is now semi-retired and lives in Portsmouth. Despite some health issues, she runs personal training and group classes for folks over 50 (www.ktover50.com). She wishes the best to all the folks she knew at UNH “forever ago”. Inez Robinson-Odom’s new book, “The Silent Rebellion: Becoming a Modern Leader” (co-written with Chris Lewis) addresses the most pressing challenges facing leaders today. The book details the failures of leadership surrounding the pandemic and what is needed to correct them. Inez, who earned a business administration degree here, works in media, education, executive coaching and social justice. She is vice president of professional development for TEAM LEWIS, and is based in San Diego, California. I’ll end with an update of my own: My husband Todd Schell just celebrated 30 years as a financial advisor for Edward Jones and we’re excited to announce that our two adult children, Tucker Schell ’16 and Amanda Schell are now also working for Edward Jones. They will all be working together in the new office in Merrimac, Massachusetts. If you are passing through the area, stop in and say hello!
1985
Julie Colligan Spak
Hello, 85’ers! Thanks to John Davis and the Big 80’s Reunion committee for taking over all of the “catch-up” duties the past few cycles! Although I haven’t made it back to Durham lately (being an “older” mom of teenagers (!!) has its responsibilities….), your efforts to stay connected and cover for me are appreciated. Several of you have reached out: Michael P. Rainboth, of Rainboth, Murphy & Lown writes: “Voted by peers as a ‘Super Lawyer’ and ‘NH Lawyer of the Year in 2023’ for medical malpractice. Selected by peers as one of the ‘Best Lawyers in America: 2020-2025.’” Congratulations and kudos, Mike! Scott Hopkins and his family traveled to Acadia National Park last year for the first time. “My wife’s friend had her first lobster in Bar Harbor, so it was quite exciting for her. The view from Cadillac Mountain was amazing. We also tied in the UNH reunion as part of our trip. Good to see so many classmates!” Love this, Scott! Bob Van Loan shares some devastating news: “Sadly, we lost our beautiful, sweet and talented daughter, Jamie Van Loan Butler, age 44, to a malignant brain tumor in September. She fought it for more than 18 years but she was just too tired to go on. Her parents, siblings, husband and children miss her terribly.” Our hearts go out to all of you, Bob. We ’85ers send hope, light and love your way. Be sure to check out the update post Hurricane Helene from John Cohen Miles. (See page 38.) If you have a minute, please send a quick email — we are always excited to see what’s happening in your world. Lots of love.
1986
Susan Panas Clark
Susanclark714@gmail.com (put “UNH ’86” in the subject line)
Phi Mu sisters Mary Roberts ’88, left, and Susan Panas Clark ’86 reconnected near Mary’s home in Delray Beach, Florida.
Keep those notes and emails coming! It’s never too late to share about UNH alumni get-togethers, retirements, celebrations, fun trips, UNH remembrances, etc. I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon visiting Phi Mu sister Mary Roberts ’88 during a trip to Florida in November. We hadn’t seen each other for 38 years. It’s just amazing to me how those years melted away and we become college kids again, if only in our minds. Give a big shout out to Julie Stone, who was appointed to Riverbend Community Mental Health’s Board of Directors, where she will help the organization advance its mission of caring for behavioral health throughout central New Hampshire. She serves on the board of Hospice Help Foundation as president, is a member of NH Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance, and has 20+ years of experience in home health care and hospice services, and with organizations providing services for older adults and adults with disabilities. She has been serving as Granite VNA’s vice president of strategy for a year, after previously working as the director of strategy, innovation and engagement for Home Health & Hospice Care in Merrimack. David White has been working with EBSCO Information Services for almost 40 years (founded by Tim Collins ’85), helping get academic libraries the books and information they need to support their mission. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and has raised two children who are now older than he’s willing to admit. David and Dana Morse have been stomping about making hard cider and growing apple trees together over the past several years. He says it’s a great way to hang out, compare products and processes, and drink some great homemade cider. They also get together to work on Dana’s oyster farm — NICE Oyster Company, producing Iron Island Oysters, out of the New Meadows River. Dana’s been at work with Maine Sea Grant for over 26 years and is watching the fruits of decades of work by many partners coming together, with the emergence of an entirely new aquaculture sector in the state, growing sea scallops. Keep an eye out and if you see Maine farm-raised scallops for sale near you, try ’em! Jolene (Hurley) Lebel retired and moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina. After 16 years of leading ROC USA, Paul Bradley has been succeeded by a new president and redeployed to a new subsidiary, Integrity Community Solutions. ICS shares the same resident ownership mission but will develop a social impact equity fund to acquire portfolios of communities and later sell each one to co-ops of the homeowners. The goal is to accelerate the growth of resident ownership. In October, Kathy Fitzpatrick-Murphy took a trip to South Carolina — Charleston and Isle of Palms — with a group of ladies from UNH that includes classmates from ’86 and ’87. These eight women celebrated their 60th birthdays and the joy of being great friends for such a long time. In December, Paul Jacobs started his 23rd year at Tyler Technologies in Yarmouth, Maine. He’s starting to plan for retirement, even though he has a few years to work. He finds it amazing that he’s lived in his current home for 28 years. Paul and his partner traveled to Palm Springs, California, in November to stay with Peter Balon and celebrate their 60th birthdays. With the passing of time also comes the passing of some of our classmates. Virginia Norfolk passed away from complications of breast cancer. She worked in mortgage banking and information technology for State Street Bank and IBM. Frank Shaughnessy lost a 4+ year battle with kidney cancer. Frank earned a master of science in botany at UNH and a PhD in marine botany and ecology from the University of British Colombia. He was a biology and marine botany professor at Cal Poly Humboldt and worked there until his retirement. Robert “Bob” Hobbs passed away suddenly after a short period of failing health. He earned an associate of science from the Thompson School of Applied Science. Christine Sheridan (associate’s in environmental biology) died after a brief illness. Professionally she had worn a number of hats, most recently working as a researcher in surveying and land services, which gave her an encyclopedic knowledge of the history and geography of New Hampshire. We also mark the passing of James Kendall, Mark William Whiter (’83 associate’s, ’86 bachelor’s) and Charlene Frank. I have obituaries for some of our classmates, available on request.
John Caron ’86 returned to UNH for Homecoming and recreated a classic photo from 1985–86! The first shot features all UNH grads, while the second has one stand-in (far right). The coolest part? Three of the guys were dating three of the girls back then — and nearly 40 years later, all three couples are still happily married! Everyone in the photo lived in Williamson Hall. John Oliver ’87, Laurie Mcevoy O’Connell ’88 Susan Salton Caron ’88, John Caron (sitting), Lisa St. Louis McCoole, Kevin O’Connell ’86 (sitting), Dan McCoole ’90 and Jen Hernon DiBello ’91. Are you the unnamed stand-in on the right? Send an email to alumni.editor@unh.edu!
1987
Hello fellow classmates. I hope you have all had a great 2024 — it is hard to believe it has been over 35 years since we graduated. So many fun times and great memories of our years at UNH! I have some wonderful news to share. Our son, Nick Savoia ’18, was married in November to his beautiful bride, Aislinn Field ’18, in a lovely ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island. They met toward the end of their freshman year in Durham. It was an amazing wedding weekend and so many of their fellow UNH classmates were there to share in all the festivities. UNH truly holds a special place in their hearts and mine as well! My dear friend and Nick’s godmother, Melissa Driscoll and her husband Dan ’86 were in attendance at the wedding. Melissa is an occupational therapist for North Reading (Mass.) public schools and Dan is the vice president of financial planning and analysis at Eversource. They live in North Reading and have three grown sons. In other news, I heard from Matt Leahy that for the past 10 years, he has been the public policy director for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, based in Concord. He and his wife, Deb (Eliasberg) Leahy ’91, celebrated the graduation of their older son, Mick Leahy, from UNH this past May with a degree in finance. I also heard from Darin Mingo who lives in Carlsbad, California. Darin was living in Hawaii with his family but moved to Carlsbad a little over three years ago. He recently was on the East Coast in New Jersey, where he grew up, seeing Bruce Springsteen perform in Asbury Park — it had been 40 years since he had seen him perform! Thank you all for sending your news; all the best for 2025!
1988
Beth D. Simpson-Robie
Greetings to everyone! It’s been a busy summer and fall here in northern New England. My husband and I have enjoyed attending a Seacoast Alumni Club outing at Lobster in the Rough and a Portland Alumni Club outing at Shipyard Brewing hosted by Fred Forsley ’83. I encourage everyone to look for these opportunities in their area — a fun way to meet other Wildcats from across the class span. Thank you to the following classmates for sharing their news. I would love to hear from you! Michelle (Busch) Berke and her husband Anthony Berke ’89 celebrated their 35th year in business. They started River City Software in 1989. They also got married that year. Happy anniversaries, Michelle and Anthony! Michelle is very much enjoying singing with The Afternotes, an a cappella group completely made up of UNH alums that sang in the NH Notables, and have the best time. Check them out at www.theafternotes.com. Kathleen Rice recently attended a 40th high school reunion in Wolfeboro, with fellow UNH ’88 alums Paul DeBow and Sandy Pratt Luppino. On the work front, Kathleen is preparing for an ISO 13485 Regulatory Compliance audit in the medical device field for Sklar Instruments. Matt Allard and wife Robin have decided their next chapter will play out in Vermont, the state where Matt grew up. They moved to their new home, an 1895 farmhouse on the shore of Lake Champlain in Georgia, Vermont, leaving Salem behind. Matt continues as a director of strategic alliances working remotely for Dell Technologies. Robin retired after 20 years at the Exeter Developmental Preschool. She expects to go back to work after some much-needed renovations on the house are completed. Greg Becker writes that he has been working as a songwriter in Nashville. He has had songs recorded by many country artists including Carrie Underwood, Brett Eldredge, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and many others. Check him out here: www.GregoryBecker.net.
1989
Kathleen (Clemens) Andrews ’90 and Stephen Taylor ’90 at Zion National Park last summer.
Sherrie Flick (English lit major) recently had her fourth book published, a collection of creative nonfiction, “Homing: Instincts of a Rustbelt Feminist,” published with the University of Nebraska as part of their American Lives series. Flick recalls her UNH days, living in Portsmouth and working at Ceres Street Bakery, “which was perhaps surprisingly crucial to my creative and feminist development,” she writes, noting that owner Penelope Brewster is also an alum, class of 1974. Other alumni are parts of the essays: Pam Raiford ’86 ’95G [deceased] and her husband, Guy Capecelatro ’89 and Charlyn Ellis ’83 ’94G. “A big group of us moved from New Hampshire to the West Coast in the early 90s,” Flick writes. Learn more at https://sherrieflick.com/.
1990
Chris Moran
Hello class of ’90 classmates. I’ll be taking over as class correspondent from Amy McBride French, who has done a great job — thank you, Amy, for your many contributions! As for me, my wife Wendy (Cotrupi) Moran and I recently celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary in October. Who knew the Secret Santa event in 1987 at Engelhardt Hall would lead to this?! She must have liked my gifts. We live in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where we have raised three sons (Connor, Dillon and Brady). The older two have both gotten engaged recently with weddings planned for this year, and the youngest is a senior at University of Rhode Island. We spend our summers in Narragansett, enjoying the beach and local breweries, and love to visit with UNH friends. Speaking of one of our longtime friends, Kathleen (Clemens) Andrews is always scaling new heights and recently hiked to the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park with her husband Stephen Taylor on September 11. They also hiked the North Rim Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon during their vacation. Wow! Dennis O’Connell wrote in to say how busy he’s been lately. In December ’23, he graduated with a master’s degree in linguistics and translation from Trinity Western University and the Canada Institute of Linguistics (CanIL) in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. Following that, he celebrated by visiting Antarctica, the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), and South Georgia Island. Then, on his way back to the U.S., he visited Iguazu Falls on the Argentina side. He wrote, “The heat in Argentina was even more noticeable (to me) seeing as I had just been in the Antarctic.” He attributes the confidence needed to continue his international travels to the lessons learned and experiences gained as an international affairs dual major at UNH. Way to go, Dennis. I hope to hear from many more of you on what you’ve been up to since we graduated from UNH – especially as we approach our 35th reunion this year.
1991
Christina (Ayers) Quinlan
David Young ’92 and son Aaron ’28 at Homecoming 2024.
Al Fukushima retired from college instruction five years ago after 25 years at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) teaching math, statistics and business courses. Since retiring, he enjoys playing hockey during winter months and golfing weather permitting. Sam Simon is a senior fellow at Mathematica in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Jeff Tremblay is currently in his seventh year as headmaster at Levey Day School in Portland, Maine. Before moving to Maine, Jeff was lower school head at Renbrook School in Connecticut and before that, he spent 20+ years in Southern California teaching and being an administrator in independent schools in Los Angeles and Orange County. Julie (Kahan) Simone got together with some of her AZD sorority sisters in Durham. Julie shared that it was great having lunch, walking around campus and reminiscing with Kristin Snowdon-Smith ’92, Erin (Broad) Hanlon and Jen (Salsa) Hayes ’92. Julie has two sons who are also UNHers: Zach ’24 and Tyler ’26. Holli Howard works at Google Maps and moved from the Seattle office to the Dublin, Ireland, office a few years ago with her son, Bodhi. Jonathan Miner is starting his fourth year as a project sponsor for a CEPS Capstone Project. Students will be working on the PiRail project to improve the user interface to work better on a variety of platforms, and in a variety of lighting conditions. This project is centered around data analysis to improve railroad infrastructure. Kevin Swope is the editor of a new book available soon from Damianos Publishing: “1938: Photographs by Gerard Swope Jr.” Jamie (Saimond) Willett (married to Tom Willett ’89 ’99G) has been employed at UNH since 2016 and is currently working in the Student Accessibility Services office. Two of her children have pursued their education at UNH as well, continuing the UNH tradition.
1992
Missy Langbein
English/Journalism major Sandra (Boncek) Hume is well-known in the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the “Little House on the Prairie” series of books. She was a founding board member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association and one of the original founders of LauraPalooza, the academic conference the association sponsors every few years. Her Land of Laura series includes two family travel books about visiting different Wilder sites (Pepin, Wisconsin, and De Smet, South Dakota) and she’s working on the third. She’s also published two novels under the pen name Sienna Cash. Monica (Mellaci) White co-founded the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association (COTBDAA), a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2016. The mission is to elevate awareness of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases for Coloradans through education, prevention, research and advocacy, including patient support. Monica graduated from UNH with a bachelor’s in wildlife management and began her career as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado. Monica and other family members were devastated by the crippling effects of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases; learn more at www.coloradoticks.org and on social media @coloradoticks. Adam Morgan and his wife Erin live in San Diego and ran into an ’82 grad at a local pizza place. Adam and Erin’s son, AJ, graduated from BC this year and the elder Adam made it to a recent BC vs. UNH hockey game (unfortunately the Cats lost that one).
Left to Right: 1992 friends Tracy (Chorbanian) Hartford, Rebecca (Hurley) Roberts, Christine Leppones, and Kim (Healey) Obert are checking in from a long fall weekend in Block Island this October. Adam Morgan ’92 and his wife, Erin (not pictured), live in San Diego and ran into an ’82 grad at a local pizza place … could it be you? If you’re the Mike from New Jersey who played football while at UNH, please share your name so we can include in the next issue! Class of ’93 alumni (right to left), Linnea Poveromo Wolken, Tina Soucy Brouillet, Kristen Thompson Arensberg ’92, Tara Van Deusen MaGill, Kim Parsons Whitehouse and Jenn Olson Vance.
1993
Caryn Crotty Eldridge
Thank you for sending your news. Anyone living in areas affected by extreme weather and unsettling world events, please know that your classmates are thinking of you and hoping you are well. Reach out to each other and reconnect where you can. I’m wishing you all the best. Some class updates to share: Jane Rothman writes that she is “happy to share that I’ve been selected by the Dallas Business Journal as one of their top 40 C-Suite leaders, and I am the only lawyer in that group. I also won best corporate counsel in the Dallas/North Texas area in 2022.” Gretchen Arnold joined the UNH Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food systems as a member of the nutrition program in 2017 after a career as a clinical dietitian. In 2023 she was promoted to clinical associate professor and undergraduate program coordinator for the nutrition program. Gretchen says, “If you are in the area please reach out and stop by Kendall Hall for a visit.” Linda Poveromo Wolken wrote to say “my freshman roommates all just had a reunion in Vegas. We’ve kept in touch via calls, texts, holiday cards and attending major events in each other’s lives since graduating. We committed to repeat a getaway trip again in the next couple of years.”
1994
Mike Opal
Dana Moran had a book of poems, “One Buoy to the Next” published in March 2024. It is available on Amazon. She worked at UNH in the Registrar’s Office for 33 years. She enjoys bird watching, being in nature and spending time with friends. Dana lives in Dover.
1995
Tammy Ross
Greetings! Katie Bradeen reports that she has retired after 24 years of being a stay-at-home mom. She writes, “I had a retirement ceremony and party complete with words, presents, family and friends, and of course cake. My best friend Nancy Epstein, who I met on my first day at UNH, even flew out for the festivities. It was a fabulous day! It was an insanely hard job that I’d do all over again instantly and sometimes wish I could with the knowledge and perspective I have now.” Katie says she still devotes much of her time volunteering for her local school district, the Boy Scouts of America, and local Ronald McDonald House. I also heard from James Washington, Jr., who spent several years as director of admissions for UNH and UNH Manchester. In June 2024, James earned a master’s in liberal studies in creative writing from Dartmouth College, and his peers selected him as class marshal. He also received the Byam Shaw-Brownstone thesis excellence award for his 60-page poetry manuscript. In other news, we lost a few of our classmates since my last update. Hector Vangerena, 83, of Northwood, died Feb. 28, 2024. He grew up in Puerto Rico and served in the U.S. Air Force before graduating from UNH at age 54. Nancy Tisdale, 80, of Concord, N.H., died March 21, 2024. She had earned her master’s in nursing here in our year. Nancy worked as a nurse in various capacities until her retirement in 1999. She loved to work with children and was passionate about helping people with mental disabilities and depression. Rhonda Lavalley, 61, died July 14, 2024, and had earned her associate’s in food service management. She worked in the dietary services department at Wentworth Douglass Hospital for 27 years until she retired. Stacy L. Schulz, 51, of Sarasota, Fla., died Feb. 13, 2024. Mary Ellen (Schanck) Harms, 77, of Tellico Plains, Tenn., died Dec. 24, 2022. Mary spent much of her career helping individuals with disabilities. She loved gardening, thrift shopping and going to yard sales. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of Hector, Nancy, Rhonda, Stacy and Mary Ellen.
Left to Right: James Washington, Jr. ’95G, received his master’s in Liberal Studies – Creative Writing from Dartmouth College. Katie Bradeen ’95 with Nancy Epstein ’95. Katie Bradeen ’95 with husband Rob and children Raya and Sean.
1996
Editor’s Note: Michael Walsh has officially stepped down as class correspondent; we thank him for all his work! If you’re interested in filling the role, send us an email at classnotes.editor@unh.edu.
Ben Ludwig (also ’97G, ’17G) is a teacher, writer and school librarian in Campton. Read more about his work at www.benjaminludwig.com.
1997
Geoff Grant
Thanks for sending your updates! I’d love to hear from more of you. Like most of us, Matt Klempa turns 50 this year and is doing well in Lenexa, Kansas, after living coast-to-coast after graduating from UNH. Tasha (Sarris) Goyette and her husband Matt are Jersey Mike’s franchise owners, and they’ve opened a number of locations throughout the Seacoast, including Portsmouth, Exeter, Epping, Seabrook and Rochester. They have a partnership with UNH Athletics and have been a big presence at football games, including homecoming and through their “Cats Win, You Win” promo at all their stores. Stop in and say hi! Matt Kerr provided his update in the form of a haiku “Fifty turning old; Two daughters whom I adore; Have Bernadoodle.” Epic update, buddy. The Grant family had a great summer and fall. Our older kids enjoyed swim and dive season this summer and cross-country this past fall. I’m desperately trying to get my preschooler to pick up golf because when he’s in high school I’ll be way too old to be driving to weekend-long soccer and lacrosse tournaments. Unfortunately, I had to turn over weekly maintenance of my lawn to a service provider, but still managed to fire up the grill most Saturdays. Sadly, we lost two of our classmates in recent months. Cecily S. (Ballou) Quimby and Reed Worthington. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts. I wish everyone a fantastic 2025! 50 is the new 21! Send me pictures from the big celebrations and we’ll work on getting them into upcoming issues.
1998
Emily Rines
Ken Hager would like to announce that he’s starting his own real estate brokerage on Cape Cod, Classic Cape Real Estate. Find out more about Ken and his new venture: www.classiccapere.com
Mayhew staff alums (from left) Brian Gilmore, Dave Bird ’02, Jim Nute ’01G and Scott Hunter at The Nute House.
2000
Mike Bove
Hello, class of 2000. In this issue, we offer congratulations to Elliot McAllister, whose company Skyphos received its second Top 5 Lab on a chip engineering impact award, a global award. They remain the only additive manufacturing company ever to receive the recognition. “I fondly remember the specific professors (like Dr. Gross and Dr. Draper, who is retired) who helped me learn and struggle through many of the skills I use every day,” he writes. We extend condolences to the family and friends of Brian Sullivan, who passed away this past July. If you have news you’d like to share, please send it my way.
2001
Elizabeth Merrill Sanborn, Ed.D.
Stephanie Rizzolo Erickson wrote her first book, “Islands of Southern Lake Winnipesaukee.” She is working on her next book which will cover the islands in the Meredith, Gilford and Laconia area of the lake. Stephanie teaches high school science at Wilton-Lyndeborough High School in Wilton. After over 30 years, Jim Nute ’01G has stepped down as executive director at The Mayhew Program. The board and staff named an endowed fund and the newest building on Newfound Lake’s Mayhew Island in his honor! I recently earned a doctorate in education from the University of Louisiana Monroe. We mourn the passing of two of our classmates: Joyce Mills on May 22, 2024, and George Fairbanks III on April 15, 2024. We send our deepest condolences to their respective families and friends. Please send your news, updates, and photos!
2002
Aaron Goulette and wife Megan Stone welcomed daughter Cora to the world in May 2024. Aaron and Meg and their two children reside in Bedford. Aaron has served as the chief of staff of the NH House of Representatives since 2020 and has been an employee of the Legislative Branch of state government since 2011. Allison Battles writes, “I started my dream job in June 2024 as the partnerships manager at Victoria’s Victory Foundation, an organization that helps people with mobility disabilities get the care, services and products they need to live more independently. It is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling work, and I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing mission.”
2003
Editor’s note: Ryan Walls has stepped down as class correspondent. Thanks for all the past columns, Ryan!
Nate Hastings ’03 ’05G serves as the vice president of the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth and is partnering with Beth Lamontagne-Hall’s Paul College Business in Practice (BIP) class on digital storytelling to ensure that the Chamber’s membership and tourism marketing resonates with the business leaders of today and tomorrow.
2005
Jen Weimer
Mary Menut ’05 and her husband, Dan, with a black rhino named Baraka at a preserve. He is blind from fighting with another male and is used for conservation education (will work for carrots; you can’t make a rhino do anything).
Nick Pulire transitioned from the Air Force after 18 years as a civil engineer and explosive ordinance disposal officer into the Space Force in July 2023. He plans to retire from active duty as a lieutenant colonel and settle in the Destin, Florida area by next summer with his wife and four kids. Adam Flaherty reports that he and his co-host Marc Checket are in their fifth year of the parenting themed podcast Modern Dadhood, and 2024 has found them celebrating present involved fatherhood with notable figures like U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, comedian Pete Holmes and former President Barack Obama photographer Pete Souza. You can find the podcast by searching “Modern Dadhood” on all major podcast platforms, or at ModernDadhood.com. Mary (Riordan) Menut went to Kenya and Tanzania with her husband and family this past summer on a safari! They spent over two weeks traveling between safari camps and cities, seeing everything from servals to rhinos to thousands of wildebeests out in the wild. Mary says it was an amazing trip with incredibly friendly and welcoming local people. On a sad note, Shawn Allaire of Windham passed away suddenly on May 26, 2023, after a brief illness at Massachusetts General Hospital. Shawn was always seeking adventure and loved nature. He had many passions; some of which included snowmobiling, fishing, the beach, visiting the White Mountains, basketball and the Boston Celtics. In his free time, Shawn enjoyed driving his antique 1968 Chevy C10, “Big Blue,” which he loved dearly. Shawn also loved to travel and explore different cultures — Italy was very close to his heart. Most of all Shawn loved his family and he will always be remembered for his enthusiastic sense of humor and dedication to them. Shawn’s family found a quote on his phone that perfectly describes him and his outlook on life; “Begin each day with ‘I get to’ instead of ‘I have to’ as each day is a blessing.”
2006
Greg Tapscott lives in Las Vegas and works for DraftKings. “I remember attending my first UNH hockey game at the age eight with a teammate on my Mite hockey team and his father, who was my baseball and hockey coach as a kid. Sadly, he recently passed away,” Greg writes, noting that he plans to make a donation to the men’s hockey team soon in his honor. “Attending my first UNH hockey game was surreal. I was transfixed. I vowed to attend UNH when I was of age and play for the hockey team.” Unfortunately, Greg’s father was diagnosed with cancer when he was 10, and his Wildcat hockey dreams did not materialize.
2007
Michael Patrick Antosh
Erika Lehman is the chief operating officer for USA Cycling. She was part of the U.S. delegation at the Olympics in Paris last summer, as the U.S. cycling team won six medals in their best showing since 1984. Leigh Soucy owns a store named The Thicket in Worcester, Massachusetts. She told me that the store sells “vintage and secondhand clothing … to fit folks in bigger bodies (large and up!)” The store has events every month to bring in customers. Karen Mercer passed away recently. She lived in Hudson and worked at NHTI as a professor of dental hygiene. Her obituary mentioned her love for her family and friends, the outdoors, art and music, and that she was a member at The First Church, in Nashua.
2008
Ruth Ogembo, who was a dual major in biology and international affairs and then earned her master’s in public health in 2012, writes with a family update: “My son just started his freshman year at UNH. He is a Paul Scholar, Hamel Scholar, honor student and member of the Marching Band. Very excited to see the Wildcat legacy continue in the family.” Hanh Doan (occupational therapy) writes, “I am happily married to my best friend and we have two wonderful boys — I couldn’t be more happy!”
2010
Alisha DiMasi writes, “UNH shaped me in many ways and while much has changed since my 2010 graduation, much has stayed the same. I am still using the education [bachelor’s and master’s in occupational therapy] and skills I learned, and now I have added a creative and personal twist. In 2024, I opened Well Within (www.wellwithinnh.com) and am offering occupational therapy consultation and sensory informed parent coaching directly to families. I have seen the power of parents and families and see them as integral to making sustainable and positive changes.” Alisha and husband David Etlinger have two children and live in Lyndeborough.
2012
Lilly Haley was invited by the IV Encontro Internacional de Clarinetistas de Belém to perform as a featured soloist in Pará, Brazil with the Amazônia Jazz Band last year. The performance took place in the city of Belém at Theatro da Paz (“Theater of Peace”), the first theater built in the Amazon and one of the most culturally significant buildings in the country. “During the festival I also had the opportunity to work with local music students and experience traditional Brazilian Choro music.” Brava, Lilly!
2013
Dani Olean writes, “This past June, I got the opportunity to embark on work-sponsored travel to China and Japan! As a dual major in communications and international affairs, this trip was the perfect culmination of my college studies and my current profession. I am currently leading the global ecommerce organization, within the online business unit, at Zoom video communications.” Olean traveled with her group to China to build more personal relationships with Zoom’s engineering counterparts and then stopped in Japan to meet with its small business sales teams. “All in all, the trip was incredibly beneficial in improving our relationships with other employees, understanding customers and how cultural nuances impact their preferences, and even getting to sightsee a bit!” Olean highly recommends reading the book, “The Culture Map” if you’re working in a global-team setting. “This book, paired with my travels, helped me understand and work effectively within cultural differences.” Dan Pelletier, theatre major, is celebrating 10 years of his award-winning community theatre group, Cue Zero Theatre Company with their 2025 season, featuring four main stage productions, experimental projects, adult education programs and more. Visit CZTheatre.com for more information.
Kirsten (Bruell) Stickney ’11 shares that she is currently the lead pharmacist at a CVSHealth specialty pharmacy in Portland, Maine, and she and her husband have 2-year-old twins. “This photo was taken by fellow UNH 2011 alum Iris Wilbur-Kamien,” she writes.
Dani Olean ’13 during work travels last June.
2014
Evan Beals, who works in the UNH undergraduate admissions office, shares, “I received an award from the Pennsylvania Association for College Admissions Counseling at our annual conference this summer: The Gary M. Kelsey Human Relations Award.” The award is given to a college counselor, school or organization who makes outstanding and voluntary contributions for the betterment of the community and students, particularly those who advance the human dignity of minorities and/or the disadvantaged. His nomination noted that Evan “is a highly regarded and valued colleague who, to our view, centers students in everything that he does. He is always thinking about the impact on students, particularly those who have traditionally been excluded from higher education and who most need our advocacy.” Evan was also recognized here at UNH with the Kidder Award significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community.
2016
Editor’s note: Samantha Gorski is temporarily stepping down from her role as class correspondent; she left her job with the UNH Social Media team to start a new gig at University of Hartford. She’ll be back at her alma mater’s class notes as soon as she’s settled in. In the meantime, you can send updates to classnotes.editor@unh.edu.
Brady Bilodeau (undergrad degree in business administration with concentrations in accounting and finance, master’s degree in accounting with a focus in taxation in 2017) has been promoted to senior manager in tax practice at accounting and advisory firm Baker Newman Noyes.
2017
Ian O’Dowd writes, “I graduated with my PhD in social psychology from the University of Minnesota in June 2024 and started a job as a research psychologist at the U.S. Department of Transportation/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in September 2024.” Congrats Ian!
2018
Malia Roberto (dual undergrad major in business administration: accounting and business administration: management, graduate degree in accounting in 2019) has been promoted to manager in the assurance practice at accounting and advisory firm Baker Newman Noyes.
2019
Rebecca Tourville and Anna Peaslee have both been promoted to manager in the assurance practice at accounting and advisory firm Baker Newman Noyes. Rebecca earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in business administration as well as a master’s degree in accounting. Anna earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in accounting and business management.
2020
Jenna O’del shares, “I’ve become the chair of the town of Coventry (Rhode Island) Land Trust. I’ve also been pursuing science writing, and have had five nonfiction pieces accepted for ’High Five,’ a young-reader’s magazine from the Highlights Foundation, with two published in 2024 and three more slated for this year. Jenna’s degree from UNH is in wildlife and conservation biology. Madeline Moynihan has been promoted to manager in the tax practice at accounting and advisory firm Baker Newman Noyes. While at UNH, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an option in accounting and a master’s degree in accounting in 2021. She joined the firm in 2021 after working as an intern there. Monica Hughes writes, “After graduation, I went to Charleston School of Law in South Carolina; I took and passed the bar in New York in July 2023. I now work in private practice in New York City: I do criminal defense at the Law Office of Stephen McCarthy.” Since being admitted to the New York Bar Association, she has also been admitted to the New Jersey bar and is awaiting admission in Connecticut. “My time at UNH prepared me for my future and current career. Every day is different for me in the criminal defense world. I owe a lot of my success to the career services team and faculty members.”
2021
Curtis Linton writes, “I recently got engaged and bought a home in Philadelphia. I am working at a tech startup focusing on autonomous robotics now and have had the ability to travel to Japan, China, Mexico, Finland, Norway and Canada over the past year for my job and South Korea and Greece for personal travel!” Curtis majored in mechanical engineering at UNH. Last fall he was honored at the UNH Diversity Hall of Fame (see story page 32).
2023
Marina Soares Duarte Silveira ’23 and family
Joseph Prescott writes, “Since graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering, I’ve finally married my husband and started a life together. While they finish their doctoral program in bioengineering, I’m working at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a waterfront engineering technician!” Since earning her master’s in early childhood education here, Marina Soares Duarte Silveira has been actively involved in both the educational field and personal projects. “Upon returning to Brazil, I secured a position at a private bilingual school where I teach children of various ages. This role has allowed me to implement the methodologies I studied at UNH. I’ve been able to cultivate a classroom environment that encourages children’s natural curiosity, empowering them to become engaged and active learners. I recently published my third book, ‘First Round Around the Sun,’ which explores my personal journey through motherhood. This project was especially meaningful to me as it allowed me to reflect on the transformative experience of becoming a mother and the many challenges and joys that come with it. Writing this book was both cathartic and a way to connect with others who are navigating similar life transitions.” Looking ahead, she plans to launch a podcast focusing on issues close to her heart: family, relationships, motherhood and life abroad. She says she misses UNH’s beautiful campuses and enjoying Dairy Bar salads. “I also deeply miss the profound and significant talks I shared with my colleagues from the Education Department. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to the world in multiple ways, both through education and storytelling, and I look forward to the new ventures that lie ahead.”