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Virginia Sullivan ’55 wrote in about a small alumni gathering this past April on Cape Cod. “We hung out for three days to reminisce and celebrate our friendship which has continued through five informal reunions of Chi Omega graduates,” said Virginia. In attendance were: Audrey Rose Littlefield ’52, a Documents Librarian in Newport, Rhode Island; Mary Grandfield Gallant ’52 with her husband, Bob, from Pittsfield; Virginia Sullivan Finn ’55, former Associate Dean at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge; and Jody Kennedy Caldwell ’52, and husband Cuyler Caldwell ’52, who own a marketing firm together in Atlanta. “Cuyler reminded us that when we all met as freshmen—tuition was $50 a semester. Staying in touch with UMass friends however is priceless.”
Joseph Larson ’56 writes, “I helped organize ‘Preserve UMass’ for the purpose of saving the historic buildings on the UMass Amherst campus. Anyone interested in more details should e-mail larson@tei.umass.edu.” (See “Building Consensus.”)
Stanley McDonald ’57, ’58G writes, “Just wanted all traditional jazz enthusiasts to know that the old New Orleans Jazz Doctors that I formed in 1954 at the University has morphed (since I left the New Black Eagle Jazz Band in 1981) into my Blue Horizon Jazz Band, which plays regularly at the Sherborn Inn (my home town since 1964). Check them out at bluehorizonjazzband.com.
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Joseph Mayo ’63 writes, “After graduating from UMass Amherst, I pursued my PhD in biochemistry at Michigan State University. A two-year post doc in Cleveland led me to medical school and I obtained my MD from Case Western Reserve University. I completed a three-year residency in pediatrics and joined the University of Missouri as assistant professor in Child Health. After six years in academia, I entered private practice in Columbia, Missouri, and in 2004, retired after 19 years. I now live in Greenfield and currently teach human anatomy/physiology, chemistry, and human nutrition at Greenfield Community College. I have two children and three grandchildren. I enjoy hiking, biking, reading, and even write a little. My grandchildren keep me young and happy. I have visited the Chemistry Department at UMass and have enjoyed meeting my former mentors. Life is good. Drop me a note and let me know what’s happening.”
Sheila Roy ’63 and her husband, Real, live in Fairfield, Connecticut, where they own Cachet, an upscale furniture consignment shop featuring antiques and estate jewelry. Their store was voted Best Consignment Shop in Fairfield County 2007. See more at cachetconsignment.com.
James Kaplan ’64 retired in Spring 2008 after 33 years as a French professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He published extensively in 18th Century French literature and in Swedish American subjects. He founded the Swedish Cultural Heritage Society of the Red River Valley and was knighted by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden for his service to the Swedish American community. Jim will retire at his home in Fargo, North Dakota. E-mail Jim at kaplan@mnstate.edu.
Marilyn Gates (Mongeau) Ishler ’65 retired as director of the South Hadley Council on Aging in 1999. Her daughter is Meredith Mongeau ’98 whose son, Michael, is currently a student at UMass Amherst. “As an avid Red Sox fan who has season tickets for spring training, I’m wondering if anyone would be interested in a UMass Amherst Reunion in Fort Myers during March 2008.” She can be reached at mgiretired@comcast.net.
Bill Knecht ’65 writes, “Currently chairman, board of directors of ERACE, a grassroots, all volunteer organization devoted to addressing racism by bringing different cultures together to talk face-to-face in an atmosphere of safety. Their mission statement is: ERACISM...seeking ways to treat all colors with love and respect, through person-to-person communication.
Joanne Gillis-Donovan ’66, a clinical associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Nursing, celebrated her 10th anniversary in June as president and CEO of Melmar, the Berwyn-based nonprofit provider of services for people with disabilities.
Alexander Dean ’67 is proud to announce the birth of his second grandchild, James William.
Karen (Morin) Hawkins ’67 writes, “I’ve been appointed to the first national advisory commission for the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility for a three-year term commencing January, 2008.” She was also nominated chair-elect of the Taxation Section of the American Bar Association and began her term in August. A principal with the tax law firm of Taggart & Hawkins, Karen practices in the area of civil and criminal tax controversy.
Robert Lebel ’67G was, for the past five years, a senior clinical geneticist and director of the programs in fetal autopsy, adult-onset genetic disease, and bioethics at the Greenwood Genetic Center in South Carolina. In July he joined the faculty of the State University of New York Medical Center, Syracuse, where he is chief of the Medical Genetics Section, professor of pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics-gynecology and pathology, and lecturer in bioethics. He is a Founding Fellow of the American College of Clinical Genetics, has published more than 200 items on a wide variety of subjects, and currently serves on the Genetics Taskforce of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Theodore Monette ’67 was recently appointed to a senior executive position at the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. As director of Federal Coordinating Officer Operations, he is responsible for the professional development and management of senior federal officials who lead and manage major and emergency disasters through-out the nation.
Rick Cheney ’69 married Meredith Miller in March 2007. He’s a professor of biology at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, where they live.
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Jill Fenner ’70 received an award for her dedication to fighting housing discrimination from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Region VII. She is currently the director of the Fair Housing Center of Nebraska/Iowa, a private, nonprofit organization that investigates fair housing complaints and advocates for equal rights in housing.
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Paul Gerstein, a member of the medical staff of Holyoke Medical Center since 1990, has been elected chief of the department of emergency medicine. He lives in Amherst.
Mary Keane received a master’s degree in social work from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., in May 2007.
Judith Malone, an accomplished counselor and advocate with broad experience representing clients in higher education and other nonprofit activities, has been named general counsel at Bentley College.
Alan Searleman has been named Dana Professor at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.
Howard Michael Sokolow, a first assistant federal public defender for the southern district of Texas, was appointed a member of the Texas Board of Law Examiners by the Texas Supreme Court. Michael, who earned his PhD from Ohio State and his JD from the University of Texas, received the Outstanding Assistant Federal Defender award from the National Association of Federal Defenders in 2005.
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Albert Kelley writes, “I’ve been a widower since July, 2007, after 31 years of marriage. No children. Since 1998, I’ve spent winters in Sarasota, Florida, and summers in Merrimack, New Hampshire. I’m active in the Longboat Key Club and support Ringling Museum and various performing arts organizations in Sarasota. Since 2002 I have been president and CEO of OpenMed Technologies, a medical software company.”
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Michael Brown writes, “I was one of the first people to have been in the Bachelors Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC) program at UMass Amherst majoring in literature and Third World Studies. This program allowed me to do a lot of independent study work, one year of which occurred in Africa.” Michael is president of the nonprofit, Innovative Resources Management, located in Washington, D.C., but works primarily in Africa. For more information visit irmgt.com.
Mary Lenox is the recipient of the 2008 Golden Alumna Award from Chicago State University.
Alvin Onaka of Hawaii has received a career achievement award from the National Association of Public Health Statistics and Information Systems.
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Sheila (Inderlied) Davis writes, “I became a tenured associate professor at CSU/Long Beach after graduation from UMass Amherst. I was recruited by Ohio State University for the first joint appointment in business and women’s studies where I taught for nine years. I left teaching and became an organizational consultant. I now live and work in Southern California as senior vice president for learning and development with Zula USA. Zula produces a television series that airs on PBS stations nationally and internationally. The Zula Patrol, teaches children 3 to 7 years old about astronomy and natural science. Friends can e-mail me at sheila@zula.com.
Christine Ericson writes, “Hi! I was on the official election ballot in Vermont for the general election in November as a candidate for governor and candidate for United States Congress. In Vermont, an independent candidate may choose descriptive words after their name on the ballot rather than ‘independent’ in order to distinguish themselves from other independent candidates. (In Vermont, ‘independent’ is not a political party.) My website changes frequently, and I am always open to suggestions! Visit crisericson.com.”
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Walter Berger ’77 has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer at Leap Wireless International, Inc., a wireless communications company in San Diego.
Wendy (Geilich) Capland writes, “Although I majored in elementary education at UMass Amherst, I only taught fifth grade for four years before moving into the business world and starting a career in Human Resources. Since 1987, I have been CEO of Vision Quest Consulting, a management consulting firm that specializes in coaching, training, and consulting with corporate executives to help them leverage and improve their leadership skills.(visionquestconsulting.com). I am also the Creator of The Magic Parties, an organization of women supporting women (themagicparties.com). I am married to Christopher Michaud and together we have four children, Andrew, Abigail, Kristen, and Adam. Andrew ’08 recently followed in his parent’s footsteps and graduated from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He’s currently looking for a job in Internet marketing and digital media. Abigail is completing her sophomore year at AIC and Adam and Kristen live in Maine with blossoming careers and full lives. All is good in our household!”
Jay Reubens writes, “It can’t be almost 30 years, can it? I have great memories of my UMass days.” Jay built a successful dental practice in Brookline and is also the inventor of the world’s first touch-free soap dispenser. “After retiring from practicing dentistry, I founded UltraClenz in 1995, now the leader in the market.” In 2005, he formed SafeHands, Inc, patenting a new, alcohol-free alternative to Purell. For more information visit safehands4u.com. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida, and has a 13-year-old daughter.
Lori (Kessler) Shemtob recently spoke to the Lehigh Valley Psychological Association on “Marriage, Divorce, and Custody: What Therapists Need to Know About Pennsylvania Laws.” Her talk covered all aspects of divorce, separation, custody, abuse, and protection orders and was aimed at giving the psychologist attendees a better understanding of the legal and financial realities of separation and divorce so they can better serve their clients. Lori is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an honor bestowed on only 65 attorneys in Pennsylvania.
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Jane (Cronin) Feroli, was awarded the Distinguished Community Outreach Partnership Award from UMass Amherst in April. She was also recognized at the 2008 graduate commencement ceremony in May. She is the specialist for Parent Involvement for the Brockton Public Schools. Previously she taught in the system at the secondary level for 15 years.
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Thomas Fil and Marilyn Gorman are happy to announce their marriage on June 2, 2007. Thomas is one of five children who graduated from UMass Amherst during the ’70s and ’80s. His siblings are Kathleen Fil ’82, Elizabeth (Fil) Vachula ’76, Stephen Fil ’84, and Mary (Fil) Kirk ’79, ’97.
Tammy (Tower) Quinn writes, “I received my CAGS in educational leadership and administration from Fitchburg State College in May. I am the academic coordinator at Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole.”
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Robert MacDonald, a member of the Rotary Club in West Springfield since 1982, recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Rotary Foundation.
Edward Panetta, debate coach at the University of Georgia, recently received the Glen Pelham Coach of the Year Award, given to a prominent collegiate coach. His top squad won last year’s Copeland Award as the best debate team in the country. This school year marks his twentieth as UGA’s debate coach, and to celebrate, Georgia debate alumni recently endowed the Ed Panetta Permanent Debate Fund, helping to ensure the long-term viability of intercollegiate debate at the University of Georgia. He writes, “Upon my arrival in Athens, I took over a program that was not competitive with other national collegiate debate programs and quickly brought it to national prominence.”
Brian Stewart was recently appointed executive vice president and chief investment officer at Middlesex Savings Bank in Natick. He lives in Walpole with his wife, Brenda, and their two sons. He would like to hear from his fellow Bakerites and can be reached at bstewart@middlesexbank.com.
C. Veronica Guerra Varno is executive director of the International Center of Syracuse and a regular columnist for the Skaneateles Journal in New York.
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Timothy Butler has been named president and chief executive officer of the Legal Broadcast Network, an Internet media company.
Wayne Mellinger, a sociology professor at Antioch University Santa Barbara, recently accepted a position as homelessness prevention program manager at Transition House in Santa Barbara, California.
Scott Pollard has been named vice president and chief financial officer of the power generation business at GE Energy in Schenectady, New York.
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Alan Abend writes, “Work reality struck and I decided to make a change and be my own boss. I started my own business where I can work from home and, soon, will say good-bye to commuting and hello to family time and more income.
Clayton Barrows ’82, ’87G, ’90G writes, “My family and I have moved back to New England after living away for 18 years—most recently in Canada.” He is a professor in the department of hospitality management at the University of New Hampshire. “We are enjoying the area, the university, and being back in New England again. Old friends and classmates should feel free to get in touch.”
Jon Borderud writes, “I just settled what many are calling the largest class-action settlement in United States history. On May 30, an article appeared on the front page of the Los Angeles Times about the settlement (right below a picture of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers winning the Western Conference Championship). There are other articles about the settlement that ran in papers across the country. Most UMass grads are probably members of the settlement class, so go to listclassaction.com right away and file your claim. Keats, where are you? Give me a shout out. I can be reached at borderudlaw@ca.rr.com.”
Donna (Files) Doherty and Bernie Doherty celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last summer. Donna owns a pet-sitting business and Bernie works as a civil engineer-estimator for S&R Construction. They live in Ashburnham and have four children. Their oldest son, Derek ’08, graduated from UMass Amherst this May and is planning to attend law school. Their younger son, Conor, is a sophomore. They would love to hear from old friends, especially any of their Coolidge buddies. E-mail Donna at skydiver6@comcast.net or Bernie at berniedoherty@comcast.net.
Rosemary Noon is one of six Massachusetts residents who will be recognized as leaders of distinction at a gala event sponsored by the Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro. Rosemary lives in Lowell, and was selected in the arts and communications category. The Medallion Awards for Leaders of Distinction were conceived to applaud the leadership contributions of residents and former residents of New England who have a connection to the Notre Dame community and to acknowledge these individuals as examples to future generations.
Richard Sobel is a visiting professor at the Medill School at Northwestern University, teaching “The Press, Pentagon, and Public,” after developing a proposal for a program on national security and civil liberties reporting. He was also an amici curiae in the 2008 United States Supreme Court case, “Crawford vs. Marion County Election Board,” challenging the constitutionality of denying the right to vote to citizens who do not have government photo identification. He also recently published an article on “The HIPAA Paradox: The Privacy Rule That’s Not,” in the Hastings Center Record.
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Paul Healy has been named vice president and chief communications officer at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Previously he served as vice president of marketing and public affairs at Holy Redeemer Health System in suburban Philadelphia.
Darryl Hubbard was recently promoted to global procurement manager for the reference labs division of IDEXX Laboratories. IDEXX, a leader in companion animal health, operates a growing network of 40-plus veterinary labs worldwide. Darryl lives in Damariscotta, Maine, with wife Sara and their children. The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this fall. Their daughter Melissa graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 2007 and is employed by IDEXX as a marketing associate for the digital imaging business. Their son, Mark, is entering his junior year at Fitchburg State College as a communications major (in film production and writing) and will study abroad in London next spring. Darryl would like to hear from fellow UMass and Pike (Pi Kappa Alpha, Theta Mu) alumni and can be reached at 4hubbs@tidewater.net.
Benjamin Magoun writes, “Life has changed a lot since my days at UMass Amherst. After graduation, I co-owned JB’s Roast Beef and then Buffalo Bills. My wife, Donna, and I had two children and tried the suburban life in Boston. In a moment of deep thought, it occurred to me that I had never met anyone who had retired and moved from Florida to Boston. Looking for that edge, I decided to get to Florida ahead of the rest of you. I’m interested in starting a local chapter here in Naples. Let me know if you are likeminded, on your way here or just interested in checking in.” E-mail him at macgowen07@embargmail.com.
Barrie (Freeman) Rappaport writes, “A big hello to my classmates from the early/mid ’80s. I’m interested in catching up with some of my old friends from Leach, SDT (and other Greeks), and marketing/business classes. I currently live in the Chicago suburbs with my husband of almost 15 years and our two beautiful girls, 13 and 9. I’m working from home as a product manager for an information/technology firm in New Jersey. My work focuses on consumer market research—so those classes did pay off. My husband is in the ASI (promotional products) industry. Life is crazy but we wouldn’t have it any other way. I can be reached at bifrap1@comcast.net.”
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Stacy (Schott) Dietzler was recently named a 2008 Goody Team StayPut sponsored athlete for triathlons and running. She has been with the American Cancer Society’s national home office in Atlanta for the past 10 years, starting as the director of communications and, more recently, director of strategic planning and program development. Her husband of 13 years, Terry, is president of the DSW Group, a computer consulting and training firm. Stacy can be reached at sdietzler@mindspring.com.
John Ward was recently selected to co-chair the international intellectual property law committee of the Boston Bar Association. In addition, he was elected to the board of trustees of Greater Boston Legal Services, an organization which provides free legal assistance to low income people in Boston and the surrounding communities. John, global trademark counsel for Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, a division of Novartis AG of Basel, Switzerland, earned his law degree at University of Illinois College of Law. He began his legal career in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, and served in the Persian Gulf and Europe.
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Chad Stalker an LED lighting industry veteran, has been named director of product marketing for Luminus Devices. His responsibilities will include expanding existing product lines and developing new offerings for Luminus’ rapidly growing solid-state lighting business.
Marcy (Krich) Tanter ’96G was recently named director of graduate studies in English at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, a branch of the Texas A&M system.
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Jennie Anderson writes, “I have just recently been ordained an Episcopal priest and am working as pastoral associate at the Church of St. Andrew in Marblehead.” She received her master’s of divinity last spring from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. “I am certainly having an adventure through all this and am ever hopeful that all will continue to work out well. Peace.”
John Hayes writes, “I have been working as a public defender since 2000, after getting my law degree from Boston College. I am currently working in Boston and living in Salem. I would love to hear from the old BOG crowd, especially Skate. I’m easy to find at Committee for Public Counsel Services in Boston, and at questionofcompetency@comcast.net.”
David Sharin and Elissa Sharin are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Julia Raye. She was born in August in North Shore University Hospital Manhasset, and weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz. She joins her sister, Amy Rose, 5, and brother, Matthew Isaac, 3. They live in Atlantic Beach, New York. E-mail David at dsharin@optonline.net.
Timothy Smith has retired after a successful mortgage career of 20 years and opened Smile-Therapy. He writes, “Smile-Therapy received two awards for its outstanding website from the famous Coolsiteoftheday.com and Coolpick.com.” Check it out for fun, tips, information, and great wisdom at smile-therapy.com. “Everyone needs Smile-Therapy— they just may not know it yet!”
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Timothy Pitney recently accepted a position at Sapers & Wallack located in Newton, as vice president, investment advisory. He was recently employed as senior vice president at Fidelity Investments, National Sales. “After 12 years at Fidelity working with corporations on their retirement plans, I wanted to make a change and help individuals with their retirement and total wealth needs. The challenge to individuals in an aging population is shifting from wealth accumulation to wealth preservation and distribution as they approach and then live through retirement.”
Thomas Senecal has been appointed executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer of Peoples Bank, a community bank in Western Massachusetts.  As a CPA, he possesses over 20 years of banking and financial services experience. Previously he was senior vice president, CFO, and treasurer for Florence Savings Bank.
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Tim Durkin writes, “I just returned from Hajduboszormeny, Hungary, where I was part of a Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village program. I joined a group of 14 strangers to help families to build modest homes for themselves and their children. By the end of the week we had become great friends. It was a great way to help others and to see a new country and culture.”
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Donna (Stirton Glashow) Dragon earned a PhD in dance and a graduate certificate in women’s studies from Temple University on May 22, 2008.
Michael Gwozdz writes, “I was recently named chief underwriting officer–energy for Liberty Mutual’s newly formed specialty lines business unit in Boston. My wife, Lauren ’89, and I still live in Medway and can be reached at umass90@verizon.net.”
Patrick Lavoie is proud to announce the birth of twin baby girls, Genevieve Anna and Maeve Veronica, on December 31, 2007, in Weymouth. They weighed 7 lbs, 2 oz and 5 1bs, 5 oz respectively. “Dad, mom, Anne Marie, and new babies are all doing great!”
Jay Libby recently received his master’s of divinity with honors from Andover Newton Theological School and has been ordained as a Unitarian Universalist minister. Jay will began a residency in hospital chaplaincy at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston in September.
Michelle (Veno) Roberts was named a governor of the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C. She is the founder and creator of the Boston-based Ecohealth Homes and Ecohealth Furniture–designing and building affordable healthy housing and communities.
Philip H. Thorn, Jr. and Jennifer Thorn of Duxbury, are pleased to announce the birth of a baby girl, Elizabeth Ellen, on February 13, 2008. “Big sister, Kirsten Margaret, 2, is also thrilled!”
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Cailin Gibbons works as an independent writer and editor and can be reached through elance.com as the Celtic Writer. “My blog is cailinscoffeethoughts.blogspot.com.”
Natasha Gural writes, “As editor-in-chief of Markets Media magazine, I’m eagerly awaiting the second issue. The launch, available as a PDF on the digital online daily news platform, marketsmediaonline.com, has been met with overwhelming praise.” She says traffic on the daily website continues to grow. “Markets Media covers a large swath of the securities industry from the perspective of institutions, hedge funds, broker-dealers, exchanges, alternative trading platforms, service providers and regulators. It also offers conferences as an expanded forum for industry leaders.” Previously, she worked for nine years at The Associated Press, most recently as a supervisory editor in business news. Markets Media launched its website in January and the magazine in March. Markets Media Live kicked off with its first conference in Toronto on April 1. “Please, take advantage of free registration to the website.” She can be reached at natasha@marketsmediallc.com.
Ingrid (Melton) Kushinsky writes, “I’ve been married for almost eight years to a wonderful man, Jon, whom I met 11 years ago in Fort Lauderdale. We have a 5 year-old son, David, who is the light of our life.” After graduating from UMass Amherst with a degree in English, and not wanting to teach, she found her niche in commercial lease administration. “I went back to school and obtained my paralegal certificate from Bentley College in Waltham and have been steadily working my way up the corporate ladder. I have worked for national retailers as well as publicly traded real estate investment trusts. Currently I am a director at Clarks Companies, manufacturer of the Clarks/Bostonian brands of shoes. I’d love to hear from anyone from 4th floor Field (circa 1989-1991)! E-mail me at kushinsky@rcn.com.”
Scott Maratea writes, “I live on the Rhode Island shore with my wife of 12 years, Amy, and our three children. I am the director of sales for The TriZetto Group, headquartered in California.”
William (Bill) O’Leary is the chief marketing officer and assistant vice president for marketing and communications at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Laura Price and Eric Archey are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Milo Price Archey, born on June 5, 2007.
Mark Wagner recently completed a PhD in education at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. His dissertation, “Sources of the Communicative Body,” will be published this year. He lives with his wife, Monica, and son, Myles, on a microfarm in central Massachusetts.
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Jeff Alexander has launched his photography website, jeffalphoto.com, showcasing his work and travels from around the world from Southeast Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and beyond.
Valerie (Shaw) Cullen and Garrett Cullen are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Gavin. He was born on January 22, 2008, in Cary, North Carolina, and weighed 6 lbs., 8 oz.. Gavin joins his big sister Sylvie, 4. Valerie is currently an administrator in the office of study abroad at
Duke University.
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Scott (Macey) Gordon works for Daniel S. Allen Financial Planning Services in Brattleboro, Vermont, an office of MetLife. He was recently named MetLife’s Rookie Financial Planner of the Year for his outstanding performance as a newcomer to the financial planning business. He received his MBA from Babson College and continues to be involved with Babson’s coaching for leadership.
William Perry recently accepted a position as conservation planner at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in Honolulu, Hawaii. “Our family is very excited about the opportunity to explore and learn about a very different part of the world than western Massachusetts! My wife, Danielle ’01G, is busy home-schooling our two daughters. We’d love to hear from old friends!” Reach him at billsbrews@gmail.com.
Catherine Stone recently accepted a position at Exemplar Law Partners, LLC, in Boston, as an attorney and vice president. Exemplar Companies is a collaboration between a law firm and a business solutions firm and the first corporate law firm to abandon hourly billing in favor of a fixed-price model. Revolve, the latest venture of Exemplar Companies, is designed specifically for the startup organization. She writes, “If you would like to learn more about the Exemplar/Revolve value-based model, please do not hesitate to contact me at (617) 542-7400 or cstone@exemplarlaw.com.”
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James Balcius received a master’s in public health in global emergency preparedness and response from San Diego State University in May of 2008.
Anatoly Darov of Winchester is the recipient of the 2008 civil and environmental engineering Junior Alumni Award from UMass Amherst. The award recognizes graduates from the civil engineering program who have distinguished themselves through their technical and professional accomplishments. Anatoly is a civil engineer and active in the Boston Society of Civil Engineers where he currently serves as president-elect. He is also a member of the American and Boston Bar Associations. His practice focuses on real estate development and construction law.
Michael Delcheccolo has been named vice president, engineering, for Raytheon Company’s integrated defense systems (IDS). He is also the IDS business representative on the Raytheon Company engineering leadership team. His responsibilities include leading all engineering activities within IDS, including the development and management of technology, execution of advanced programs, coordination of strategic architecture initiatives, and continuous improvement of processes and tools.
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Jill (Richmond) Cayen and David Cayen ’92 are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Amelia Faith, born on September 14, 2007, in Springfield.
Thomas Hoyt, a vice president at Franklin Templeton Investments’ New York Stock Exchange Division, has been awarded the Investment Management Consultants Association’s Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designation. He joined the Nashville-based company in 2005 and is responsible for promoting Franklin Templeton investment solutions to financial advisors in Tennessee and northern Alabama. The CIMA designation identifies those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements, have successfully completed investment management coursework and have passed the CIMA examination.
Eules (Hood) Tracy received a master’s in education from UMass Boston on May 30, 2008.
Peter Wolly and Dana Horowitz are proud to announce the birth of twins, Jordan Scott and Brooke Eva Wolly, on April 9, 2008, in Stamford, Connecticut. “Mommy, Daddy, and kids are doing well!”
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Alexander Kasendorf and his wife, Christina, are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Noah Charles, on February 20, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. He weighed 8 lb., 11 oz. “Noah is disappointed that the Minutemen didn’t make the tournament, but otherwise he is doing great!”
Richard Miska writes, “Heather (McCarthy) Miska ’97 was awarded Yale-New Haven Hospital’s 2008 Nurse of the Year for Excellence in the charge nurse role.” Richard is manager, transport engineering services, at ESPN.
Sue Murphy married Eric Welch on July 14, 2007, at the Brookside Club in Bourne. They honeymooned in Hawaii and spent three weeks traveling across the country. Guests included Jody (King) Camarra ’95, Claudia (Morales) Bennett ’97, Jason Bennett ’98, Bridgett (Nowd) McAlice, Staci Barchi ’97, Elena (Rozzi) Pellegrino ’96, and Melanie Roy ’97.
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Robert Braathe was recently promoted to full-time business faculty at SUNY Delhi/Schenectady County Community College branch located in Schenectady, New York. He has been teaching for the past two semesters there as an adjunct, and most recently worked as a visiting professor at SUNY Cobleskill.
Sarah (Matthews) Coughlin is a realtor at Windermere Exclusive Properties in San Diego, California.
Nicole Maria Dondero writes, “I still need your generosity! I am founder of the nonprofit, A Gift From An Angel, which helps less-fortunate newborns and children in hospitals, DSS, and medical centers. To learn how you can help, please go to giftfromangel.org. Thank you so much!“
Julie (Landry) Hett is proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Anna, on December 8, 2007.
Patrick Keating married Julie Kimball on August 16, 2008, at the Ritz Carlton in Boston. They honeymooned in Mexico. Julie is a VP account director at MPG; Patrick manages inside sales for the East Coast for Optaros and is an MBA candidate at Babson College. They live in Wellesley with their
portly pug, Norman.
Kevin Murphy and Kathleen (Goreham) are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Molly Elizabeth, born on February 20, 2008.
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Julie (Anderson) Dore and Christian Dore are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Anderson Rodney. He was born on November 21, 2007, in Weymouth, and weighed 10 lbs., 1 oz. “He is our first child and a joy.”
Rachel (Revell) Fournier and Keith Fournier are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Grant Xavier. He was born on May 1, 2007. Natalie, 3, is thrilled to be a big sister.
Taryn (Scott) Gerrish and David Gerrish ’96 are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Eliza Rose. She was born on September 25, 2007, in Keene, New Hampshire, and weighed 8 lb., 12 oz. “We’re so excited about the birth of our first child!”
Tejal Joshi Kaji is happy to announce her marriage to Niraj Kaji on July 21, 2007, in St. Michael’s, Maryland. The couple currently lives in Baltimore.
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Jennifer (Faucette) Colby and Brian Colby were married on May 31, 2008, at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson. Best man was Adam Hansley ’00 and groomsman Sean Conlon ’01. Guests included Lisa Luneau (Whitehead) ’97 and Tony Luneau ’97, Rob Archer ’98, Christina Divincenzo ’04, Lia Nalewak ’99, John Dzaugis ’84, Tom Dzaugis ’80, Chris Lavin ’02, Nick Vale and Gwen Gustavson. The Colby’s live in Worcester and can be reached at jfaucette@gmail.
Kathleen Forrest and Adam Fresia ’01 are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Jack William Fresia, born on January 19, 2007, in Sacramento, California.
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Kofi Cash was recently promoted to director of quality management at Speare Memorial Hospital located in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Previously he was a healthcare performance improvement consultant in Sacramento. “I have finally returned to New England after six years out west. I am excited about the new directorship opportunity at Speare Hospital and look forward to building an effective and efficient quality program that benefits the well-being of patients.” In March 2008, he was accepted into the UMass Club in downtown Boston.
Shannon Downey is the owner of Chicago’s first green event planning company. Pivotal Production is dedicated to producing innovative events that are environmentally and socially responsible. Learn more at pivotalproduction.com.
Amy (Whitcher) Farrell was recently promoted to an assistant vice president position within Enterprise Credit Risk Management at Bank of America. She currently lives in Weymouth with her husband, Peter ’98.
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Jim Franklin and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their son, Henry James, to the world on October 3. Henry and his parents are settling in nicely in East Lyme, Connecticut, where Jim is working as a senior financial advisor for Pfizer.
Mark Russell Gallagher began graduate study towards his PhD in English at the University of California, Los Angeles this fall. A former microbiologist, he gave up a career in the laboratory to follow his passion for American literature, which includes the work of such authors as Herman Melville and Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau’s Walden inspired Mark to read other American texts of the 19th century with an ecocritical eye towards the construction of American nationality and a spatial ontology. He currently works as a digital archivist for the Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods in Concord.
Karen Graubart recently accepted a position as associate professor of history at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Previously she worked in the same capacity at Cornell. She writes, “My son Mateo and I promise not to root for the Irish over the Minutemen.”
Kathrine Grogan, four-time Water Polo All-America selection at UMass Amherst, was named to the Collegiate Water Polo Association Hall of Fame. She lives in Irvine, California, with her husband, Oscar Alaniz.
Emily Livingston and Chris Mirakian ’98 were married in September 2008 in Newport, Rhode Island.
Shana Orczyk received a master’s of business administration in global financial analysis from Bentley College in May 2007 and works at Peak Financial Management in Waltham. Formerly, she was an equity portfolio analyst-hedge funds at Russell Investments. She writes, “After personally experiencing the turmoil associated with working directly for a hedge fund, and taking some time to explore the West Coast, I’m happy to be back east. My new role allows me to directly influence and make investment decisions for the firm’s portfolio of over $400m.” She appeared on CNBC’s Power Lunch in August.
Jacqueline Voye and E.J Quinlan were married on September 6, in Winthrop. She writes, “We have known each other for a long time, having grown up in the same town and, being two years apart in age, had many friends in common. It took until 2006 for me to realize that this boy from next door was my Prince Charming. After dating only a few months E.J. popped the question and I said yes.”
Stephanie Yellin and Kevin Long were married on May 4, 2008 in Philadelphia where they live. Jennifer Mayer Cox and Matt Cox were both in the wedding party.
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Tina Lesniak ’07G and Robert Smith were married on October 7, 2007 in Monson. They live in Chicopee, and were expecting their first child in September. Lindsey Gouvin ’06 served as maid of honor and Kate (Fredette) Kos ’00 attended.
Evan Weisman writes, “I recently completed my MBA with a concentration in real estate development at George Washington University and was named development manager at DRI, a full-service commercial real estate development firm in Washington, D.C.” While at UMass he lived in the field house in Orchard Hill and later Alpine Commons. He welcomes UMass friends to contact him at evan.weisman@gmail.com.
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Steven Belec recently accepted a position at the Boston Public Health Commission as the director of the mayor’s health line. He left his position at Fenway Community Health Center as assistant manager of outreach and education programs. “This new position will allow me to continue my growth in the nonprofit sector and continue to serve the needs of underprivileged and underserved populations.”
Erica Gagne is the founder and President of 4 Point Training Solutions. She writes, “During my tenure as a compliance investigator and outreach and education specialist with state civil rights agencies, I realized some of the issues identified and brought forth as discrimination claims were more accurately conflicts resulting from communication failures. 4 Point Training Solutions provides businesses the professional skills and knowledge to respond to communication issues and create healthy workplace environments through strong equal employment and fair housing practices.”
Meghan (Hastings) Valle and Thomas Valle have two children, Nathaniel Thomas, and Charlotte Marie. Meghan works as an American Heart Association account manager with the Channing Bete Company in South Deerfield; Thomas is a firefighter/paramedic with the Amherst Fire Department.
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Elspeth Amegayibor is the dean of student and community affairs at Ashesi University in Ghana. She writes, “My greatest challenge has been working in a country where lack of infrastructure such as reliable water and power supply hinders the smooth operations of this institution. My greatest joy has been speaking with students with a fervent desire to effect change in their communities. It’s been a wonderful challenge encouraging students to understand and get on board the Ashesi mission for a better Ghana and Africa.“
John Caron writes, “I am happy to inform you that I graduated from Simmons College with a master’s in library and information science in May. While there, my photography from Maui and Maine, along with my poetry, were selected to appear in Sidelines Magazine, a Simmons College publication. My photograph, “Lupines of Kennebunkport, Maine,” placed first in the summer photography contest at the Boston Public Library–West End Branch.”
Kori Chambers recently accepted a position at WFLD Channel 32 located in Chicago. He will be joining the “Good Day Chicago” news program responsible for reporting and anchoring duties. He has also worked at WGGB-TV 40 in Springfield and at news stations in Las Vegas and Detroit.
Erica Mattison recently completed her master’s in public administration at Suffolk University.
Michaella Morzuch ’08G writes, “I received a master’s degree in public policy and administration from UMass Amherst in May and work as a research analyst at Mathematical Policy Research.“
Jillian Roszhart and Tim Letteney ’02 were married on August 15 in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
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Michael Alden and Maria Franco ’06 were married in July in Worcester.
Patrick Brown recently joined Borrego Solar as an energy consultant and will be working with residential and commercial customers to determine their energy needs and design a completely customized solar energy system. E-mail him at patrick.brown.j@gmail.com.
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Agnes Abera-Kanyamuhungu was named State Minister for Agriculture in Rwanda, Africa. She received her PhD in entomology in the department of Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences from UMass Amherst.
Steven Belmarsh has been named the business development and sales manager in the TD Banknorth branch in Boston. He is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the branch, developing and overseeing small business loans, deposit accounts, consumer lending, and investment and insurance services.
Brady Chianciola has been named assistant vice president, regional manager of Peoples Bank. He completed the bank’s management development program and previously served as branch manager at the Chicopee office. He is responsible for overseeing daily operations, sales, and service activities of the East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Springfield, and Westfield offices.
Irene Ibanez-Manlapaz (G) graduated from Concord Law School of Kaplan University with an executive JD in March in Los Angeles, California. She is partner at Alexandria Pathology Laboratory and a pathologist at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. She is also the medical director of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Laboratory.
Jillian Pastori received her MEd from Lesley University in May.
Wesley Piermarini competed in Beijing as a member of the United States Olympic men’s rowing team. His rowing career began at the UMass Amherst’s men’s club team and he trained closely with UMass women’s rowing coach, Jim Dietz.
Jessica Stelmok and Daniel Sabourin are happy to announce their engagement. The wedding ceremony will take place on August 1, 2009. The two met through friends and were engaged on February 28, 2008.
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Jessica DaSilva is appearing in her first movie, Bruce Willis’ Surrogates, with a release date of spring 2009.
Melissa Mathews and Paul DuBois ’05 were married on July 26 in Worcester. Among the UMass alumni attending were Marlena Mathews ’08, Molly (Stevens) DuBois ’03, Joanna Grigas ’05, Elyse Fosse ’05, Sean DuBois ’04, Calen Brait ’05, Jared Lucey ’07, Eunice Rodrigues ’06, Jacqueline Padula ’06, and Amanda McEvoy ’06. Paul is a philosophy PhD student at Syracuse University; Melissa is a registered nurse in labor and delivery. The couple lives in Syracuse, New York.
Katie-Rose Radin and William Wagner are engaged and plan to marry this December. They met in 2005 at Worcester Dining Commons where they were introduced by Jennifer McRobbie. Katie writes, “We began our relationship with weekly lunches at the Hatch food court after William was finished driving his shift for UMass Transit.” Katie is one of nine immediate family members to attend UMass.
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Alicia Zitka of West Springfield was crowned Miss Massachusetts 2008 and will compete for the title of Miss America in January 2009 in Las Vegas.