Knox Magazine — Summer 2024

FROM RADICAL TO ROUTINE

How Immersive Terms

Revolutionized the Knox Education

Nathalie C. Haurberg ’06

Associate Professor of Physics Nathalie Hauberg ’06 graduated from Knox with a degree in physics and continued research as an astronomer at the University of Indiana. She returned to Knox as a professor in 2013 to help build Knox’s astronomy program. “I was brought back by my love for Knox. I wanted to teach at a small liberal arts school,” Hauberg said. She moved into her office in 2013, where she now spends her time designing astronomy classes, advising students, and overseeing operations of the Knox observatory.

Welcome to her office.

Dinosaur Telephone

It’s an old touch tone telephone from the 1980s, I believe. The back of the dinosaur picks up and works as the handset. Underneath the rock is the dial pad. When it rings, it roars. The skeleton riding it is just an accessory that’s been added for fun.

Cat astronaut painting

This painting was given to me by some of my students. They thought that it represented me because I’m really into cats and really into space.

Planisphere Disc

I got this planisphere disc in the ’80s when I was maybe eight years old from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. I've had it ever since. It shows you what the planets and the stars look like at night. I still use it as a demonstration in class.

Student Paintings and Photographs

In one of my introductory astronomy classes, there’s a project where you have to use what you learn creatively, such as a painting. One of my students made a set of paintings to represent Doppler shift and, at the end of the term, left both with me. There are other paintings students have made and given to me, along with photographs they have taken during their studies.

Rodent Figures

These little guys were gifts to me. One of them was from a friend and the other from my husband. They are cute little things to remind me that the world’s not so bad after all.

Astronomy-themed tokens

These are tokens that I 3D printed for my class. Each student gets three. I have a system in my class that if you miss an activity or if you hand something in a couple of days late, you can get it for “free” if you hand in a token.

Cartoon Periodic Table Chart

This was a gift from my parents, and I think it’s really cute. I like cartoons and I didn’t have a periodic table in my office, so they got this for me for Christmas one year. It's got a lot of cute references to the names and some cartoons that have to do with the names of the elements. I like the one with the cat in scanning goggles.

DEPARTMENTS

OPEN DOOR

KNOX WRITES

FEATURES

36 FROM RADICAL TO ROUTINE HOW IMMERSIVE TERMS REVOLUTIONIZED THE KNOX EDUCATION

38 20 PRESIDENT’S LETTER

CLASS NOTES

SOUTH LAWN

PARTING SHOT

INVESTING IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, INSPIRING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

A $1.25M gift to support experiential learning opportunities honors shared values and helps students explore real-world problems outside the classroom. 16

Immersive terms like Rep Term, Open Studio, and StartUp Term are distinctive elements of a Knox education. Learn how they started and why they remain an integral part of the Knox experience. ABOUT THE COVER

Studio art major Eli James Anderson ’24 visits with classmates during his senior art show, Shedding Constraints, at Whitcomb Art Center. Photo by Suyash Chitrakar ’25.

Volume 107, Issue 1

EDITOR

Megan Scott ’96

MANAGING EDITOR

Mitch Prentice ’17

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Ami Jontz

CONTRIBUTORS, WRITING & PHOTOGRAPHY

Peter Bailley ’74

Suyash Chitrakar ’25

Steve Davis

Jennifer Gallas

Monica Keith

Kent Kriegshauser

Nysa Pulwar ’26

Carla Wehmeyer

Knox Magazine is published twice yearly by the Office of Communications, Box K-233, Knox College, Galesburg, IL 61401-4999; Phone: 309-341-7760; Email: knoxmag@knox.edu.

It is distributed free of charge to Knox alumni, students, parents, and friends.

The magazine welcomes information and story ideas. Please query before submitting manuscripts.

ISSN: 0047-3499

Visit us online at magazine.knox.edu.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Dear Knox Community,

As I look back upon the year, one phrase comes to mind . . . Knox on the move.

Three years ago, our Board of Trustees invested in an ambitious five-year strategy that sought to increase demand for a Knox education, make key investments in our campus and community, and lean into our distinctive programs. Thanks to the Board’s support, and in conjunction with our senior team, faculty, and staff, we are seeing key elements of our plan come to fruition.

Thanks to strategic investments supported by the Board, we were able to launch new institutional branding, hire the nation’s leading enrollment consulting firm, and double down on scholarships and aid. These investments and the commitment of our staff and faculty across the College to buck the trend of declining enrollment have led to the recruitment of one of Knox’s largest expected classes in decades for fall 2024. Work continues over the summer to ready the campus for our new and returning students, and we look forward to welcoming students back in the fall to many campus updates. In addition to breaking ground in May on new facilities at Green Oaks, we are investing roughly $20 million, including support from gifts and grants, in campus renovation, accessibility upgrades, and renewal projects across campus, including the Eleanor Abbott Ford Center for the Fine Arts, George Davis Hall, Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center, and several residence halls.

We have also made significant investments in our campus and community, specifically in our faculty and academic program. As we announced earlier this spring, Trustee

Dan ’99 and Liz Holmes Spaulding ’99 made a gift of $1 million to the Knox Fund in support of our exceptional faculty. Chair of the Board Tony Etz ’83 and Nancy Etz established the recently announced Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue. Plans are well underway to launch the institute this fall thanks to the work of the institute’s faculty co-directors, Konrad Hamilton, history, and Thomas Bell, political science.

Finally, leaning into our distinctive academic programs, summer immersive experiences are continuing this summer, and the 10-week Japan Term will return in the fall. Additionally, Trustee James “Bud” ’63 and Mary Jo Potter ’62 committed $1.25 million to the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund to support students who explore experiential opportunities in public health, education, and social justice, among other areas. You can read more about immersive experiences and the Potter-Carre fund in the following pages.

Our progress today is a direct reflection of the Board of Trustees’ confidence in Knox’s academic program, faculty, staff, and administration, and their willingness to invest for our future. And the most exciting thing . . . we have more good news on the horizon. Be on the lookout for additional community updates on our strategic priorities in the weeks and months ahead.

With warmest regards,

A visiting family poses at a selfie station as part of the festivities for Knox’s annual Admitted Student Days. They joined more than 300 students and families welcomed to campus in April to learn more about the Knox experience. Students and their families had opportunities to hear from the president and current students,

explore campus, visit a class, and consult with Admission or the Office of Financial Aid. We also hosted 25+ Galesburg businesses and organizations at a Community Showcase so that prospective students could experience a sample of what our local community has to offer.

FROM RADICAL TO ROUTINE

How Immersive Terms Revolutionized the Knox Education

By: Mitch Prentice ’17

In 1971, the notion of whisking a cohort of Knox College students away to a farm in Wisconsin for a 10-week, 3-credit academic course called Farm Term was unheard of. Fast forward more than five decades and this innovative concept has become a cornerstone of Knox College’s curriculum.

Immersive terms at Knox are now a regular part of the student experience, like study abroad or First-Year Preceptorial, and prospective students actively seek out Knox because of these transformative opportunities. To understand how this concept came to fruition, one must take a step back even further in time than Farm Term.

The Roots of Immersion

The genesis of modern immersive terms at Knox can be traced back to the Repertory (Rep) Term, first documented in the 1969-1970 course catalog. At the time led by Robert “Doc Bob” Whitlatch and Ivan “Mr. D” Davidson, Rep Term endures to this day with its 20th iteration slated for winter 2025. The pair began the development of Rep Term in 1967, hoping to create something new within the department that challenged students as actors and within the technical side of live performance.

The term was founded as an exploration of various elements of theatre, including acting, technical production work, management, producing, student designing, and classroom study to foster a professional environment for students. This unique experience was a major draw for students pursuing a theatre career theatre career or those interested in simply immersing themselves in the field.

Smith V. Brand Distinguished Professor of Theatre Liz Carlin Metz today collaborates with colleagues Associate Professor of Theatre Craig Choma ’93, Associate Professor of Theatre Jeff Grace, Assistant Professor of Theatre Deana Nichols, and Instructor and Costume Studio Supervisor Allison Hahn to deeply engage students in the creative process and decision making by simultaneously producing two live shows.

Over time, Rep Term has undergone key curricular changes. Originally envisioned as a conservatory-style experience when the American repertory theatre system was still prolific, it was adapted to better suit the needs of students in a modern academic environment and prepare them for the kinds of early career theatre experiences more reflective of the modern theatre industry. The intense workload, reminiscent of the kind of workday professional theatre makers undertake, proved

Students perform the production of Badge, during the first official Repertory Term in 1970.

Participants of Farm Term walk the fields during a morning class.

“I appreciate everything that I eat so much more. I have tried to produce more of my food, too. All my children have gardens. Some have chicken and bees; the Farm Term extends through generations. I have taken my children and now my grandchildren to working family farms so they can gather eggs, feed animals, and shovel manure. I want them to see the whole process just like I did.”

—Jan Dressel ’71 Farm Term

unsustainable, leading to a shift in approach catering to individual skill development and retaining core Rep Term concepts.

It wasn’t long until additional immersive concepts entered Knox’s curriculum. During the spring term of 1971, George A. Lawrence Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus and co-director of the Lincoln Studies Center Doug Wilson helped lead the charge for Farm Term to take root.

Having just purchased land in Crawford County, WI, with wife Sharon, his colleagues Dewey Moore, geology, and Robin Metz, English and Creative Writing, joined in, purchasing property of their own near the Wilsons’ farm.

In that era, Wilson recalls a desire for curricular innovation. The term was classified under a new concept called a “satellite curriculum,” a precursor to the immersive experiences that Knox continues to this day. The curriculum committee accepted the idea, and nearly 30 students signed up to take part.

“The ideas of what teaching could be were evolving,” Wilson said. “There was a lot of new blood mixed in with the old faculty. We had new ideas and wanted to work together to improve what Knox could offer.”

The concept of Farm Term was wholly original and widely examined. Wilson recalls many colleagues within Knox and in neighboring institutions questioning whether or not this term could truly be considered a college course. Could raising chickens and growing

vegetables replace textbooks and chalkboards? The term even attracted the attention of the Chicago Tribune, landing a front-page article highlighting the radical new concept of learning happening at Knox.

Similarly groundbreaking was the introduction of Open Studio during the 1970-71 academic year, a hallmark of the studio art major. Now in its fifth decade, Open Studio remains the ultimate test of artistic readiness, challenging students to pursue creative expression with minimal guidance. During the winter term of their senior year, with no other courses, students immerse themselves in the studio with no guidelines. The goal is simply to create.

Though the core remains much the same, the term has seen changes since its earliest year, including frequent faculty critiques, the use of digital tools to document work, and the addition of a senior practicum course in the spring to help bridge the gap between Open Studio in the winter and graduation.

Professor of Art Mark Holmes says the course is the ultimate test for students wanting to join the field. Even though the intensity of the course is clear, he says many prospective students come to Knox anticipating the challenge and looking forward to meeting it head-on.

“By the time Open Studio begins, we have to let go and see if the students have learned enough to hold on to on their own. It’s sink or swim,” Holmes said.

Farm Term only took place once, while Open Studio remains a core component of the art major. However, Farm Term wasn’t the only course concept that Wilson helped pioneer. Alongside Szold Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of History Rodney Davis, Wilson helped develop the Great River course.

The course centered around the study of the Mississippi River. Students were introduced to the course by studying the river's history while on campus. Throughout the term, Wilson took students on short trips on the river and to towns developed along the river to study their history and to learn about how it was mapped over time.

Though it wasn’t designated as such at the time, one could argue that the Great River course was the precursor to what became known as short-term immersive opportunities.

The Modern Immersive Term

Over the ensuing decades, immersive terms at Knox have continued to evolve and diversify.

In 2001-02, Green Oaks Term was introduced, adding a brand new experience to the slate of offerings. Much like a local study abroad option, Green Oaks Term sees students and multiple faculty members travel to the Green Oaks Biological Field Station outside of Victoria, IL, where they live as a small community. Although the term consists of classes, papers, assignments, and presentations, much of the learning takes place through immersion in the land during hikes in the woods, service projects, and more.

Watson Bartlett Professor of Biology and Conservation, Stuart Allison, who also serves as the director of the Green Oaks Biological Field Station, says the framework for the term was inspired by Farm Term. Allison worked alongside Professor Emeritus of Anthropology Jon Wagner and Robin Metz to create Green Oaks Term, with a desire to better utilize the space.

The founding years of the term focused on teaching students the biological, artistic, and anthropological elements of Green Oaks, looking at plants, animals, and signs of human life in the area before development. Metz developed the natural imagination course element of the term, which focused mostly on creative writing, thought did include some visual art. Over the last two decades, many faculty members have joined the course in various ways, including Associate Professor of Art Tony Gant.

Students were given the choice of what academic avenue they wanted to pursue. However, though the academic focus was individualized, the core concepts of living as a community in a remote biological field station have remained the same to this day.

“Setting up the community is a key feature,” Allison said. “You’re in this space with these people, and you have to make it work. Different people have different tolerances for noise, sloppiness, etc. At its core, though, this is an opportunity to be a part of something you’ll never be able to do again, with the structure of a college education around you.”

In the following academic year, 2002-03, another immersive term was introduced to the

curriculum, Clinical Psychology Term (CPT). Founded by Emeritus Professor of Psychology Tim Kasser, the term helps students completely immerse themselves in clinical and counseling psychology by taking two clinically-focused course, while also completing a clinical psychology internship.

CPT gives students local opportunities to learn, through partnerships with centers such as the Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center, Galesburg Rescue Mission, assisted living facility Seminary Manor, and more.

Kasser says CPT was designed not only to teach but to gauge whether or not students would still be interested in the field after experiencing it first-hand.

“It’s a powerful way of learning to see that,” Kasser said. “It’s nice to put students into the environment where it actually happens. There can be a skewed image of what mental health services really look like.”

CPT has a unique structure among immersive terms, giving students a classroom learning experience in parallel to the in-person internship work, which takes place within the same course week instead of being separate parts of the term. Because of this, Robert M. & Katherine Arnold Seeley Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychology Heather Hoffman says

Jaelon Brooks ’22 gives a presentation during StartUp Term. Since 2006, approximately 14% of the student body has participated in immersive terms. As illustrated in this graph, participants have an average graduation rate of nearly 90%, 17 points higher than the overall student population. College leadership envisions immersive term participation reaching 50% over the next several years. To achieve this, additional resources are planned to aid in improving overall term quality.

Michael DeGroot’s ’03 internship at Cottonwood Healthcare Center in Galesburg, a residential treatment facility for individuals with serious mental illness, led to his first job as a psychosocial rehabilitation services coordinator. This experience paved the way for medical school and a psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Diego. Michael now works as an inpatient attending psychiatrist at VA Minneapolis and teaches medical students at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Graduation Rates

students internalize coursework more directly. “Our community partners offer a stable environment for students to learn different elements of the field,” Hoffman said.

Entering the 2003-04 academic year, a change was made in the course catalog to help differentiate immersive offerings. A new section titled Special Programs and Opportunities was created, creating a defined space for study abroad, independent studies, and courses that would today be considered immersive terms.

Among the newest immersive concepts, StartUp Term was pitched and landed on the curriculum 2015-16. Again, providing a new concept of what an immersive term could be, StartUp Term invites teams of Knox entrepreneurs to transform original business concepts into real services and products.

Associate Professor of Computer Science Jaime Spacco says the term was hatched out of a conversation between himself, William & Marilyn Ingersoll Professor Emeritus of Computer Science John Dooley, and Wagner Distinguished Chair Emeritus in Business and Executive-in-Residence John Spittell. The group wanted to create a course that merged business concepts with elements of computer science. After going back to the drawing board multiple times, StartUp Term was eventually created.

Spacco says the course is a natural progression of the liberal arts approach, giving students with grand ideas a format to realize them. Student pitches are funneled in fall term and, if accepted, put into the 10-week entrepreneurship gauntlet in the spring. Spacco believes this course is another way Knox provides various educational approaches.

“Students may have an idea of what they want to do, they may have this really great idea, and this term allows them to put those ideas to the test while giving them a soft landing if it doesn’t work out,” Spacco said.

Associate Professor of Art Tim Stedman ’09 joined the course faculty list in 2017, bringing a design mindset to the table and helping students clarify the identity of their project through visual elements. “I wanted to help students conceptualize the face of their project and focus on the identity of their pitch,” he said.

Now, four iterations of the term later, student pitches have gone all the way to sessions of Elmspring. This real estate accelerator supports technology startups, including the “Chart Air” concept in 2017. This pitch aimed to make flight planning easier and more efficient through an online platform that provided data for airport fees for private airplane flights.

As of 2024, these five courses (Rep Term, Green Oaks Term, CPT, Open Studio, StartUp Term) remain core offerings. There are also short-term immersive experiences, which offer another format for experiencing the immersive experience, including Knox in New York, London Arts Alive, or Teaching on the Navajo Reservation.

More recently, following education interruptions from the COVID pandemic, Immersion Summer courses were designed to provide immersive experiences without the barrier of travel. The coursework was divided into 4- and 6-week courses, ranging from studies utilizing the Knox Observatory, to a course on Middle Eastern music with trips to Chicago and Michigan.

Common Threads

Looking at immersive terms from a wide angle, it becomes clear that these courses have connecting threads making them uniquely Knox. One such thread is the approach to providing a deep, focused view of the concept.

During a regular term at Knox, many students will shuffle three courses, on top of extracurricular activities and even a job on or off campus. Immersive terms at Knox provide a moment for students to shut off the need for multitasking and soak in a deep well of knowledge in a singular area of study.

Having taken part in more than half of the total Rep Term courses since 1970, as a student and as a professor, Choma says Knox students have always looked for a way to create their academic pathways. Over the years, Choma says Rep Term has had to adjust its approach to providing the theatre experience, limit what is mandatory within the term, and bolster the individual outcomes and goals. By allowing students to focus solely on lighting or solely on costuming instead of forcing them to act on stage (which at one time was a requirement), students can slow down and focus deeply.

“Immersive learning slows down and quiets the noise,” Choma said. “Students are accustomed to multi-tasking, multi-screening their lives. But when they do that, the information is much more surface-level. Having a deeper understanding of a singular concept is key.”

Spacco sees StartUp Term in a similar light, allowing students to collaborate on a single pitch and work on every facet. From crafting an idea to testing its viability and designing every element to the literal office spaces rented in Galesburg for students to work from, StartUp Term is designed to truly recreate the entrepreneurial process. He sees this approach as a defining factor of what makes immersive terms special at Knox, providing a modern approach to teaching that is an evolution of the core concepts.

“Education is different for everyone,” Spacco said. “Immersive terms take the preconceived idea of what school is and inject some modern sensibilities.”

Another connecting thread is the idea that immersive terms provide a simulation of real-world opportunities. From the artistic freedom of working in a studio with no guidance on your next project, to the in-person internship experiences of working as a clinical psychologist, immersive terms give students the framework to live out the experiences for these fields, while developing skills in a controlled environment.

Looking back at the original immersive concepts, Wilson says Farm Term’s student body included many students from metropolitan areas. The term allowed the faculty members involved to give these students a one-toone simulation of life on the land in 1971, something that could never be accomplished in a classroom setting. This has remained a core draw for many prospective and current students when considering immersive terms, something for which Knox Provost and Dean of the College Michael Schneider believes the College has been a trailblazer.

“Nationwide, we were certainly ahead of most places when the idea of immersive terms was created. We were a leader and innovator in this idea,” Schneider said.

Students gather for breakfast with art faculty Mark Holmes in the Hausmann Open Studio area in Whitcomb Art Center.

“StartUp Term had a huge impact on me during my time at Knox and still is to this day. It allowed me a chance to help lay the foundation for my creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurship skills.Working on a team and with professors with different skills showed me the importance of always combining different minds and continuously learning from the people around you whether you're trying to make a profit or not.”

—Cortney

Hill ’17 StartUp Term

The Perfect Trimester Fit

Few elements of the immersive term structure are as representative of the Knox educational structure as the way these terms fit into the trimester curriculum.

By utilizing the 10-week structure of trimesters, students can try immersive terms without interfering with a significant amount of their overall education. When developing CPT, Kasser says these terms “fit brilliantly” into the trimester framework. If a student wants to try out a term and, in the case of CPT, ends up disliking the fundamentals of what they experience, a single trimester spent experimenting is less disruptive to their time at Knox.

Many faculty involved with teaching immersive courses agree that the workload necessary to complete a common immersive term would be equivalent to two typical semesters. When looking at it from this perspective, a single trimester term is 1/12 of a total Knox education, whereas the necessary two semesters of work would be the equivalent of 1/8.

Short-term immersive courses such as Knox in New York also thrive in the trimester curriculum, utilizing the winter break as an opportunity to complete the fall trimester studies with a travel experience that doesn’t interrupt the normal course load.

This does not mean that immersive terms are any less impactful at only 10 weeks. For Green Oaks Term, Allison says this 10-week window provides a timeframe to remove students from their normal campus environment long enough to immerse themselves in the area and form a new community without disconnecting them from the greater Knox community for too long.

Ultimately, the trimester system is a fundamental element of immersive terms at Knox, allowing students to take risks and experiment with their education.

The Future of Immersive Learning

As Knox moves forward and curriculums continue to evolve, one might naturally question where immersive terms will go from here. An immersive and active learning element was added to graduation requirements for students in 2018, emphasizing immersive terms as a key part of a Knox experience. In the immediate future, Schneider provided some insight into terms returning in the next few academic years.

Assistant Professor of History Jessa Dahl ’10 will help lead the return of Japan Term, an immersive term that debuted in 2006 with additional opportunities in 2008, 2010, and 2014. Formerly led by Schneider and R. Lance Factor Endowed Professor in Philosophy Bill Young, Schneider believes that Dahl will be the first immersive term leader to both join the term as a student and now teach it herself.

Immersive Term Timeline

(Dates are based on inclusion in the annual Knox Catalog.)

1969-70

Repertory Term first mentioned in the Knox Catalog, considered the first immersive term offering

1970-71

Farm Term added to the catalog under special curriculum. Open Studio mentioned for the first time

1976-77 Great River Course introduced, perhaps the first short-term immersive offering

1993-95

Short-term experience in London Arts Alive short-term experience introduced

Knox students wearing traditional Japanese kimonos pose for a picture with local high school boys during Japan Term.

1997-98

Knox in New York short-term experience introduced

After graduating cum laude in history and with a passion for theatre, Amy Carlson ’90 began her acting career starring on the soap opera Another World from 1993 to 1998. This role launched her into movies and as a series regular on television programs, including Third Watch and Blue Bloods. Early in her career, Amy was heavily involved in Chicago’s small theatre scene, where she gained a diverse skill set in costume design and production. She believes her Rep Term experience gave her a greater grasp of what it takes to put on a show and made her more valuable to theatre companies. She emphasizes the importance of staying curious and open to learning, as theatre is a fast-moving industry that requires constant adaptation.

Japan Term sees students study three separate Japan-centric courses on philosophy, language, and history. After immersing themselves in the coursework, students board a plane and travel to Japan for multiple weeks, taking the knowledge they learned in the classroom and transferring it to real-world locations, monuments, and social interactions.

Dahl says Japan Term is truly about immersing oneself in the culture of Japan, more than aiming at a future career or skill set attached to the course.

“We want students to enjoy Japan for Japan, not because there is a career attached,” she said.

Schneider also mentioned the possibility of other terms returning as well. These may include European Identities, offered in 2014 with a 17-day trip to Berlin and Istanbul in December built-in to enhance classroom studies, or Knox in Cuba, offered in 2017 and including an 11-day trip to Cuba, focusing on the country’s people and culture while taking classes in Cuban styles of dancing and drumming.

There is also a strong possibility that Knox will create new immersive offerings, with many being conceptualized each year. Schneider mentioned the idea of Galesburg Term, where students would learn to live within a city the size of Galesburg and embrace the community and economic offering, or even Nuclear Term, where students would study the imagery and media of nuclear culture while visiting historical sites in the U.S. and around the world related to the rise of the nuclear age.

“We want immersive terms to remain a totalizing experience. We don’t want to get away from that idea,” Schneider said.

Ultimately, the hardest question to answer is whether bolstering existing courses or simply adding more courses is the better overall direction for the future health and longevity of immersive terms as a whole. When confronted with this concept, Dahl shared a perspective somewhere in the middle.

To Dahl, the strength of immersive learning is in the interest shared by the faculty and students involved. Stedman shared a similar sentiment, sharing that perhaps the best road forward isn’t to choose either option but to continue the evolution of the concept as a whole and continue to make it a fundamental part of Knox.

“Immersive terms are influenced and improved by the students and faculty involved. Their interest drives everything forward,” Stedman said. “We need to continue to adapt to what the students need, seeking their interests and providing them with something great.”

2006-07

Japan Term introduced

INVESTING IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, INSPIRING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

James “Bud” ’63 and Mary Jo Potter ’62 commit $1.25M to the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund

By: Megan Scott ’96 & Monica Keith

When James “Bud” ’63 and Mary Jo Howe Potter ’62 received the first report on the use of the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund, they were immediately moved by the impact the fund was having on students.

“Your support helped me explore new opportunities more freely and learn more

deeply about the world I live in and how to give back to it,” said one student. “I was part of something bigger than just an internship,” shared another. A few months after reading these student experiences, the Potters reached out to Knox and decided to make an additional contribution of $1.25 million to the fund.

Beth Potter ’89 and Robin Carre ’85 made a difference in the lives of everyone who knew them. As a physician and an educator of future health professionals, Beth was dedicated to improving access to quality care for women and families in underserved communities. Robin worked every day as an educator, consultant, and active leader in youth sports to create opportunities for young people to build their skills, knowledge, and confidence. This tree was planted on the Knox campus in their honor by their classmate Brett Beckman ’89.

Established in memory and honor of the Potter’s daughter, Beth Potter ’89, and her husband, Robin Carre ’85, the Potter-Carre fund supports experiential learning opportunities like study abroad or internships for students who demonstrate an interest in public health, education, and social justice, among other areas that were important to Beth and Robin.

The effort to establish the fund was spearheaded by classmates and friends after Beth’s and Robin’s untimely passing. Heather Hellenga ’90, Jeff Gossrow ’88, and Ned Schaub ’91 led the campaign, supported by the generosity of more Knox alumni and friends. The Potter’s addition to the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund expands the number of experiences available to students, keeping Beth’s and Robin’s commitment to community engagement and service alive. Mary Jo hopes “our gift will provide opportunities for students to study, analyze, and participate in solutions to real-world problems outside the classroom.”

“This is indeed a very impactful award for our students,” said Lindsey Rogers, who coordinates Knox’s Power of Experience grants that support student experiential learning opportunities. “These experiences and the values that they promote will create a lasting impact in so many ways.”

Their gift to the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund is the latest example of the Potter's commitment to their alma mater. Bud and Mary Jo have been lifelong contributors to Knox, supporting the annual fund and capital projects, hosting Knox events, and serving as Admission volunteers. Bud has also served on the Board of Trustees in multiple capacities, including an Alumni Trustee and is currently a General Trustee. He is a recipient of the Knox Alumni Achievement Award and a Knox Service Award for his volunteer activities on behalf of the College. Mary Jo graduated from Knox with a degree in elementary education and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. She has been a member of the Alumni Council, serving as Secretary.

“This gift beautifully reflects how this community came together to honor and uphold the enduring values cherished by Beth and Robin,” said President C. Andrew McGadney. “We are truly grateful for Bud and Mary Jo’s commitment to expanding the Potter-Carre fund, providing more Knox students with the opportunity to explore experiential learning opportunities. Their gift is a true celebration of shared values and enduring legacy."

In Their Own Words

Inaugural recipients of the Potter-Carre Experience Endowment Fund

Marin Hart ’24

Study Abroad with SIT’s Social Movements and Human Rights program, Argentina

“Making the decision to attend this program wasn’t meant to be comfortable, it was meant to make me grow into the version of myself that I want to be—brave, selfassured, and eager to share my voice with the world.”

Mira Plante-Cochrane ’23

Internship at Changing Children’s Worlds Foundation, Geneva, IL

“This experience helped me cement my future aspirations of being a social worker. I learned so much about the client-centered work of a social worker, as well as all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and how to communicate professionally with caseworkers.”

Brandon Roberts ’25

Study Abroad at Charles University, Czech Republic

“One of my courses has developed into the core of my current religious studies research at Knox. In fact, [an edited version of] the paper I wrote as my final for that class was presented at the Macksey Symposium at Johns Hopkins University.”

Kaustuv Dawadi ’23

Internship working on Rural Access Program Mugu-Humla Link Road, Nepal

“The lives of the people in these rural areas were greatly affected by these projects. [It] made me feel like I was part of something bigger than just an internship. We were actually changing and bettering the lives of so many people.”

Ngoc (Jade) Nguyen ’23

Summer Undergraduate Research, University of Florida Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics

“This experience has given me a wonderful opportunity to apply my biochemistry background to the study of diseases and therapies, significantly shaping my decisions regarding graduate school and future career.”

HOMECOMING AND FRIENDS & FAMILY

OCTOBER 25–27, 2024

Knox Campus Transformations Underway

Several construction and renovation projects aimed at enhancing campus facilities and accessibility are underway at Knox. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening this summer.

First-Year Residence Hall Updates

A comprehensive refresh project is underway for the first-year residence halls, including Elder-Campbell, Sherwin-Neifert-Furrow, Conger-Neal, and Raub-Sellew. Updates include: new furniture in common spaces and rooms, new flooring, updated fixtures, bathroom remodeling and additional accessible rooms (Elder-Campbell, Sherwin-Neifert-Furrow). Existing furniture will be donated to the Chicago Homeless Bank Coalition to avoid waste.

George Davis Hall Elevator Installation

Work began June 10, 2024, in George Davis Hall on the installation of a new elevator that will provide access to all floors, ensuring accessibility for all members of the community. This project will require modifications to office and classroom spaces, specifically chosen to minimize disruption. Entrances will also be updated to be more accessible.

Ford Center for the Fine Arts

Air Handler Replacement

The Ford Center for the Fine Arts will receive a significant upgrade with the replacement of its air handler units. This improvement aims to stabilize temperatures and humidity levels, which is crucial for preserving theater props and musical instruments. The new system will offer more sophisticated climate control. Work on this replacement will take place throughout the summer.

Green Oaks

Construction on the newly constructed Green Oaks multipurpose facility began in May. Space has been cleared for the project, with footing for the foundation in place. Progress is expected to continue throughout the summer with a tentative completion date in late fall

Stay Tuned

From campus to Green Oaks, these updates reflect Knox College’s commitment to creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all students and staff. Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting projects progress throughout the summer:

Knox College Welcomes New Trustees, Bids Farewell to Outgoing Members

Knox is proud to introduce the newest members of its Board of Trustees, each bringing a unique blend of experience, passion, and dedication to the College.

Sara Jane Ahmed ’12

Ahmed ’12 serves as the managing director and finance advisor to the Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 Finance Ministers, representing 68 climate-vulnerable countries. She founded the Financial Futures Center, focusing on climate prosperity analytics. Ahmed is on the task force on climate, development, and the IMF, as well as the board of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). Ahmed advises least developed countries in the Green Climate Fund. A former energy finance analyst and investment advisor, Ahmed holds a master of science degree in finance from the University of Rochester, as well as a bachelor of arts degree in economics and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Knox College.

Mark Kleine

Kleine serves as the president of Kleine Companies, LLC, a real estate investment firm. He began his career with John Deere in 1980 and later purchased a John Deere dealership

in Galesburg, growing Kleine Equipment, Inc. into a $150M business with six locations and 150 employees before selling it in 2013. Kleine and his wife, Jeannette, reside in Galesburg and have four children and four grandchildren. Kleine has been active in several organizations in and around Galesburg and is a current board member of OSF Healthcare and CBI Bank holding company. The Kleines are active in many other civic and non-profit activities and are community supporters through the Kleine Family Fund.

Sonya Malunda

Malunda, president emerita of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM), serves as a senior advisor with the Peterson Rudgers Group, a women-owned consulting firm that focuses on strategy, leadership development, and strategic communications for colleges and universities. She is also the principal of her firm, Malunda Consulting, LLC. As the ACM’s eighth president (2017-2024), Malunda worked collaboratively with the 14 presidents and academic deans to launch a new strategic plan to propel the organization through a new era for higher education. Before joining ACM, Malunda spent nearly 20 years leading community and civic engagement initiatives at the University of Chicago.

Tomilola “Tomi” Olotu ’11

Olotu ’11, elected as the College’s new Alumni Trustee, currently serves as a corporate strategy associate at Cargill, the largest private company in America. Previously, she spent nearly a decade as a wealth management specialist in Lagos, Nigeria, assisting clients with financial planning. She holds a master of business administration degree from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School, where she served as president of the Graduate Business Council and an admissions ambassador. As a student at Knox, she served as treasurer of the Class of 2011 and as a member of Women of Influence and International Club.

Donovan W. Pepper P’26

Pepper P’26 is the senior director of government relations and civic engagement for Walgreens, overseeing local and state government affairs in several regions including Texas, New Mexico, and New York City. He previously served as the national director of local government relations for Walgreens, and before that, served as director of government relations for the Illinois Restaurant Association. Pepper’s career also includes roles with SBC (now AT&T), the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois House of Representatives. He has been honored by President Barack Obama and the Corporation for National Public Service and was inducted into the Samuel K. Gove Illinois Legislative Internship Hall of Fame. His son, Dakota Pepper ’26, is currently enrolled at Knox.

Each new member’s term will begin on July 1, 2024, and they will attend their first Board of Trustees meeting this coming October. “I am truly excited to welcome such a tremendously talented group of new trustees to the Board,” Chair of the Board Tony Etz ’83 said. “We look forward to the Board’s future of continued excellence and impact, guided by the collective wisdom and vision of our new member’s insights and contributions.”

As the College welcomes these new trustees, it also recognizes two outgoing trustees, Kyle Winning ’83 and alumni trustee Gwen Lexow ’90. Winning was also named Trustee Emeritus in recognition of 12 years of service and dedication as a general trustee, forging a deep commitment to philanthropy, financial expertise, and community development. Lexow’s Title IX oversight has helped guide both the Board and the senior administration. “Gwen’s experience in higher education has been a tremendous asset to the College, and Kyle’s 12 years of service on the Board with his invaluable insights and wise counsel have helped the College in myriad ways,” President McGadney added. “We thank them both for their service.”

Malley Farms Opens in Galesburg Cherry Street Combo Releases New Album

Recorded during Spring break 2023, the Knox College Cherry St. Combo recently released their first album since 2019, titled Chameleon. The album captures the essence of the group’s composition and musical exploration.

The Cherry St. Combo traveled to Chicago and spent five days at the renowned Electrical Audio studio during the recording process. Known for its exceptional live room, the studio provided the perfect space to capture the energy and spontaneity of the band's performance. Andy Crawford, managing director of Knox College’s Music Performance Program, says the recording session was an immersive experience for everyone involved, with each member contributing to the development and refinement of the material.

“You can hear the personality of the band on each track,” Crawford said. “Members eventually leave the combo, but this is something they can hold onto forever.”

The entire recording and distribution of the album were funded by the Henke Music Fund. The album will be available at every Thursday jazz night and at major jazz events on campus. You can also stream it now on all major music platforms by scanning the QR code below.

Nikki Malley ’98 transformed her passion for canning into a bustling storefront at 54 S. Seminary St., Galesburg, IL, in March 2023. Over a year later, the business is now shipping jams, jellies, and more across the country.

Malley Farms is a testament to the power of following one's heart and the support of a community like Knox College. Summers at Knox provided the flexibility for Malley to explore her love for canning, starting with the farmers' market. It was a separate world from her live music performance life that began when she returned to Knox as a professor in 2003, yet it quickly became a way for her to give back to the community she cherished.

Malley found unwavering support from her family, which fueled her decision to open Malley Farms. With a background in retail from her parents' bookstore, she felt a sense of familiarity with this new professional endeavor.

Malley Farms houses a full kitchen in-store, as well as a selection of premium foods that complement every customer’s pallet. She says her vision for Malley Farms is clear—to be distinctive yet approachable. The online shop, filled with botanical illustrations, aims to offer customers a customizable experience that she describes as “adventurous, not pretentious.”

“Galesburg and Knox are the reason this even started. The community is so important. Everyone has been so encouraging about this left turn I’ve taken,” Malley said. “The support for this little idea gave me the confidence to make it a big idea. I don’t know if it would have happened anywhere else.”

You can shop everything Malley Farms has to offer in person or, for alumni and friends around the country, online at www.themalleyfarms.com.

Familial Teammates Share Success During Women’s Basketball Season

The Prairie Fire Women’s Basketball team thrived during its 2023-24 season, fueled by strong team chemistry and individual talent. Within the Midwestern Conference (MWC), Sarina Dacio ’24 tied first for 3-point shots made/game; Cambria Medina ’27 ranked first in assist and turnover ratio and second in points/games; and Kylee Callahan ’26 scored third in points/game. Medina, named MWC Newcomer of the Year, played alongside her cousin, Callahan, and sister, Mae Callahan ’24, bringing a unique chemistry to the court.

“Bria and I both played on the same club team for about 10-ish years, so we had a chemistry

together. I knew her coming in would benefit us,” Kylee Callahan said.

The team finished second in the MWC, boasting top rankings in offense, steals, and assists in the conference, and fifth nationally in free throws made per game. They even faced Division 1 school St. Louis University in a thrilling match broadcast on ESPN+.

Coach Seth McDowell's leadership was instrumental to the team’s success, fostering a culture of listening and teamwork. Despite doubts and challenges, the team embraced an underdog mentality. Offseason training, led

by varsity players until McDowell joined in October 2023, built trust and camaraderie. Nyah Daniels ’24 emphasized the importance of a united team and a supportive coach, highlighting their journey to success. “There are two things needed to succeed, a team with a good bond and a coach that believes in you,” Daniels said. “We had to come together as a team and fight through it, not be against each other, and just have fun.”

Knox College Football Holds Inaugural State of Football Address

The Knox College Prairie Fire football program held its inaugural State of Football address on June 15, 2024, gathering more than 120 alumni from all eras of the program’s history. Led by Head Football Coach Aaron Willits ’08, the event aimed to showcase an institutional alignment between administration, athletics personnel, and alumni while discussing the future of the program.

The event began with brunch in the Eleanor Abbott Ford Center for the Fine Arts, giving alumni from across all eras of Knox football a chance to engage collectively and reminisce.

Gary Jantho ’89, who played on the defensive line during his time on campus, was surprised and happy to see the event come to fruition. Jantho shared excitement in meeting players and coaches from different eras of Prairie Fire football. “Knox was an excellent experience for me,” he shared. “I was happy to be back.”

Drew Sherman ’00, who played as a running back during his time on campus, was impressed with the turnout. He was excited to hear about the future of the program and the plans to bolster athletics at the College. “I’m interested to hear perspectives on where we’ve been and where we’re going,” he said.

Brunch was followed by a panel discussion in Kresge Recital Hall featuring Knox College President C. Andrew McGadney, Willits, former Head Coach Randy Oberembt ’76, and Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken ’89.

The panel addressed the current state of the program and its future, highlighting plans for growth, infrastructure investments, and ways for alumni to get involved. President McGadney shared positive insights into next year’s class size and emphasized the importance of athletics in the liberal arts experience. He asked attending alumni to continue engaging with students through internship and work opportunities.

Willits shared that the current roster size for fall 2024 sat at 98, a major improvement over previous seasons. He shared his feelings of support from the institution and the belief that the College’s program is headed in the right direction. “We’re all at the table now, and that’s the point of getting us all together today,” Willits said.

The panel was highlighted with a charged speech by Monken, who was welcomed to the stage by Oberembt. Monken felt inspired by

the College’s vision after multiple personal discussions with Willits, leading to an independent meeting with President McGadney to solidify his belief in the program’s direction.

During his speech, Monken shared his desire to continue these conversations with yearly meetings, making a point to have regular conversation about the program’s improvement. He looked back on the recent lack of success of Prairie Fire football and rallied the audience to help make a difference, reemphasizing President McGadney’s point of utilizing the skills of the program’s alumni base to bolster current students. He believed that creating these connections would have a great impact on the future. “There’s a collective bond in athletics,” he said.

Following the panel, alumni were invited to remain on campus and tour recent improvements to the athletics department and elsewhere on campus, closing the day with a tailgate gathering in the Knosher Bowl.

Isabel (Izzy) Scott ’24

THREE FACTS

Their research on religious myth and nuclear semiotics was published in the Richard Mackey Journal run out of Johns Hopkins University. Nuclear semiotics studies how to communicate the danger of buried nuclear waste to future generations.

They studied abroad in Prague, visiting several significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where paratroopers hid during Operation Anthropoid in World War II.

They hope to remain in the Midwest and teach after graduation. They also plan to thoroughly study their options before selecting a school to teach at to gauge best how the institution aligns with their values.

Scott

came to Knox from Champaign, Illinois, and majored in history and secondary education. They were involved in Alpha Phi Omega (co-ed/inclusive service organization), Blessings in a Backpack, and Knox Students 4 Palestine (KS4P).

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO APPLY TO KNOX?

Knox was the first school I looked at. Right away, I was sold on the campus. I visited many other schools and always thought Knox did something better. The people I’ve met here have made a big difference in my education and experience overall. I know the friends and the connections I’ve made here will continue with me.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DESIRE TO RESEARCH NUCLEAR SEMIOTICS?

I find the idea of nuclear waste being the most lasting remnant of our society grimly fascinating. How do we warn future generations about it? How do we work around language and ideas as they evolve? Can we stop future societies from making our mistakes? There’s inherently an ethical component to the field. I wrote the first part of the conference paper for Lecturer Scott Harris’s Introduction to Religious Studies class. I received a Richter grant to research and write the full paper that summer.

The Knox Student Excels at ICPA with Six Awards

The Knox Student (TKS) experienced a triumphant weekend on February 16, 2024, at the Illinois College Press Association (ICPA) awards ceremony, securing six awards across Division D and the Open Division. This success is the most recent in a long history of awards from the event.

Advisor Jane Carlson commended the staff for upholding ethical standards, guiding them to produce balanced stories.

Since its post-COVID-19 return, TKS has transformed into a biannual full-color news magazine with a focus on digital content. Led by Carlson and Editor-In-Chief Eleanor Lindenmayer ’25, TKS has revamped its staff and continued to produce quality journalism.

“Over the last few years, the staff has navigated numerous challenges. In rebuilding TKS, they’ve also reinvented it with a new website, a commitment to publishing content online throughout the week, a biannual print magazine, a weekly e-newsletter, and a news podcast,” Carlson said. “While TKS may not look the same as it used to, student-run journalism at Knox is alive and well and always evolving.“

Lindenmayer has worked closely with Carlson to promote TKS to the student body and to rebuild the writing staff. She was awarded a Richter grant to rewrite the TKS handbook. Richter grant funds support student independent projects and research and are available to any student in any discipline. During the process, Lindenmayer interviewed multiple former TKS editors and advisors to better understand TKS’ challenges, rebuild the publishing flow, and improve overall communication.

In her final year as editor-in-chief, she is proud of the progress the group has made, as reflected in the awards from this year’s conference. Lindenmayer is confident that the new editorial staff will continue to improve the publication.

“It has been so amazing to see the growth that TKS has had in my time on staff,” Lindenmayer said. “My staff and I have worked so hard, and I think we’ve really brought TKS back to being a true news organization.”

For a full list of awards, visit: knox.edu/icpa-2024.

Knox College Honnold Lecture Dance Residency A Week of Movement and Connection

The 2024 Knox College Honnold Lecture Dance Residency brought a whirlwind of movement to campus. Led by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Brandon Avery (Paraharm) ’12, the residency was a unique opportunity for students to explore dance in new ways and connect with a vibrant community.

Throughout the week, students delved into the intricacies of dance, exploring how movement can be a powerful tool for expressing identity. Workshops were held in the Breitborde Dance Studio inside the Ford Center for the Fine Arts.

For many, this experience was not just about learning dance steps, but about discovering a new perspective on the art form and themselves. Through Avery’s personal approach to meaning through the art form, students learned to trust themselves, their peers, and the process of creation, leading to personal and artistic growth.

“My time during the Honnold Lecture Dance Residency gave me a new lens through which to view dancing. Brandon's teaching brought me a new style of dancing and approach to choreography that has been transformative as a dance minor here at Knox,” Lexi Sendall ’27 said.

“He was just as interested in our experiences as we were interested in his. Performing his choreography was very cathartic for this reason.”

–Aicha Chemani ’24

On Friday, April 12, 2024, the residency concluded with the Honnold Lecture. Avery took to the stage in Kresge Recital Hall to discuss his personal growth as a dancer, learning the art form at Knox, and founding his dance class “Hips and Heels.” His lecture was followed by a preview of "Fall to Rise," a dance piece featured in the Knox Spring Dance Show on May 23-25, 2024. This piece showcased the students' work over the course of the residency, having only started on the piece less than a week prior, following auditions with Avery.

“He was just as interested in our experiences as we were interested in his. Performing his choreography was very cathartic for this reason. By the end of the week, there was a sense of ownership over the story being told, it wasn't just someone’s work we were performing, it was an experience we were sharing that centered our own identity,” Aicha Chemani ’24 said.

Chair and Professor of Dance Jennifer Smith was impressed with Avery’s presence throughout the week. She felt his unique perspective as a black, queer male artist provided a new lens through which students could see themselves in the world of dance. By sharing his experiences and background, Avery opened doors for students to explore new forms of expression and connect with their own identities. “In many ways, for students who took part, Brandon provided an outlet that isn’t always there for students,” Smith added. “I thought that was really powerful.”

Avery shared positive reflections on the week, feeling reintegrated into his alma mater. Having spent time on campus reconnecting with organizations he took part in—like Beta Theta Pi, TRIO, and Knox Dance Squad—he felt reminded of the dance legacy he left behind after leaving campus over a decade ago.

“The students—those who attended the courses I taught, took my extracurricular workshops, and were cast in my piece—all spoke on how much they have learned about dance, how to navigate their Knox experiences, how they have increased their tool kit for their creative process, and how there has been a recharge in the community since I came to the campus for this residency,” Avery said.

About the Honnold Lecture

The Honnold Lecture at Knox College was inaugurated in 1929 with a speech by pioneering journalist Ida Tarbell. It was permanently endowed in 1936 by William Lincoln Honnold, who established the Honnold Fund. The lecture series aims to bring accomplished leaders from diverse fields to the College for public talks, informal discussions with students and faculty, and classes related to their areas of expertise.

Honnold lecturers have included U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, anthropologist Margaret Mead, and, most recently, acclaimed scholar of world religions and best-selling author Reza Aslan.

Two Knox Professors Named to Endowed Chairs, Professorships

Two Knox College faculty members have been named to endowed chair and endowed professorship appointments—Andrew Leahy, professor of mathematics, has been named the Rothwell D. Stephens Distinguished Service Chair in Mathematics, while Diana Cermak, professor in chemistry, has been named the recipient of the Richard P. and Sophie D. Henke Distinguished Professorship. These appointments were made by President McGadney upon the recommendation of Knox’s Faculty Personnel Committee and the Dean of the College.

Endowed chairs and professorships serve as a way to honor and reward current faculty for their accomplishments and help bring

exceptional new teachers and scholars to campus. These appointments represent the highest honor that Knox College can bestow upon a faculty member, and it continues to nurture the College’s historic commitment to excellence in both teaching and research.

Knox now boasts 21 endowed professorships and nine endowed chairs, spanning disciplines from mathematics to psychology to music, with some chairs specifically acknowledging academic service. These appointments contribute additional funds to the faculty salary pool, improving Knox's ability to attract top-tier faculty and uphold a comprehensive and challenging curriculum for future students.

Andrew Leahy, Rothwell D. Stephens Distinguished Service Chair in Mathematics

Professor of Mathematics Andrew Leahy joined the Knox faculty in 1995, after receiving his Ph.D. in mathematics from Rutgers University in 1995 and his bachelor of arts degree with majors in mathematics, philosophy, and Latin from St. Olaf College in 1989. Since coming to Knox, he has taught courses in mathematics, statistics, data science, and the preceptorial program.

At Knox, Leahy has offered a broad range of courses, from entry-level mathematics and statistics to upper-level courses reflecting his personal interests in Lie groups and Lie

Endowed chairs and professorships serve as a way to honor and reward current faculty for their accomplishments and help bring exceptional new teachers and scholars to campus.

algebras, machine learning, and the history of mathematics. He has been a co-principal investigator on two National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awards and was awarded the Philip Green Wright-Lombard College Prize for Distinguished Teaching in 2003. In 2001, he was the resident director of the Oak Ridge Science Semester at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he worked with the plasma physics group coding models for fusion energy. He is currently administering a Scripps Foundation Grant to use GPU servers in upper-level data and computer science courses.

Among his career achievements, Leahy has published in the American Mathematical Monthly magazine and the College Mathematics Journal. He has served as the chair of the Illinois Section of the Mathematical Association of America and received the ISMAA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. At Knox, he chaired the mathematics department, the curriculum committee, and the faculty. Leahy has provided many years of service on the faculty budget committee and has represented the faculty as an observer to the Board of Trustees and as a member of its Finance Committee.

Diana Cermak, Richard P. and Sophie D. Henke

Distinguished

Professor in Chemistry Professor of Chemistry Diana Cermak joined the Knox faculty in 1997, specializing in organic chemistry, modern methods of organic synthesis, and advanced organic synthesis techniques. She received her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Iowa in 1997, following her bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota-Morris in 1992.

With a unique gift for explaining complex chemical concepts, Cermak ensures that her students grasp the intricacies of the subject. She received the Phillip Green Wright/ Lombard College Prize for Distinguished Teaching by an untenured faculty member in 2001 and as a tenured faculty member in 2011. While at Knox, Cermak has mentored more than 60 research students, many of whom have gone on to graduate programs across the nation. These relationships with Knox students and the United States Department of Agriculture chemists have resulted in publications in a variety of journals, including The Journal of Chemical Education, Industrial Crops and Products, and The Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society

Beyond the classroom, Cermak serves as a key contributor to faculty committees, including serving as the first faculty chair of the Curriculum Committee, several elected faculty committees, and chair of the chemistry department. She also served as the grand marshal of the college from 2014-2019. Cermak has been active in the local community for many years in chemistry outreach doing hands-on activities and demonstrations at local preschools, elementary schools, and Discovery Depot. Most recently, Cermak completed a collaborative project on an interactive Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer display on the ground floor of the renovated Umbeck Science-Math Center A Core. Among her career achievements and publications, Cermak was the principal investigator for Knox’s award of a $300,000 National Science Foundation-Major Research Instrumentation Grant to fund the acquisition of a 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer.

COMMENCEMENT 2024

“So don’t let your fear and anxiety take over you. We are being told to only live in our fear, reject that, mis queridos, y queridas, y queridés. It may be hard, but I believe in you, because you have shown us that you can do this.”

—Maria Hinojosa

Keiner Letterpress Finds New Home

In late 2023, Knox successfully relocated its state-of-the-art letterpress onto campus, transforming a former ceramics studio at the Ford Center for the Fine Arts (CFA) into a new studio space.

The initiative, led by Professor of English Nicholas Regiacorte, addressed the logistical challenges of the original space. Pat Pendergast, manager of campus operations and maintenance, and members of his team helped transport the letterpress (850 pounds) from The Box Art Gallery on E Simmons St. to the basement level of CFA using a forklift to traverse the distance across Galesburg.

The majority of the letterpress equipment and the necessary funds to renovate the CFA studio were generously donated by Harry ‘Hal’ Keiner ’67, who boasts an extensive letterpress collection in his own North Carolina studio. Considering potential recipients for his surplus equipment, Knox quickly emerged as a fitting choice.

“You could see how this thing fit into the culture at Knox,” Keiner said. “We wanted to find a place for it to be used by everyone in the community.”

The new studio offers expanded space and improved climate control, allowing for larger classes and workshops. Regiacorte expects increased community engagement, enhancing programs like the English department's Caxton Club.

“The new space is even better than I had imagined. It’s really going to enhance what we’re able to offer,” Regiacorte said. Keiner visited campus in October 2023 and was impressed by the enthusiasm for the new space. He believes in sharing the art of letterpressing and finds joy in seeing his tools put to good use. Associate Vice President J. Mark Wilson praised Keiner's support, noting his numerous contributions to the College, including an endowed book fund and a memorial plaza outside CFA named after his late wife, Jamie Hajduk Keiner ’67.

“People like Hal are what make our work in Knox Advancement so rewarding and enjoyable,” Wilson said.

Books By The Knox Community

Reckoning with Restorative Justice: Hawai‘i Women’s Prison Writing

Leanne Trapedo Sims, Daniel J. Logan Professor of Peace and Justice Duke University Press

Leanne Trapedo Sims explores the experiences of women who are incarcerated at the Women’s Community Correctional Center, the only women’s prison in the state of Hawai‘i. Blending ethnography, literary studies, psychological analysis, and criminal justice critique, she centers the often-overlooked stories of incarcerated Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women in Hawai‘i in ways that resound with the broader American narrative: the disproportionate incarceration of people of color in the prison-industrial complex.

Year of Plenty: A Family’s Season of Grief

B.J. Hollars ’07 University of Wisconsin Press

How can we make the most of our time when time feels so short? This is the question that Hollars explores as he traces his family’s daily challenges during the pandemic alongside his father-in-law’s battle with cancer. Hollars recounts the small mercies along the way—birthdays, campfires, fishing trips—as he, his wife, and three children grapple with how to say goodbye to the person they love.

Roadmap

By Monica Prince ’12 Sante Fe Writers Project

In this radical 21st-century choreopoem, Dorian, a young American Black man, is tasked by an ancestral spirit to thwart his inevitable murder. He traces his family tree, from his grandmother to his offspring, uncovering secrets of sex work, self-harm, and assault alongside snapshots of #BlackBoyJoy. Dorian must interrogate his legacy, forgive his past, and reckon with being Black in modern America.

Peruvian Foreign Policy in the Modern Era

Bruce St John ’65

Anthem Press

Peruvian Foreign Policy in the Modern Era is a chronological treatment of Peruvian foreign policy from 1990 to the present. It focuses on the impact of domestic politics, economic interests, security concerns, and alliance diplomacy on contemporary Peruvian foreign policy.

Weaver’s Knot

Glenda Bailey-Mershon ’74

Finishing Line Press

The poetry in Weaver’s Knot immerses readers in the lives of textile mill workers, weavers, and needleworkers of Appalachia and intrigues with the colorful tapestry of ethnic groups who mingle there. We are introduced to a traditional folk singer with a voice “granite rich and husky,” and a Romani poet who beguiles a bored coffeehouse audience with Manouche jazz.

Religion and Science Fiction: An Introduction

James H. Thrall, Knight Distinguished Professor for the Study of Religion & Culture

Routledge

Religion and Science Fiction guides students into a deeper understanding of how religion and science fiction engage often overlapping questions.This textbook introduces key ideas of religious studies through critical consideration of print and visual media that fall within the general category of science fiction. With discussion questions, lists of key terms, extensive additional resources, and suggestions for projects and essay questions, this book is a foundational text for students and instructors of religion and science fiction.

Love Letters to a Serial Killer Tasha Coryell ’10 Berkley Books

In Coryell’s debut thriller, an aimless young woman starts writing to an accused serial killer while he awaits trial and then, once he’s acquitted, decides to move in with him and take the investigation into her own hands. “Compulsive, twisted and darkly funny—you’ll gobble this one up,” praises New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

A/An

Mandy Gutmann-Gonzalez ’10 End of the Line Press

Using 17th-century court records of the Salem Witch Trials as a sounding board, A/An mines the archives to uncover the power and violence residing within the language of the legal system. Rather than regarding the witch hunts as a historical curiosity or speculating to fill the gaps, A/An considers the court examination as poetic form, a hybrid of legal language and lyric utterance.

Legitimating Nationalism: Political Ideology in Russia’s Ethnic Republics Katie L. Stewart, Associate Professor of Political Science University of Wisconsin Press

Russia is a large, diverse, and complicated country whose far-flung regions maintain their own histories and cultures, even as President Vladimir Putin increases his political control. Stewart investigates how nation building works on the ground through close studies of three of Russia’s ethnic republics, Karelia, Tatarstan, and Buryatia, to help readers understand the deployment of nation building in Russia.

Rolling Down the River

Students in the Great River course relax during a boat ride down the Mississippi. The course paired on-campus history lessons with river trips to introduce students to the history of the

Mississippi River. Do you recognize anyone in the photo? Or participate in Farm Term? Share your memories with us at knoxmag@knox.edu

KNOX CLASS NOTES

Top right: Roy Matthews, husband of Barbara Belehrad Matthews ’68, who passed away more than three years ago, wanted to keep connected with her class. “Eastern Idaho has been quiet, which is normal. It is difficult to realize that Barb is gone. I continue to visit the local Senior Citizens’ Community Center, where I can find people our age to talk to. Last summer, I checked off an item from my bucket list while fishing out of Sitka, AK, by landing (and releasing) a 50+ pound King Salmon.”

Middle left: Kourtney Cone Grimm ’07 shares: “We welcomed our third child, a daughter, Magdalena

Bottom right: Sandy Guttman ’10 started working at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in 2023, where she supports performances and public programs. In addition, Sandy’s apartment gallery, Curb Appeal, welcomed more than 600 visitors, who came to experience the work of Molly Joyce, Genevieve Ramos, Jay Afrisando, and Stella Brown.

We are Knox. You are, too. 1954

If you attended Knox for one year, two years, or graduated with honors, you are a Knox alumnus/a. You are the best reflection of Knox College and the education it provides. So, keep us informed. Tell us what you've been up to, if you've been promoted or honored, or simply say hello.

Here’s how:

Contact your Class Correspondent, or have other media sources send us press releases, articles, and publicity.

Please send information about births, marriages, and deaths directly to: Alumni Records

Knox College, Box K-230 Galesburg, IL 61401-4999

Email: records@knox.edu

Send all other updates, correspondence, or questions to: Jennifer Gallas

Associate Director of Donor Relations

Knox College, Box K-230 Galesburg, IL 61401-4999

Email: jgallas@knox.edu

Please note that Class Notes may be edited for space and in accordance with the Knox Style Guide. If you are submitting photos, please send high-resolution images that are at least 300 dpi.

Update your contact information:

I will lead with this simple sentence: Your class correspondent will not attempt to top Dan Hamilton Dan writes: “Some memories are hard to believe, especially at 92! Shortly after the 1951 Christmas break, a good friend and fellow fraternity brother, Ward Nipper (Editor’s note: Sadly, Ward passed away prior to the magazine’s publication.) and I discussed finances. We were both ok for tuition and lodging costs but were running short of funds for day-to-day living expenses. Ward had an idea. ‘Let’s make and sell sandwiches to the female students after curfew. Like everyone else at Knox they are up late studying but, because of the curfew restrictions, are unable to access a refreshing late snack.’ I thought it was a positive thought but also challenging, requiring: A location to store and prepare the proposed sandwiches, permission to enter the female student buildings after curfew, and producing the product economically so we would make a profit. Ward said not to worry; he would approach the College administration for approval. He was successful. We were given the use of a full basement in a Knox owned building on Cedar Street near the Goal Post snack shop and soda fountain with a refrigerator, a work table with benches, and a key for access. At the time I was also working the breakfast shift at a small diner downtown, and the owner was kind enough to refer us to his supplier so that we could get our product at a discount. So we started. Every Monday through Thursday, we would meet late afternoon/early evening and make our sandwiches. Product was kept refrigerated. A fresh disposable tablecloth placed on the work table. We washed our hands for five minutes in the basement laundry tubs before starting. To carry them to our customers, we acquired a couple tin bread boxes common in kitchens in the 1950s; attached shoulder straps, and we were all set! Promptly at the 8:00 p.m. curfew hour, Ward visited Whiting Hall and the women’s housing, selling our sandwiches for $1.00. It worked! We made enough to cover our day-to-day living expenses and were benefited with a special recognition. Our

lady colleagues greeted us each evening as ‘Big Ward’ or ‘Big Dan’ the ‘Sandwiches Men’. Our response was: ‘Baloney, liverwurst or cheese, mustard or mayonnaise?’ It’s a great Knox College memory!”

► The Sandwich Men were not the only ones working their way. On the day after our graduation from Galesburg High, my buddy Jim Wirt and I set out to find summer jobs. Wirt got a shovel and jackhammer for road repair with Gunther Construction, I got on at Butler steel products corrugating panels for prefabricated grain bins at $1.05 an hour. As the summer ended, I convinced the managing editor of The Register-Mail to pay me $10 a week to cover Knox sports. And some weeks I picked up an additional $3 Thursdays, assisting in the circulation department.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JIM DUNLEVEY dunlevey@aol.com

1955

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: MEGAN CLAYTON pclayton@knox.edu

1956

As I write this in late January, much of Oregon is recovering from two very damaging back-to-back snow and ice storms. For almost a week, the outside world was a skating rink, and being sensible meant staying indoors until the thaw began. Whoever knew the usual warm rain would be so welcome? Much of the country also was experiencing extreme weather, and I am wondering if that explains the lack of response to requests for news. The idea that classmates are doing nothing is depressing!

► Mack Trapp did send an update. In appreciation of his Phi Delt days, some 15 years ago, he joined the board of the Phi Delta Association, a scholarship and leadership entity, which has enabled him to stay in touch with Phi Delts around the nation. That includes his old football hero Art Carlson ’57, who is one of the Chicago area’s most successful restaurateurs. Mack has given up

golf and downhill snow skiing and has become a professional book reader.

► Also making changes with our advanced years, Gay Jolley remarked on her move to Hammond Glen, an older senior living facility. Residents there are a “mixed bag,” and the residents select activities—interfaith discussions, exercise classes, games including poker and bridge, a book club. Gay remains active in church. She gave up driving because she was making mistakes— and just learned that the incipient macular degeneration isn’t incipient anymore. She has a granddaughter who lives in Scotland and is engaged to a wonderful man from Turkey. Gay is planning to learn a few phrases in that language for the time she meets his family at the wedding, scheduled for next January in a castle in Scotland. She’s wondering how she has sons old enough to retire, especially now that she has begun a new adventure as a pastoral caregiver where she lives. Gay’s message to the class: “This year is going to be exciting; I can feel it. Hope the same is true for all of you.”

► Dan Kimble writes: “Well, I don’t have a lot of news. I am 89, feeling OK, going to the YMCA for exercise classes, doing a bit of painting. Some of my paintings can be found by googling ‘Dan Kimble paintings’. They are on my University of Oregon homepage (pages.uoregon. edu/dpkimble/index.html).” I am looking forward to the arrival of another great-grandson in June. My other “greats” live in New Zealand; it will be a joy to have one that I can see more often. Oldest daughter Bobbie, the grandmother-to-be, is over the moon.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

RICKY JUNG SCHWARZLER schwarzler@msn.com

1957

Art Carlson claims to have played football with some unknown team last fall. And in January, he won the Arctic Swim across Crystal Lake. I think he is pulling my leg, but it sounds like he is in good physical condition. Tells me that Larry

Anderson ’58 is doing well after a short stay in the hospital. Ditto for Frank Stanicek, after a bout of Covid. And also for Homer Johnson with back surgery. And also for Trev Winebright with hip surgery! Maybe we should rename the “Class Notes’’ as the “Hospital Report.”

► Trev says that he and Bill Shaffer continue to argue over the site of our graduation ceremony, whether it was the East Lawn or the South Lawn. Talked with Ann Elwert Blum on her way to church one Sunday and learned her church does not have a choir, rather has a cowboy band. They obviously do things differently in Texas horse country.

► Jamie Bjorkman took umbrage at my suggestion he might be a good candidate for Wooglin (Beta Heaven), for his kindness in delivering pizza to the Beta House. He mentioned something about “thegoddamnBetas,” (one word), which was he father’s term of endearment regarding the Betas.

► June Lynch Bath spent some of the holidays at her granddaughter’s Big Horse Inn and Suites in Lewistown, IL. I hear it is a great place to stay and includes a vineyard and winery.

► The Michael Jordan of Peoria, Nick Panos, spent the holidays at his daughter’s house in St. Louis, fattening up on gourmet Greek food, and practicing his three-point shot.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: HOMER JOHNSON Hjohnso@luc.edu

1958

To the Class of 1958. It has been my pleasure serving as the class correspondent, but it is time to pass the torch. Please let Jennifer Gallas know if you are willing to be the new class correspondent.

► Janet Van Der Sluys Brown writes: “These days my Knox education continues to serve me well. I am active in several organizations including The College Endowment Association, which was founded in

about 1880 as a continuing education opportunity for women who attended Downer College. They raised an endowment in the early 1900s and, when Downer College moved to Lawrence University, the endowment stayed in Milwaukee to continue providing ongoing education. We provide a significant series of lectures focusing on a wide array of topics each year. We also provide scholarships for women at local colleges. I am responsible for the website (www.collegeendowment. org) and have been a member of the board for many years. I am also a member of P.E.O. and regularly search for women who are eligible for grants or loans for higher education.” Cheers to Janet!

► John Noer shares his first update with us: “Boy, am I ever tardy. I think this is my first note since graduation. Pardon my absence. Since June of 1958: I have spent 20+years as a pastor (in the United Church of Christ), and 20+ plus years in the grocery business in Chicago. So now I’m getting two half- pensions (which don’t equal a whole). I married Dorothy Heuermann in St. Louis in 1964, after graduating from Eden Theological Seminary. We have two daughters (one of whom, Linda Peart, graduated from Knox in 1988) and one adopted bi-racial son. Of late, I have become the Puzzle Master here in Grinnell, Iowa. We live at Mayflower Homes Retirement Community. I have completed many thousand piece puzzles. A 3,000 piece puzzle of Africa is on our kitchen wall. A 4,000 piece representing 100 Beatles Songs is on display in the local record shop, another is hanging at the local school, displaying all the animals of the world. A 9,000 one is in our lounge displaying the beauties of underwater plant life and fish life. A 40,000 one was completed two years ago, showing 10 scenes from Disney movies. A 60,000 one, worked cooperatively here at Mayflower, is waiting for a location to be hung, showing a world map, but with scenes of world cities replacing ocean waters. I did attend Homecoming for my 50th but haven’t been back since.” What an impressive puzzle collection, John!

We’re all glad to hear from you, finally!

► Don Pizza writes: “The Pizzas are alive and (reasonably) well! We continue to live downtown Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan. Although I have long since lost interest in Knox College (treated us shabbily at our 60th Reunion in 2018), I continue my friendships of almost 70 years with other Siwash TKE’s who are also part of the 2% (survivors at our age). These stalwarts include Bill Baker, Bill Studley, Starr Kirklin, and Bob Moist! Given his escapades at Knox, Studley is a living miracle in my humble opinion! Baker and I had lunch together a month ago. Hey, at our ages that’s a big deal. We even drove and found our way to our homes afterwards! We mourn those friends whom we have lost along the journey but also celebrate their lives and will never forget them. We also support and care for each other as best as we can. I may be prejudiced, but I consider our class at Knox to be extraordinary. We are known as ‘The Silent Generation,’ but I know there are some of us from ’58 still out there, and I would love to hear from you!”

► News from Jan Peck Moursund: “What a winter we’ve had! Here in the Pacific Northwest we’re hoping to have seen the last of it, unlike many of the rest of you back East. I’m one of the lucky ones: stayed warm, well-fed, and vertical through all the ice and snow, though many friends have had to deal with power outages and slip-and-falls. I still live happily in a senior independent living residence, glad to be done with scrubbing bathrooms and cooking dinners. There are a few advantages to being old! Still enjoying needlework, teaching myself math (Knox never managed to succeed with me in that subject), and various volunteer stints. Dull and uninteresting? Yes, probably, for lots of folks. But it suits me just fine! Hope all you classmates are doing well, having fun, and enjoying your grandchildren!”

► Letitia Luther Schactner writes: “After several medical issues, I am enjoying life and activities at Court-

yard Estates in Knoxville. The lovely assisted living facility is the site of the old stately PEO Home. I have my furry companion, a calico cat, to keep me company.” We learned recently that Letitia was honored by the Knox County Republicans during their Lincoln Day Dinner on February 16. The event recognized her dedication and devotion through the years to the Knox County Republican Party.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: CAROLINE PORTER portercaroline592@gmail.com

1959

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: CONNY TOZER connytozer@yahoo.com

1960

Nutrition for long life must have been in Woody Agar’s Knox Food Service recipes. I never thought I’d need to learn how to spell octogenarian and find it hard to believe that I’ve been using it as an excuse for over five years of eating dinner at 5:00. Fortunately, close to 140 members of the Class of 1960 are still receiving copies of this magazine and my invitations for news to share with readers in this column. Here are the responses that I’ve received in time for this edition.

► Bob Bennett wrote that he was privileged to attend Ken Townsend’s burial at Arlington National Cemetery. “It was a bittersweet occasion.” He wrote. “Losing Ken was obviously difficult for Dianne, her family, and all of us who knew him. However, the burial with full military honors was richly deserved, as he had a distinguished Army career in which he served our country proudly and bravely.” He continued, “Lynne and I still live in Sarasota, Florida, and enjoy the absence of ice and snow. Golf, theater, and good food are our penances. I talk to Charles Hurmence from time to time and correspond with Denny Geraghty occasionally; both seem to be doing well. We had a nice chat with Anne Faubel the other day and hope to see her when we go north next summer.”

► “Not much to report,” said Mary Kent Knight. “After 22 years, I will no longer be spending the winter in Florida. Rather, I will stay in Lake Forest, IL, where I live in a lovely community with plenty to do and lots of friends, plus 4 grandsons down the road. I DO miss the golf but am trying to keep in shape for spring, when our season here begins. I enjoy frequent visits with Barbara Cady ’61 and Bob Schmid ’62, as well as Mariclaire and Lowell Dixon ’65... all but Mariclaire being Knoxies. Went on a long trip around the world in April and then the Knox cruise around the Great Lakes in the early fall. Next up is a train journey across Canada next summer—Halifax to Vancouver. And that’s about it!”

► John and Fran Ippensen shared this in their annual holiday greeting: “We are still living in our retirement community in independent living and enjoying many activities offered to keep us busy and active. We both attend lectures and concerts. Fran enjoys exercise class, reading, and volunteering, and John has various projects on the computer as well as pursuing his interest in photography and volunteering. With all the opportunities available to us, we can keep as busy as we would like. Luckily, we did not have to deal with a hurricane this year but held our breaths that we would be spared. The area, especially Sanibel Island that had a 13-foot storm surge, hasn’t seen much progress in recovering from the storm.”

► Jane Ann “Scottie” Bradbury sent greetings to all from her home in Seattle. She shared a sentiment that your Class Correspondent often receives as she noted, “I really enjoy reading about our classmates in the magazine.”

► Marcia Muelder Eaton wrote that, “With my husband, Joe, we sold our winter home in Florida (family, health care, and politics!) and are back permanently in Minnesota. We now live in a retirement community where I lead a Great Decisions current affairs discussion group. We are Silver Life Master bridge players (thanks Andy Lindstrom for the lessons) and play often in tournaments online. We

Zoom regularly with Curtis and Mary McDonald McCray and with my brother Owen ’63 and his wife, Susan Hall Muelder ’63. Susan keeps us up to date on the building of the new Galesburg Public Library. Classmates will remember that awful night in 1958 when the beautiful Carnegie library burned down. I hope the magazine will do an article on the new library that is scheduled to open in the spring.”

► Finally, among our 2023 travels, Mary Lu and I enjoyed the science and scientists of a North American cruise on the new Viking Octantis. Traditional cruise entertainment was replaced with presentations by world-class environmentalists, oceanographers, and conservationists. They comfortably mixed with us when we visited the ship’s science centers or at meals and ship-wide events. We enjoyed two weeks of sailing from Toronto to Ft. Lauderdale so much that we’ve booked the reverse cruise on the Octantis’ sister ship, the Viking Polaris. (Still don’t know if we’ll be bold enough to venture to ocean depths in one of two on-board mini-submarines.)

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

DICK AFT aftd@fuse.net

1961

Jim Crowfoot and his wife Ruth Carey are still enjoying life in Sunward Cohousing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He writes, “The community just celebrated the 25th anniversary of this small (40 unit) intergenerational community on 20 acres (three acres for houses, 10 acres of woods, seven acres for gardens, prairie, and play spaces). It is located a mile west of Ann Arbor. Jim is an emeritus professor and dean at the University of Michigan, where he was a social scientist in an interdisciplinary college focused on natural resources, environment, and sustainability before his retirement.

► Russel Johnston reminisced about experience as a Knox student, he says, “I received a three-year scholarship to Knox, and I loved the experience there. My roommate the

first year was Monte McFadden ’61 who encouraged me to be more thorough in my studies. By the end of my junior year, I had been transformed from a teenager to an educated adult.”

► Knox received the sad news that Kenneth Adam ’61 passed away in December. Barbara Lee Fay and Susan Shea Worthington continue to stay in touch and take frequent day trips and occasional overnight trips to interesting places. Susan says, “At the moment, this area is wild with anticipation over the Super Bowl. It’s amazing how many new fans the Chiefs have garnered from having Taylor Swift in the mix. I have lost touch with Ella Major Morin, and would appreciate hearing from her. She and I became quite close in subsequent years after graduation.Hail to Classmates of 1961!”

► A memoir about Dennis Baylor, who passed away in 2022, was recently published in the British journal, Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society, and includes information about Dennis' life and work, as well as notes on Galesburg and Knox. You can read it here: royalsocietypublishing.org/ journal/rsbm.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: MEGAN CLAYTON pclayton@knox.edu

1962

Sandra Sherrick Schuldt writes: “My brother, John Sherrick ’70, died in March. Sad time for our family. A trip to Spain with my 16 year old grandson was a highlight this year. When at home, I am volunteering, walking 3 1/2 miles daily, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends. I feel so fortunate at this old age to be able to ‘go and do’!”

► Roger Potter shares that he is “happily retired from 40 plus years of work and life in the Silicon Valley, an experience that truly changed the world. It may or may not have been for the better but what a trip!”

Karen Nordlof Gould writes: “My husband Frank and I continue to enjoy our life at Aldersgate Life Plan Community in Charlotte. Our family has continued to grow, with the birth of a great-granddaughter, Charlotte, and the pregnancy of our granddaughter-in-law with twin boys. The family lives in the area and will be the first local great-grandchildren. We enjoy singing in a chorus here, as well as our church choir. Recently, I had the opportunity to preach at a Vesper service; Frank sang ‘O Holy Night.’ He has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We have found a supportive community here. He has connected with an organization in Charlotte called Memory and Movement, which is giving him medical care and physical therapy which has improved his condition greatly. We’re thankful for our local extended family and look forward to traveling to Colorado to visit our son and wife who live west of Golden at 9,000 feet altitude.”

► Karen Kuhfuss Koch sent an update: “I suppose that my becoming a grandmother again after a 17-year break is newsworthy. After spending two weeks helping to care for a thriving newborn again, and as a lifelong learner, I have a new perspective on the changes that have occurred in both medical practices and technology regarding child-rearing. This beautiful new little human exists because of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The plethora of equipment deemed necessary for his care is full of beeps and apps and gadgets. However, nothing works like a rocking chair and loving human arms to calm and soothe, which is why I think I was invited to return to Santa Barbara for as long as I wish! I realize that parental leave is very valuable for the children born to two-career parents and have learned that the “Mozart for Babies” Youtube channel is terrific! This fifth grandchild is a welcome diversion for me from exercises for aching knees and visits to ailing contemporaries, important as both of those are!”

► Doug Rushing writes: “I majored in chemistry at Knox, having graduated high school in Kirkwood, Illinois, 20 miles or so from

Galesburg. Dr. Leland Harris, chemistry department chair, helped me get admitted to the University of Missouri’s graduate program in biochemistry at the university’s medical center in Columbia. After earning a PhD there in 1967, I spent two years doing a postdoctoral in biochemical genetics at the University of North Carolina’s medical center in Chapel Hill. From 1969-72, I taught at Concord College in Athens, West Virginia. Two of those years, I was supported by a National Teaching Fellowship. In 1972, I joined the faculty of what is now the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. During my years there, I chaired the department of biochemistry, became associate dean of biological sciences and then the founding dean of the College of Biosciences. I retired in 2016. Among my nonacademic activities, I became a member of Common Cause (CC), a nonpartisan citizens lobby that was founded by John W. Gardner, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. I served as steering committee coordinator of CC in Kansas City, president of Common Cause Missouri, and became a member of CC’s national governing board from 1978-84. During that time, the board was chaired by John Gardner and then by former Watergate special prosecutor, Archibald Cox. I have served on various boards in Kansas City, one relating to community action that led to passage of a ‘voting by mail’ law in Missouri, another board for a private theater group, and the Friends of Jazz board that supports the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Conservatory of Music’s Jazz Studies Program. Currently, my wife, Janette, and I live in a retirement community of mainly former professionals.”

► Dick Wertz shares: “How about a bit of irony? In the 60 years since graduating from Knox, I have not encountered another Knox graduate other than members of my own family. Nothing personal, my travels and work have just taken me to other parts of the country where Siwash folks are few and far between. The ironic part is that I live in a neighborhood close to Dulles Airport in Virginia with two

St. Olaf graduates, one of whom attended the miserably cold Knox College Choir concert in Minnesota on one winter night in 1961. When the Knox Hymn was interrupted by one of the most persistent (and offkey) factory whistles that I have ever heard. My neighbor says that he remembers it vividly because, after the interruption, the Choir finished the hymn in perfect pitch.”

► Dennis Braiden shares: “To bring you up to date, after graduation, I had to fulfill a ROTC contract in the Army (airborne infantry, 2 years at 1st Lieutenant). Luckily, I missed Vietnam after an injury and ended up in Ft Ord, CA. Upon discharge, I eventually became an FBI agent in Atlanta and NYC. After three years, I took my family to Denver and spent the next 25+ years as loan officer and manager in mortgage banking in Colorado, Alaska, California, and Washington. All very much affected by 9/11 and retired. I volunteered for the Peace Corps at 62. My initial assignment was Azerbaijan, but I broke my arm biking one month before leaving and went to Moldova (Ukraine’s neighbor). My total experience was about three months until I was involved in two traffic accidents in one day (not my fault). I have been rotating between Colorado and Seattle since, hanging out with my son and daughter. I was a single parent raising my son and daughter, both of whom are in IT making a lot more money than I ever made. Daughter and family in Longmont, CO, and I am presently living with my son and family in Seattle, traveling and playing pickleball. I try to get back to Knox every four or five years to meet up with Joe Empen and anybody else who shows up. I get together with Dave Summers monthly. Probably will make it to Homecoming 2024. Look forward to seeing you guys.”

► Quinton “Doug” Baily writes: “We are enjoying our home in Venice, FL, until winter finally over in April. Get to Galesburg regularly to see the doctor there!”

► Harold Bibb shares that he “retired from being professor of biological sciences at the University of Rhode Island nearly a decade

ago.” Harold still lives in Rhode Island, where he coaches and enjoys his grandkids. “Significantly harder than teaching the sciences,” he states.

► Lee and Alexandra Benham ’61 have spent the recent years focused on free speech on college and university campuses. He regrets that recent surveys of Knox students show that many students feel inhibited about speaking out, along with students from a number of fine universities such as Harvard. He suggests that you review the info at https://www.thefire.org, you may remember that he was a professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Lee comments that Knox’s great traditions, including the Lincoln-Douglas debate (reenacted in our freshman year), suggest that it needs to return to its traditional strong support for free speech.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: KATE BLOOMBERG kateberg40@gmail.com

1963

I missed the 2023 reunion because I was traveling in Morocco. It was an Overseas Adventure Travel tour that included Rabat, Fez, Volubilis (an ancient Roman city, now in ruins after an earthquake in the 18th century), Erfoud, a two-night stay in a Sahara desert camp, camel ride, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, and Casablanca.

► This from Kaaren Wellman Scanio: “I did not go to our Knox Reunion because of conflicts. Thought I would say ‘hi’ to all of you classmates. Time is moving on swiftly, so I thought now was the time to write. Somehow, as much as we try, husband Charlie and I never seem to slow down.This past year has been especially busy. Our granddaughter, Emily, 8, and her Mom, Julie, lived in our house in Gy, Switzerland for a year so that Emily could go to school and perfect her French—which she did. It was hard on our son, Kurt. He flew over eight times, but it was still difficult for him. Charlie and I flew over several times too. I already knew Emily had a great set of lungs, very high, relative pitch and there

was a voice in there! Loving music, she wanted lessons, so we started a very simple type of voice lesson. She was cast as Little Cosette in a Phoenix, metro-wide casting call for Les Miserables here in AZ, and went into rehearsals as soon as they returned from Geneva. I no longer have anything active to do with classical music except to keep up with many old friends around the world and be an appreciative member of the audience. My painting, travel, church, animal training, lapidary, friends and family keep me very busy. I painted a 32 ft. mural of a French village for the French/American school Emily attends. That was tons of fun. The music department at Knox had such an influence in my life. Professor Creston Klingman was such a well known and respected choir master. He truly raised and enlarged my thinking about all forms of music. His insistence to me about having a large repertoire of operatic music was invaluable to me all my life. His unending kindness and understanding to every student he knew, and his great lessons to everyone about getting along with and reaching out to others, made him not just a great teacher but a great person. He was invaluable both professionally and personally, helping to give me a great recipe for success in life! Charlie has cut his business by three quarters, keeping enough to stay out of boredom and give us more excuses to be in Europe. Both of our sons are successful and happy, Erik the engineer and Kurt the senior police lt. in a very large department, both with happy families.”

► Sheila Hegy writes: “In October 2019, I retired from my position as a board member on the Departmental Appeals Board of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Washington, D.C. In that position, I adjudicated appeals arising under the many programs administered by the department. Before being appointed to the board in 2005, I was an assistant regional counsel for DHHS in the Chicago regional office and lived in Oak Park. I celebrated my retirement by taking a Danube River Cruise with my daughter, Anne Swanson ’93, and a friend. In 2022, I moved to Denver, Colorado,

where both of my children and my two amazing granddaughters live. I am now settled into my new home and enjoying fitness classes, walking, theater, occasional trips to the mountains, Knox Club activities and, most of all, being present for the many family events I missed while working and living in other cities. I am an active member of the First Unitarian Church of Denver and volunteer on committees working on gun control and reproductive justice. I have also resumed traveling post-pandemic. This September, I enjoyed a tour of Cornwall and London. I enjoyed seeing some of you recently at our 60th class reunion, which 30 classmates attended in person and 12 more by Zoom. For those of you who couldn’t attend either way, it was a great reunion, with all the usual activities (Friday & Saturday night dinners, 50-Year Club luncheon, convocation, class movie, class photo, Sunday brunch) and, best of all, time to talk and reconnect. Upon returning to Denver, I had a very enjoyable lunch with Karen Dittmer Bowyer, who was in the Denver area for a week. The Denver Knox Club is very strong, and I hope to connect with more classmates in the area. As for classmates outside of Denver, I am happily in touch with Joan Temple Wilson, Cathy Skinner Feagin, Aiyoung Choi and Mary Price; Mary also attended the reunion. I send best wishes to all of my Knox ’63 classmates.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: RAMONA REED LANDBERG landberg.group@outlook.com

1964

The long-awaited return of the G-8. Nancy Levin reported: “After a three year pandemic hiatus, five of our G-8 Knox friends finally reunited in August in Franklin Park near Chicago for an extended weekend together. Babs Kothe Fiala, Jo Ann Dworzinski Pierce, and Jean Scott Welch were keenly missed! But we are hardy and hearty Knox women and age and circumstances were not about to deny us this visit that was all about just being together… chatting, laughing, cooking, sharing pictures and marveling at the bond

of being SIWASHERS!! Jeannie Howell Card, Avis Sorenson Erickson, Karen Dittmer Bowyer ’63, Kathy Molda East, and Nancy Anderson Levin had a marvelous time together, as always, and we were delighted when Jean Martin joined us for an afternoon. This year all of us plan to attend the Knox Homecoming for our 60th reunion and look forward to seeing all of you who are reading this!”

► Good wishes from Sandra Stack Stratton: “Happy New Year and may you have a wonderful 60th anniversary! The Strattons (Sandy and Russ ’65) live in west Texas. At the time of this note, the wind is blowing 35 mph and it’s 39 degrees, but it is sunny. We moved to Lubbock to watch our grandchildren grow.”

► A “to do” from Mike Pope: “We took a small ship river cruise on the lower Mississippi River in November…a very relaxing week visiting locations that we had not explored previously.”

► Leslie Nauta epitomizes the arts in Liberal Arts. “I have been working on two novels, and one of my short stories will be published in the spring in an anthology of short stories and poems. It will be called Gather and will be on Amazon. Also still busy with my art, book club, three writer’s groups and working out at the gym.”

► Kris Welch forgives my nagging. He wrote, “I regret I cannot reward it with any exciting news, other than, as you indicated, survival! YAY!!! Some haven’t, turns out, survived that is...so I am greatly aware of the blessing! Especially as I am in pretty darn good health (if not exactly in shape), keeping on keeping on with relatively minor hindrances. I attribute continuity to my grandchildren with whom I and their mother live. One doesn’t lay back for an instant(!) in the work of guiding and protecting. Turns out doing it in my 80s is more, uh, challenging than raising my daughter in my 40s. I am still working, hosting my radio show [KPFA, Bay Area, CA], though I’ve cut back to half time: it’s still enlightening, stimulating, and rewarding and keeps me engaged with the news of the

world (even when I REALLY wish the news was different: GAZA!). Traveling has been to family this year: Thanksgiving and a wedding, both in SoCal, both featuring packs of the youngest generation, plus assorted canines, running circles (quite literally!) around the older generations. Good for everyone’s digestion! Feeling blessed to live where we live, weather-, conflict-, politics- wise. Mother Nature, reading, writing and meditation practice, guarantee comfort and joy. May all find peace and comfort!”

► Lynn Barrett on my nagging: “I like your take on adventures. It is not that they don’t exist at 80+, they are just a little different! One thing that both my husband, David, and I have found is that our volunteer work keeps our gray matter from drying up. It is rewarding, but the word ‘No’ seems to have slipped from our vocabulary, and we are often far too busy. Having said that, we punctuate each year with trips to the States to visit family and friends. We also Zoom with Jean Martin, Kathy East, and Anne and Gordon Stagg ’61 once a month when, in an hour and a half, we try to put the world to rights while virtually sharing peanuts, a glass of wine, and some good laughs. Our world is in a dangerous mess, but I recall sitting in the dining hall during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when we all thought that life as we knew it was about to end, so the mess has been ever with us. We need to remember hopeful things as well, such as the context in which John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth, also in 1962. So, chin up, everyone! As for me, it is my hope to be able to attend our 60th class reunion next October. At that gathering, we oldies should meet in the Gizmo and write a more insightful—maybe humorous?—bit for our class submission next year. [Yes!!!] See you then!”

► From Steve Gamble: ”Wonderful Christmas with Family—skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and snowmobiling. Now to lose a few pounds on a Prolon five day fast. Current projects are finishing volume three of Gamble family stories titled Grace Durrance Gamble Family Stories using the Storyworth site.

Also talking with Mike Lawrence regarding the run up to the November 2024 election. And working with our developer, rancher, neighbor and close friend to put his 250 acre ranch in a Nature Conservancy that we enjoy 365 days a year.”

► David Grossman writes: “For me the highlight of the last year or so was an 80th birthday reunion with 25 former Stanford colleagues who worked with me on the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE), a project that continues today under one of my former students. As was true for everyone, the pandemic greatly restricted our international travel plans, but we hope to resume travel abroad in 2024 with a trip back to Hong Kong where we lived for 12 years. We are very saddened by the recent events in Hong Kong, but wish to make one more connection with our remaining friends and colleagues there. Aside from this we feel fortunate to be enjoying our retirement years in Hawaii. At the same time, while not affected directly by the Lahaina disaster on Maui, I can’t recall a sadder time here. Hopefully 2024 will bring better news.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

TERRY KLOPCIC klopcicjt2@yahoo.com

1965

Knox College and alumni who graduated in the 1960s are pioneering a new Homecoming event that will bring together alumni from neighboring classes. The Decade of the ’60s Reunion will be this fall at Knox Homecoming 2024 (October 25-27). Gary Moses, who has been an enthusiastic proponent, writes: “Our 50th reunion? Yes, it was wonderful! A reunion with the other classes that were at Knox when we were? Terrific!” To facilitate communication and management, Gary has lined up reunionmanager. net, where classmates can open an account and stay informed of developments. In addition to the usual homecoming activities, there will be Decade of the ’60s events, including a Pumphandle, followed by cocktails and dinner. A gathering with current students to share

Terry Smith ’63

2024 ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

Terry Smith ’63 graduated from Knox College with a degree in mathematics, starting his academic journey at 16 as a first-generation college student. His career includes serving as a NASA contract programmer for lunar landings, co-originating Auto-Tune software, and working with Landmark Graphics on oil exploration technology. Smith also developed databases for pediatric medicine and various computer systems. Dedicated to service, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and taught GED math classes. Grateful for Knox’s support, especially during a challenging senior year, he has continuously contributed to the College, participated in recruitment, and served on his 50th Reunion committee.

“There are people on this campus who are a wealth of information about life. Get to know them and learn from them. Have fun, study hard, and learn.”

generational perspectives is also contemplated. Volunteers are needed to plan the events and their implementation. Volunteers from all classes are welcome. To volunteer or to receive further information, email Gary at garymari@aol.com

► This flashback to the Sixties came from Joe Thompson: “When the Beatles came to the Boston Garden in 1964, I was 21, teaching an English class to foreign students at the Boston School for Modern Languages in Copley Square, about seven blocks away. After class I went over to the Garden, a scalper was asking 30-40 bucks for $2.50 seats, money I did NOT have. I kept pestering him. Then a cop came up and said, ‘What ya doin’ John?’ and he said, ‘Oh…. I’m just selling a couple of extra tickets.’ I spoke up and said, ‘I’ll buy one,’ and the cop said, ‘Sell it to him for what you paid.’ Later I started up the stairs to the far-out galaxy seat listed on the ticket. I said ‘screw this’ and went back to the main floor, where there were 5,000 thirteen and fourteenyear-old girls screaming their brains out. I sashayed down the side aisle, and noticed there were two rows of adults standing in front of the stage. In the front row was the press, and behind them were about 30 cops facing the crowd. I slipped into the press line, looking the part (male, 21, jacket & tie), and VERRRY slowly wormed my way sideways until I was right in front of the microphone. I could have reached out and touched John’s shoe. I spent the whole concert there. When Paul started screaming and the spit was flying out over the crowd, I looked

up into the lights, blissed out, thinking I would never wash my face again.”

► Glenn Schiffman sent an update: “By the time this note publishes, I’ll have completed 81 walks around the sun and will be on my way to 82. Health is good. The Writing Life continues. My fictional autobiography (names were changed to involve the innocent) has made it to the Falkland Islands! Life in the Fast Lane, Truckin’ on the 1970’s Rock’nRoll Road is now available on all the bookselling platforms. An essay, ‘1600 Scientists,’ is featured in the winter issue of The Write Launch, and a short story about Janis Joplin will be in the spring print issue of The Whitefish Review.” Glenn added that he plans to take his whole family (kids, spouses, grandkids) to Niagara Falls, his boyhood home, to see the April 8 solar eclipse.

► Bruce St John and wife, Carol, celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in December 2023. Bruce writes: “We live a simple life in New Mexico. Having resided in nine countries, we are done with travel. That said, to celebrate my 80th birthday, we did enjoy a week each in Lake Tahoe and Yosemite with our two sons and families. I published two books in 2023. Peruvian Foreign Policy in the Modern Era concludes work begun when I spent the year 1968 in Peru researching my doctoral dissertation. The earlier book, The Foreign Policy of Peru (1992) covered the period from independence in 1821 to 1990. The new book brings the story up to

date, covering 1990 to 2023. The second book, Historical Dictionary of Libya, sixth edition, is more of a research tool. Over the years, I have expanded the book from 100 pages when it was first published in 1981 to over 600 pages in the latest edition. I also have an article in the current issue of the SAIS Review of International Affairs. Entitled “Water Wars on South America’s Pacific Coast,” it explores the impact of climate change and the resultant reduced snowpack in the Andes on water resources in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. The book I am working on now, probably my last, is a biography of the late Libyan leader, Muammar al-Qaddafi. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the late Dr. John A. Houston, a gifted Knox teacher, for the support and inspiration he gave a farm boy from Central Illinois who had dreams of experiencing the world.”

► Henry Randolph shared an example of the promise and the peril of AI that came to him in the form of an unauthorized “resume” he recently received from a headhunter. Apparently generated by an AI bot, it lifted content from his LinkedIn profile. Surprisingly accurate and well written, except for obvious pronoun errors, the resume read: ‘This professional is a highly skilled and experienced writer and translator with a diverse background in various industries. They have a strong passion for language and honed skills through years of experience in translating books, academic papers, and business publications from German and French to English. They have

a proven track record of delivering top-quality work on time and have a strong focus on meeting clients’ needs. With a background in corporate management, they have a strong sense of professionalism and reliability. With a Master’s degree from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree from Knox College, this professional has a strong educational background to support their extensive experience…’ The remainder of the AI-generated resume was somewhat repetitive and less accurate, stating that Henry served as a 1st Lt. in the Marines, when he actually finished as a captain and suggesting that he is currently looking for a job in publishing, the military, or international affairs. He is not. He has been there, done that.

► Speaking of ‘been there, done that’: For the first two or more decades after we graduated, Joe Thompson was our class correspondent, and then he was succeeded by Terry Rothstein, who served for at least three decades. Both earned our thanks for coaxing news items out of us when we were busy with family and career. Now that we are retired and have more time, my job will be much easier. Now, you can also leave a note for classmates on the Reunion manager software mentioned above. I hope to see you at the Decade of the ’60s Reunion this October!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: DIANE

TROUT-OERTEL doertel@oertelarchitects.com

1966

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

JUDITH HOLLAND SARNECKI

1967

Anne Talley Turner writes: “I’m grateful, after losing husband Jack Turner seven years ago, to be sharing a beautiful Chapter Two with Steve Kuzma. Enjoying our blended families of children and grandchildren, volunteering, and traveling. Highlights last year included playing tourist in Washington, DC (wonderfully guided by Nancy Rabenstein Pielemeier and husband John). I’ve called Eugene, Oregon, my home for over five decades now—love it—and am having fun sharing my favorite Pacific Northwest sights with my Michigander spouse.”

► Elsa Swenson Teel wins the prize for adventure traveling! In March/April 2023, Elsa traveled solo from her home on Whidbey Island, Washington, to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern tip of South America. On the way, one of her flights was canceled and after many frantic phone calls, NatGeo/ Lindblad rescheduled her flights. After three days of travel (no sleep) she arrived late to Ushuaia, but fortunately the captain of the ship, the National Geographic Explorer, had kindly delayed departure for her arrival. During her travel to the ship she tore the rotator cuff of her left shoulder managing her damaged bag—now only a three wheeler after rough baggage handling by American Airlines. This injury, painful as it was, did not interfere with her participating in all the amazing NatGeo/Lindblad activities during the trip. She cavorted with penguins on New Island in the Falklands, as well as kayaked along its shores. She toasted Sir Ernest Shackleton at his gravesite on South Georgia Island. She visited islanders on Tristan da Cunha—the most remote island in the world. (One of their main revenues comes from selling postcard stamps.) She met Jonathan, a 190-year-old tortoise, who lives at the Governor’s mansion on St. Helena Island, and she visited Napoleon Bonaparte’s “house arrest” home, Longwood,

which pretty much looked like a resort surrounded by lovely gardens. She also hiked to Napoleon’s beautifully maintained gravesite, even though he is no longer there. Then, on to Ascension Island. She was not allowed to visit because she now had COVID and was sequestered in her cabin for five days. Apparently the island is basically a military base—so she didn’t miss a lot except she did want to see the green sea turtles who travel from Brazil to lay their eggs on the beach. She crossed the Equator and was promoted from a Pollywog to a Shellback in a momentous ceremony conducted by King Neptune. And, of course, there was a celebratory glass of champagne. During “at sea” days, she enjoyed the many extraordinary lectures that were offered. She also consulted with shipboard Nat/Geo guest author Andrew Evans, who taught her how to write Haiku poems. Next, she visited a winery in a little village in a caldera on Fogo Island, Cape Verde, at the top of a mountain where a volcano had recently erupted with black lava all around. At a coastal village, she was pulled out of the crowd to dance with one of the performers during their singing and drumming performance. Then on to the Canary Islands, where she had a delicious lunch of local delicacies at a mountain resort. One of the waiters demonstrated the famous whistle language the locals use. The final island she visited was Madeira, home of its namesake wine. Here she enjoyed a walking culinary tour in downtown Funchal, which included tasting black scabbard fish, maze cakes, and local cookies, chocolates, and pastries, as well as their famous local aperitif—“poncha” (beware!). The only problem marring this paradise island was the amount of Sahara Desert sand dust in the air! Now five weeks of travel adventures ended in Lisbon, Portugal. The trip home from there was thankfully uneventful!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: HELEN GILBERT

helengilbert98571@gmail.com

1968

Thanks to everyone who replied, even as I was experiencing email

issues. Another really good way to keep up with our class is going to www.facebook.com/groups/Knox68. There is an activity for each day and the jokes on Friday are terrific. Thanks so much to Chip.

► Jim Buechl writes about the loss of classmate David Riley: “I wrote David’s obituary and had it published in the Boston Globe. He was liked by many of our classmates. I believe that after sophomore year, he left Knox and enlisted in the Navy, where he served on an aircraft carrier that spent some time in Vietnam. We stayed in touch during that time, and when Dave was leaving the Navy, I persuaded him to come to Boston, which he did. Once in Boston, he married and obtained a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work. He then worked for a number of non-profit social services companies.”

► Susan Van Kirk is sending us some news. Her third Art Center Mystery is being published by Level Best Books the first week of June. It’s titled Death in a Ghostly Hue and follows two earlier books in the series titled Death in a Pale Hue and Death in a Bygone Hue. She described the series as cozy mysteries, but they push into the traditional genre too. Congrats to one of our successful class authors.

► Roy Matthews, husband of Barb Matthews who died over three years ago, wanted to keep connected with us. “Eastern Idaho has been quiet, which is normal. It is difficult to realize that Barb is gone. I continue to visit the local Senior Citizens’ Community Center where I can find people our age to talk to. Last summer I checked off an item from my bucket list while fishing out of Sitka, AK, by landing (and releasing) a 50+ pound King Salmon. The skipper of the charter said that was the biggest salmon he had ever landed on his boat in seven years as a skipper/guide. The holidays saw me attempt a new challenge by baking holiday cookies instead of pies. I went through 12 pounds of butter and a pint of rum. All my kids and grandkids seemed to arrive just as the cookies came out of the oven. Very few ever made it to the cookie

jar. Currently, I am working on another bucket list item, learning to play the guitar. Who knew there are so many muscles that can cramp at the same time. Progress is slow, but I do not have a lot of other things demanding my time.”

► On January 20, Knox celebrated Coach Harley Knosher’s 90th birthday, attended by Mary Burgland and husband George, Murv Pretorius and wife Mary Ann, Tom Mellen, and Chip Evans. Before the celebration, Harley joined them for lunch at the Landmark Cafe.

► Chip Evans sent us some news from the class. He had a great time at our 55th reunion in October 2023. They had about 50 people attending. Mary Burgland presented him with a framed wall hanging containing a photo, three unique and valuable Knox College keepsakes, a relief of Old Main, and a poem by classmate Ted Szostkowski. He was shocked and honored. He feels Mary deserves something of equal or greater value for all she has done for our class. Mary and George also provided a cocktail party Thursday evening and the Sunday morning brunch.

► I feel we have so many loyal and supportive classmates that keep us together. I would never have thought I would be more connected with my college class than my high school. It’s so great to read how our lives have progressed. Everything is pretty much the same for me. My husband will have been in memory care for four years this June. Judd still loves Misericordia and works at Wendy’s for three days and walks to work. My granddaughter will be going to college in the fall. Here’s to a great 2024.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: SUSAN MEYER MIKA

pottatea@comcast.net

1969

Jean (Wilhelms) and Larry Moore celebrated their 50th anniversary (three years later, thanks to Covid) in New Orleans, where they honeymooned in 1970. Jean continues as a volunteer tutor twice a week (by ZOOM and in person); Larry

is on the local library board and a Democratic committee person. Three grandkids live up the street, and, when it’s time for a break from them, they adjourn to Philadelphia where they hope to see you all on the occasion of the semiquincentennial.

► From Cincinnati, Kim Adams Post writes: “Kim & John Post ’67 are planning lots of travel in 2024. Kim, a former fearful flier, is zeroing in on million-miler status on Delta. Trips are in the works for WA and CA wine country, as well as visiting national parks in NM and AZ, and, of course, Galesburg in October.”

► Ray and Marilyn ’71 Howell are escaping the Chicago winter in Charleston, SC. They have four new grandchildren, all under two. It took them a while, but they now have gotten the hang of it—”when they nap, we nap!” Marilyn is working on her golf game and reading Grisham, DeMille, Vanderbilt and many biographies. Ray is busy with guitar, music writing and prison ministry. He is looking forward to the 55th Class Reunion.

► Mollie Miller Thorn reports: “I am learning to adjust to retirement. My days seem to fill up very easily! Phil and I have done stateside travel over the past year, visiting with friends and family in California, Florida, North Carolina, Western MD, and Northern Virginia. We hope to make a European trip happen this fall. I keep busy with my singing groups...two are world-wide virtual choirs. My latest excitement is that I’ll be singing in NYC at Carnegie Hall on June 9, with members of the Stay At Home Choir. We will be singing a repertoire of Christopher Tin’s music...and he will be conducting!”

► From Tucson, David Luery shares some sad news: “My wife, Nicolette Pfaff Luery ’70, passed away on November 30, after having lived with Alzheimer’s for the past four years. We were fortunate that she was able to live at home during her Alzheimer’s. Needless to say, for me the past four years have been focused on Nick and her wellbeing

and happiness. I haven’t yet started to come to grips with what comes next, though I’m sure I will resume traveling, as there are many friends, both in the USA and Europe, to go see. I also want to resume discovering the West and Southwest, for which our home in Tucson provides a good hub. Nick and I were/are keen amateur photographers, and Alzheimer’s and COVID interrupted our exploration of our new home in the southwest. If anyone is interested, a portfolio of some of our images can be found at www.flickr. com/photos/41709201@N04/.”

► Susan Buckner Hammon writes that she and husband Joe Hammon ’68 enjoy having their son and his family only four blocks away, which makes watching the two grandkids grow up so much fun! They attended Joe’s 55th Knox reunion last October, reconnecting with so many friends, so she is looking forward to her reunion this fall. Two other trips were highlights of the year; one with high school buddies to Lake Geneva, WI, and the yearly visit to my brother in NY.”

► From his boat just off the Georgia coast (en route to the Bahamas): “Bill Howell here, little Bill, that is. Currently anchored on the Waccamaw River, having trouble getting the anchor up. Loved Knox and everyone. Live for others, not yourself.”

► Nikki Lund Erickson and her husband of 50+ years (an Iowa grad and Vietnam veteran) have lived in downtown Honolulu since 2013. She enjoys the weather, walking everywhere, and reading Connelly, Grisham, Sandford, and DeMille (Correspondent’s Note. This is an amazing coincidence as Marilyn Howell is reading the same authors!)

► In response to the news of Lorelei Lahsin Patey and Rich Isberner’s passing, Jeremy Gladstone wrote: “I remember both our classmates and can somehow hear their voices and see them again as they once were. Memories may not carry the same force as physical presence, but they do keep us company as long as we nurture them. Jostling, joking, a sardonic smile, images that

warm the cockles of my soul when energy is such a problem. And they do make it easier to continue down that long, winding road, a road that gets lonelier all the time. Excuse me for becoming maudlin but such moments make it difficult to be anything else.”

► Linda Guckes Barkwill reports that she is enjoying life at Splendido, a highly regarded continuing care retirement facility in Southern Arizona. Linda serves on the Hospitality and Sonora (health care) Committees, supports individual residents experiencing health and aging challenges, and participates in water aerobics and other fitness activities. She enjoys audiobooks, the socialization and amenities that Splendido offers, and the warm, sunny weather.

► Bernie Braun passed away in November 2023. His wife Betsey Bradt Braun provided a beautiful tribute: “Bernie was the original ‘good guy’. His chemistry degree from Knox served him well. His career began with evaluation of packaging materials, progressed to development of new packages, and ended in focusing on mold designs for production of products for the health and beauty industry. Along the way, there were three sons and seven grandchildren. And as one can imagine, he was very actively involved with all sorts of sports and creative projects with them. He suffered a massive stroke 15 years ago, resulting in aphasia and paralysis. His long-term survival is certainly a testament to his strength.”

► Class Correspondent Paul Behnke writes that he and wife Deb celebrated their 30th anniversary in October with a trip to London and

Mallorca with their daughters. They also hosted Paul’s grandsons with a July trip to the North Carolina beaches. He continues to deliver training for aviation professionals both in the classroom and on-line. Paul enjoys his annual trips to Cranfield University in the UK, where he is a guest instructor. The Class of 1969 is gearing up for the 55th Reunion!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: PAUL BEHNKE

pbehnke48@gmail.com

1970

Thanks to all of you who sent in their news, and I apologize for the glitch in the last magazine. I want to share a personal bucket list check-off. I was able to travel to Australia and New Zealand last fall. Having been a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, this was a must see. Beautiful lands, terrific people and a visit to the Hobbiton set south of Auckland. My two sons (and their kids) are so jealous. Travel was tough but, well, the bucket is one item lighter.

► From Sandy Butler Londos: Her husband, Skip, passed away on January 15, 2023, and “I’m trying to find my way through widowhood —a club I never wanted to join. Losing Skip has made ‘carpe diem’ more than a Latin phrase. Sharvey Umbeck (pres of Knox when we were there) was the speaker at my high school graduation. He told a story about a little boy fishing with his grandfather. They needed minnows for bait but every time the granddad told the boy to dip his bucket, the boy wanted to wait for a bigger school of fish. Finally they were in deeper water where there

were no more minnows. The moral of Sharvey’s story was, ‘Dip your bucket while you may.’ His speech is the only one I’ve ever remembered in all my years of attending graduations. So, in the spirit of seizing the day and dipping my bucket while I still can, I’ve spent time in FL this past summer with my sister, Carla Butler ’71 and am greatly looking forward to a visit in Ann Arbor with Nita Bosky-Vaughan at the end of September. Judy Kramer Mosavat is going to join us to celebrate our 75th birthdays (Aug., Sept., Oct.) together. It seems surreal that we were all together in Whiting Hall 53 years ago.”

► I got a note in late summer with this information “August 26, 2023 —Informing you of the death of James A. Rusche class of 1970 on June 14, 2023 in Greenwood, South Carolina. Jim was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He suffered from Alzheimer’s/dementia for the last 8 years. He was married to Kay Karner-Rusche for 53 years. They have three children (all married) and seven grandchildren. He was from Itasca, Illinois, and graduated from Lake Park High School in 1966.”

► From Pete Drummond: “As usual spending a ton of time with the four grandkids, which is a parade of ear infections, strep throat, projectile vomiting, and assorted injuries. If the kids don’t go somewhere, we don’t go. I give a lot of life instructions like ‘Don’t run with scissors!’ ‘Stop hitting your sister!’ And ‘leave the dog alone!’ I worry when it’s quiet in the house! I still keep in touch with Ron Weingart, Jim Kilts and Billy Cirone, and I enjoy seeing classmates on Facebook, too. Finally talked both daughters into working for me at my law office, and I still go to work, but with my kids there, it’s not like work. And it makes it easier for them to tell me what I should be doing. I really missed the 50th Homecoming, and I enjoy keeping up with old friends. Recreationally, I eat a lot of pasta, drink a lot of wine, and try to fish and hunt to excess. Happy new year and good health to all!”

► From Jim Kilts: “Looking forward to 2024. Planning on seeing Pete

Drummond and doing a number of hunting and fishing trips, although I’m still working pretty much full time. Heading to the Bahamas, Alaska, South Dakota, and Alberta.”

► Topper Steinman writes: “My wife, Carol, and I remain healthy, wealthy, and wise—the last two of those probably don’t fit for me. Yeah, I’ve aged some, but I haven’t changed that much from my ancient Knox days. We are most fortunate to have our two adult kids and their spouses along with our four grandkids within arms reach. It is great for us—and we hope for them. Each of them is doing well in their adult, adolescent, and children lanes. We are proud and appreciative of their successes and their resiliencies through the challenges that life seems to offer all of us. We find time to travel (sans COVID— argh!), exercise, volunteer in varied capacities, connect with others, and nap as often as possible. I hope this finds all of you doing well, also, with More in Store for ’24.”

► I heard from Max Utsler: “So much for retirement! When spring rolls around, I will be starting my 12th year as an official scorer for Major League Baseball. I spend the off-season working TV production and stats for ESPN and CBS college football and basketball. I also serve as the college coordinator for a youth mentoring program in Dayton Moore’s CYou In the Major Leagues Foundation. Life is good.”

► Good to hear from Chris Herbes Sommers: “After a few years in North Carolina studying classical art and surviving the pandemic, I’ve moved to Stone Ridge, New York, in the Hudson Valley. Beautiful landscapes, a perfect little house, a wonderful community, including the inimitable Wendy Saul ’68, who prompted my coming here. We keep mumbling about hosting an alumna get-together in town in summer or fall. My son graduated from University of Chicago Medical School and is now a medical resident in family medicine in Albuquerque, NM. All is well in my ‘bubble,’ but the outside world continues to haunt. We Knoxites tend not to bury our heads in the sand. May 2024 be kind to you all and to the world.”

► From Colorado Sue Deans writes: “After dating for 16 years, my longtime companion Richard Polk and I moved together to a beautiful retirement complex in west Boulder. We didn’t want to rush into anything! Earlier in the year, like most of us, I celebrated my 75th birthday. Classmates Becky Hollmeyer Ullman, Janet Watson Hoyne, and I reunited in St. Louis in November so we could all celebrate our Diamond Jubilee together.“

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: NANCY HOOVER DEBELIUS nhdebe@zoominternet.net

1971

Jan Dressel (jandressel3@yahoo. com) decided that she wants to offer her four grandchildren experiences rather than “more things.” So, she told them that, when they turn 12 years old, she will take them to a place they wanted to visit. (She now realizes that she should have added “someplace in Illinois”!) She kept her word and recently returned from the first trip: 10 days touring Egypt! In June, she and her granddaughter will tour Japan! The younger two are still choosing their adventures. Jan hopes that she has enough energy and money to make it happen!

► Bill Goldberg (wjgoldberg11734@ gmail.com) reports that his wife, Brenda, had her first novel published after six years of effort. It is The Art of Becoming Someone Else Entirely under her pen name “Brenda Arnold.” It’s never too late to achieve a goal! The rest of the family are all proud of “Grandma.”

► Randy and Julie Bendrick (randyjb49@aol.com) enjoyed a two-week tour of Italy with Walt and Lilli ’74 Davis and Becky and Rob Mentzer. They took a rail trip from Venice to Sicily with several nights each in Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento and somewhere in Sicily (Chianti blurs Randy’s memory). He is happy to report that there were no activities which damaged U.S. relations with Italy. On the positive side, the six supported the local economies through their consumption of delicious food and drink. Other than

that, Julie and Randy are spending the winter in KC, except for a brief respite to Naples, FL, in early April. They will celebrate their 50th anniversary in July.

► Larry Kusch (twams67@comcast. net) and Ralph Norman drove to Galesburg to spend some time with Harley Knosher. Larry brought his old football playbook from 1970, as well as his Gizmo picture and other 70s artifacts. After chatting at Harley’s home, the three had lunch at the Iron Spike Brewing Company and shared stories of gridiron glory.

► Speaking of gridiron glory, Dan Barron (drbarron49@gmail.com) and his brother followed Northwestern to the Las Vegas Bowl and had a great time, especially since the Wildcats won.

► John Pilcher (aronia.us@att.net) and April will be traveling to the south of France in late October to visit friends. Their two-week trek will take them through London, Paris, and Lyon. It will be John’s first trip to France. During his Barcelona program days of 1969-1970, he never made it north of Andorra.

► Mary Tompkins (mary_tompkins@ncsu.edu) and Wayne are still living happily on their farm where they have resided for the last 22 years. After 21 years, they no longer have horses on the farm, as they moved the last one to a different farm just before Christmas when Mary had shoulder surgery. While they feel somewhat lonely without the horses, they still have dogs (2) and cats (3). Mary reports that their children are doing well. Son Mark is the director and principal Investigator of an NIH funded Center of Excellence in Influenza Disease and Emergence Research at the University of Georgia. Their daughter,

Lisa, is busy coaching kids for their bar and bat mitzvahs. Mary is not sure what daughter Laura is up to other than enjoying single life now that her children are off to college.

► Chris Poelma (jadeprairie@yahoo. com) finally attended her first Grateful Dead concert when she took an epic trip to California. The trek included the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest. Perhaps the most memorable part of the trip was that she was carded TWICE when buying alcohol!

► After 40 years in Chicago, Barbara Weaver (weaver1713@gmail.com) moved to Glenview, IL, to be closer to her son and grandchildren.

► John Flood (jtflood39@gmail.com) stays busy by helping raise seven grandsons. He golfed with Terry Denoma, Jim Leech and Gene Brandt ’72 throughout the summer. John will be headed to AZ in March, where he spent time with our wise and mature classmate, Dennis Farrell

► Gary Gehlbach (gehlbach@ egbclaw.com) reports that he is privileged to be a board member of Sinnissippi Centers, Inc., a community based behavioral healthcare center serving residents in five Northwest Illinois counties. The board recently promoted SCI’s Chief Operations Officer, Stacie Traum Kemp ’98, to chief executive officer. Gary is the senior partner in an eight-person law firm in Dixon, Illinois.

► Lonnie Schaefer (dandlschaefer@ yahoo.com) and Dan have been reclusive because of the snow and cold in northern Illinois. However, they rented a house in Miramar, Florida, at the end of March, where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and the fact that they are both turning 75. They and their three children and their spouses, together with all five grandchildren, gathered for some fun in the sun!

► This has been an interesting time for Judy and me. In June, we traveled to Israel to visit our daughter and join up with our oldest son and his family who were traveling there, too. Judy and I then traveled on to Petra, Jordan, Krakow, Prague,

and Vienna on a wonderful but very emotional trip as we visited Auschwitz and other sites. We did maintain our travel protocols as we usually ate in restaurants where most of the customers spoke the native language and the recipes were from the owner’s grandmother. Note: The Czech’s make great beer! Several classmates have asked about my daughter and I truly appreciate the concern. Laura (who lives in Israel) is safe, was in Denmark on October 7, and remains there for now. That said, she had friends at the festival on October 7—one who escaped and, tragically, one who did not. She also has a friend whose mother, sibling, and two nieces were taken hostage but have been released. One of our sons has a friend whom we know whose brother-in-law remains a hostage. It is a truly tragic event for all concerned. Hopefully, some form of lasting peace can be attained, families can be reunited, and we can visit Laura there again.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

JERRY TATAR

jerry@tatarlawfirm.com

1972

Bruce Arfken, Bill Durall, and Steve Suskin provided a brief update on the David Hartmann/ Sigma Nu Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded by Knox to a deserving student with a physical disability and, secondarily, to an active Sigma Nu. This year’s recipient is Camy Mertes ’27, a first year student from Batavia. Camy’s award, the largest to date, is $12,601, bringing the total amount awarded over the past 10 years to $55,987. The total market value of the scholarship now stands at $211,000 as of June 2023, due in part to the $24,000 in contributions received over the past fiscal year. Many thanks to all of you who continue to help the scholarship grow. To date, we’ve had 53 people contribute to the scholarship fund. Most donors were classmates of David and knew him, but 17 are from the Classes of 1990 or later. If you’d like to contribute, you can do so, by earmarking all or part of your Knox contribution to the fund.

► Mike Burke writes, “2023 was a year of travel for us. We started on safari in Kenya in January (Cindy created a book from all the pictures), Palm Desert in March, Sint Maarten in April, Hilton Head with the grandkids in June, Long Beach Island in August, a Rhine River cruise in September, Hilton Head in October, Las Vegas in November, and Palm Beach in January. I feel very fortunate to be so healthy to travel with Cindy. A great year but a little exhausting. Cindy became a docent at the Cleveland Zoo and is volunteering hundreds of hours. She supports the conservation nature of its mission. I am still mentoring startup companies through our local quasi government organization called JumpStart and was asked to become a senior board member of our Leukemia and Lymphoma Society since I was a former board chair. We hope everyone is doing well and look forward to our next reunion…”

► Graham Copeland writes, “My wife and I have put over a year behind us living in our new home in western Colorado. We have no misgivings about leaving Florida behind and celebrate our great fortune every single day. Cush.”

► Brian Heurlin writes, “Our son, a professor at Bowdoin College, will be speaking at a conference in Singapore on the political implications of China’s changes in local government structure. Christopher has been a repeated guest in national news on Chinese political issues. We’re quite proud of him.”

► Danica Hurley Polite writes, “Just wanted to say that I met my husband, Michael Polite, our first year at Knox. We dated on and off for five years and finally got married on May 11, 1974. This year, we’ll celebrate our fiftieth anniversary! Thanks to Knox, I got a great education and a great husband!”

► Larry Nichelson writes, “I’m running for Congress in California’s 11th District, the seat held by Nancy Pelosi for 35 years. I’m a Third Party candidate but signed up as a Republican because the two parties make it so hard for Third Party candidates to run. Platform is

Medicare for All, Secure Retirement, Subsidized Child Care, help for renters, easy to join unions, stop endless wars, permanent ceasefire in Palestine, stop bloated Pentagon budget so we can help Americans, diplomacy and cooperation with other countries so we can solve climate change. Vote Third Party Peace Candidates. Find me on TikTok.”

► Bill Sowle writes, “Bicycling this year over 1500 miles and 75 rail/ trails and greenways. Springtime in Oklahoma City and Lake Overholser Trail. Bricktown Canal Trail reminded me of the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Nine trails in Oklahoma City, six in Tulsa. My favorite was Riverpark’s East/West Bank Trail along the Arkansas River. Razorback Regional Greenway goes through Bentonville, Arkansas, home town of Walmart and Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. They have recently acquired a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian home. My longest trail was the 240-mile KATY Trail out of St. Charles, Missouri, a great little historic town that hosted Lewis and Clark back in the day. The former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad followed along the Missouri River; there are historic buildings and plaques commemorating events along the trail. Scenery was amazing: rivers, streams, towering cliffs, forest and wildlife. I bicycled along Fox River in Illinois, then headed to Colorado, bicycling in Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Lafayette, Golden, Boulder, Denver, and Littleton. When it was too warm on the Front Range, I headed up to the quaint mountain town of Frisco. There is an amazing network of bicycle trails to Breckenridge, Vail, Copper Mountain, and Keystone. I stayed for the fall colors.”

► Dean Turner, Tom Kroupa ’73, and Tom McBurney ’74 are planning an ADE picnic on June 1 at the Turner home. Please touch base with Dean with any questions: patchinater@aol.com. Dave Wood writes, “went to Coach Knosher’s 90th birthday celebration held at Kresge and sat with classmates Bill Allison and teammate Bill Durall. I hope I’m in that good shape if I make it to 90! He still golfs three days a week.”

► Margaret King Zacharias, Ph.D. has been appointed the new managing editor for Hawaii Writers Guild Literary Review, Latitudes, to coordinate an editorial staff of 12 genre experts in fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry for Edition V, which will be published in June, 2024. The new editorial team has also begun to explore adding print publication of all five current editions to the literary journal’s original online format.

► Wendy Scherwat Ducourneau writes, “Tony and I had a fabulous 6200 mile road trip last fall. Centered around my high school reunion, we visited Jerry ’71 and Barbara McCauley Baumeister, Claudia McFadden, Jamie Bjorkman ’57, and Jan and Jon Carbary —all superb hosts! Highlights of the trip were three excellent museums: National Vietnam War Museum (Weatherford, Texas), National WWII Museum (New Orleans, Louisiana) and Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum (Birmingham, Alabama). We also visited Still Bend, a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Two Rivers, as part of a lovely four days in Door County, Wisconsin. Get in touch for travel arrangement tips!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: WENDY SHERWATDUCOURNEAU wjsd@jps.net

1973

Our 50th Reunion gave us an opportunity to look back on our extraordinary time at Knox. I asked classmates for their most memorable moments during our visit last October. For me, it was just being in a place I called home for four years and trying not to cry when we sang the Knox Hymn at Convocation!

► From Bob Bolier: “Where else could I, now a 72-year-old man, on a weekend visit to my Alma Mater, walk right into the new Athletic Director’s office, have a five-minute chat, and hear him tell me he had heard about one of my highlight athletic achievements 53 years earlier? Where else could I walk right into the head football coach’s office and spend 15 minutes exchanging ideas, hearing about the goals and

direction of the program? Where else could I spend most of the Homecoming football game talking with former coach and athletic director Harley Knosher (one of The Finest Men I have Ever met in my life), and former football teammates from my era, like Bob Prout, Greg Divers, Topper Steinman ’70, Ralph Norman ’71, Larry Kusch ’71, and other friends, reliving the stories of our past? And also meet and talk with the new president of the College? Nowhere else but Knox College! A small college, but a large impact on lives!”

► Don Corrigan contributes: “A memorial to the life of Donald Sweeney was attended by his Knox TKE fraternity brothers Bob Bolier, Kyle Vantrease, and Don Corrigan in January on a very cold St. Louis day. Bolier recalled Sweeney’s Knox days in one of many eulogies. Corrigan promises to write a tribute to Sweeney who was a whistleblower in the late 1990s on the Corps of Engineers flawed plans for the Mississippi River. Corrigan will publish and post the tribute on the environmentalecho.com blog later this year. Sweeney won numerous environmental awards for his brave intervention, including national recognition from the Natural Resources Council of America. Fraters John Gorski and Mike Hennessey were unable to attend the Sweeney memorial due to inclement weather; however, Gorski resurrected the Gizmo’s ‘Uncle Meat’s’ at the reunion by barbecuing hundreds of pounds of bratwurst and beef brisket at the TKE House. Gorski promises to bring some of the leftovers to the 2028 class reunion and to also play his favorite Bobby Vinton albums at the oldest TKE Fraternity House in America. It was hard for Greg Divers to pick out one favorite memory, so he just said that it was great to see how many of us returned for our 50th Reunion. Every planned event was packed, from the pre-Homecoming gathering on Thursday to the Sunday brunch. Larry Frakes’ most memorable moment came at the very end of the weekend, when he particularly enjoyed the company at the Sunday brunch. He also enjoyed seeing ADE brothers again. As a music major who spent many hours

in a practice room at the fine arts center, he brought his axe and went there to play for a while. Since our prior reunion, he has new clarinets and has taken up the trombone.”

► Kathy Freise writes that it was wonderful to be back at Knox and see the people and places that were so important during four years of her life. Reconnecting with old friends, like Liz Brasure and Jane Goeltz Stetson, was great. It was particularly moving to experience our group marching into Convocation, and it was hard to hold back the tears when we sang the Knox Hymn. It was a great weekend, even if they mixed her up with Kathy Green Litz in the class photo description! Kathy’s husband had been concerned that he would feel left out since he hadn’t gone to Knox, but he too had a good time. She credits the alumni staff and committee for doing a great job.

► Karen Harris did not even try not to cry at the singing of the Knox Hymn! She lists catching up with suitemates Jan Gulbis, Kathy Green Litz, and Kathy Donovan Bucher in the Gizmo, visiting Green Oaks with Kathy and John Bucher, breakfasts with Liz Brasure and Steve Giles, and hanging out with basketball teammates as her most memorable moments. She was honored to represent the initial women’s basketball program at the Then and Now Panel Discussion and enjoyed visiting with Saxon Alvarez ’23 from this year’s squad. She is proud of our classmates’ accomplishments since graduation. “You all rock!”

► Tom Kroupa and his wife Kim were once day-of-wedding coordinators for a wedding of 700. Now they are taking their skills to help Dean and Chris Rowinski Turner, both ’72, plan an all-class ADE picnic, targeting June 1.

► Sandy Lamprech Heggeness says Aloha from Hawaii. She writes: “It was great to be on campus after 47 years and see it looking well kept, as well as expanding its physical footprint and academic opportunities. Kudos to all who planned the meals, celebrations and ceremonies. Outstanding job! Loved seeing my

fellow ‘Farm Termers,’ Judy O’Keefe van der Linden, Lanie and Lenny Greene, Kadie Finlayson Meyer ’72, and Kathy Burke Deschenes, and getting reacquainted with people I had not seen in 50 years. Good thing we all had name tags! A 50-year gap rendered everyone unrecognizable to me except for our Farm Term professor, Doug Wilson, who remains ageless.”

► Scott L. Montgomery continues to teach as affiliate faculty in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington and to write a column for Global Policy (UK) and do public talks on energy and climate change. (He appeared last year at a Town Hall with Miss America, Grace Stankey, a nuclear engineer!) He and wife Marilyn continue to enjoy life in Seattle, though they sometimes discuss a move across the border (or to the UK), as Scott is soon to get Canadian citizenship (his mother came from that distant land). Older son Kyle is a fourth-year resident at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, married to Cassidy, while younger son Cameron is doing well working for an IT company in San Francisco. Scott’s Knox experience and friends are ever in his mind, often consciously; it was a time more formative than any other. He wishes all these people warmth and light in years to come.

► Joan Raming had so many exceptional moments. She skipped the class photo to spend extra time with the Pi Beta Phis. Hitchhiking from AmericInn was so much fun that she is penciled in to return in 2024. She is hoping to be part of the Knox group visiting Provence France, September 21-28, 2024.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: NANCY BAKOS HUNTER geo_hunters@q.com

1974

Plan to return to our beloved campus to see old friends, October 24-27, 2024, for our 50th Reunion. Reserve your room, as Galesburg hotels fill up. Many of our classmates are planning the reunion. The Reunion Committee includes Glenda Bailey Mershon, Peter Bailley, Linda LaPuma Bial, Jerry Borchers, Ernie Buck, Bob “Trapper” Dawson, Dave Fridovich, Karen Zeches Hawkinson, Fritz Nemetz Ketchum, John Knoche, Jay Larmee, Nancy McMaster, Jim Mott, Mike Murphy, Annie Reinke, Bruce Rohwer, Dave Schulz, Scot Silzer, Mark Stefanik, Jan “Thumper” Thompson, Jackie Martin Totsch, Stan Jaworski, Betty Harpham Spieth-Croll, and Monta Lee Dakin. The theme for our Reunion: Veritas, Latin for “truth” and taken from the Knox seal. The Reunion booklet will profile classmates. A panel discussion will discuss “now and then” issues. Help is needed for the following: memorializing classmates, finding photos from classmates, volunteering during the reunion. A team is considering an appropriate gift to the College from our class. If you have thoughts or would like to help, contact Stan Jaworski (sjaworsk22@ gmail.com) or David Schulz (david. schulz@yale.edu).

► Annie Reinke needs help: “While attending the dinner event at the reunion this past October for the Class of 1973, I was tickled to see a photo of my Knox beau from back in the day. The PowerPoint presentation provided a walk down memory lane, and I’d like to create the same experience for our 50th Reunion. Go through those old scrapbooks, scan, and send photos to: annie.reinke@gmail.com; use ‘Knox’ as the subject line.”

► Priscilla Inge wants to see you: “I wanted to share my thoughts because people should realize that coming back to Knox is much more than they know. It’s a chance for friends to reconnect and or to meet those whom they never associated with or whom they ‘didn’t like’—all nice and smart people! Returning to Knox has afforded me a chance to heal myself and make amends to others. I attended 1973’s 50th

Reunion and it was wonderful—lots of laughter and a reminder of how good it is to see old friends. With each trip back to Knox, I always return energized. PLEASE RETURN to campus this fall so we can see you all again!”

► Jay Larmee is working on Class of 1974 merchandise. Whether you can make it next October or not, you will want your 50th Reunion T-shirt or hoodie. Join our Facebook page for more updates: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/knox74

► Leslie Brooks: “I began creating encaustic mixed media paintings with poems, made a 2024 calendar with those images and poems, published three more books, and joined an arts group in my hometown of Colrain, MA. All to help me process my shock and grief around my identical twin dying last year. Life is precious. Here’s my new website: www.LeslieBrooksArt.com.”

► Allyson Sawtell: “I’ve been writing liturgy, poetry and the occasional rant focused on care for creation/the web of life. I’ve tried to help folks frame how they view themselves in relation to the rest of the world. I believe time is short for us as a species to make changes to mitigate the environmental devastation we have brought to this planet. So, as a retired clergyperson with a progressive theology, I created a website called Not Ordinary Church (https://allyson.revsawtell. org/). This past year, some friends suggested I put my writings into a daily devotional guide: We’re All in This Together: Not Ordinary Devotions. Order it from Amazon or the publisher (https://parsonsporch.com/ ucc). Peace.”

► Richard Heitman: “I continue to thrive in Maine. Retirement is good. I write, read Greek, throw ceramics, brush up on French, draw, and swim. I had a month in Europe. Any friend who is going to the 50th reunion should contact me.”

► Allen Kossoy: ”Still in Kansas. I am now semi-retired with parttime jobs in medicine. We biked in Europe last summer. I continue to compete in swimming at national levels. We have two grandsons and

our health; hope all of you do, too. See you at the 50th reunion.”

► Linda Guastaferri Gallalee: I left Knox early to marry my college sweetheart, Michael Gallalee, before he entered the service as a US Army officer. This year, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. We spent our first 20 years in the Army living in Europe and the USA. Along the way, we both earned our masters degrees at Purdue and George Mason Universities. We are grateful that wherever we lived, we found fulfilling work and volunteer activities in our fields of interest, theater and teaching for me, and hospitality, travel and sports for Mike. We also found rewarding church experiences. After Mike retired from the Army, we moved back to my home state of Colorado, where we are currently working part-time at our church-sponsored care facility. Mike also works for the Colorado Rockies baseball team. We love being close to family. Can’t leave out our many ‘fur children’ over the years, eight cats and four dogs who always bring us joy! We have been burning up the interstate between our homes in Chicago and Rapid City (Linda’s dream retirement home). We are hoping to come to the 50th reunion in October and meet up with our son Jack Gallalee and his wife, Caitlyn Thompson, both ’10. We recently visited Doug Cole and Janet Howell Cole and hope to reconnect with other Knox friends. Mike and I send our best wishes to all Knox Alums, especially the classes of ’72 and ’74!”

► Mary Alice “Fritz” Ketchum: “I’m working on a book about my father’s letters from World War II. He was German American, from Wisconsin—studying for the Catholic priesthood when the draft for American GIs sent him to Camp Gruber in Oklahoma. Then he landed in Marseilles as part of the 42nd Rainbow Division. He spent time in combat and then in the Counterintelligence Corps. His wartime experiences were largely unknown to our family until we discovered letters he had written to his parents. While transcribing the letters, I heard the 20-something version of my father, who was transformed by the war.”

► Glenda Bailey Mershon: Her new book, Weaver’s Knot, is a collection of poems about connections. Gayle Brandeis reviewed her book: “‘This collection is full of song—poems that skat and pulse and pluck and stir, poems that sing with the ancestors and cartwheel out to the stars. Bailey-Mershon dedicates Weaver’s Knot to ‘the women in my family who tied knots so fine they’ve held for generations.’ The knots she ties in this beautiful collection are equally fine, equally lasting—fibers of language wrapped in golden light.”

► Evan Massey achieved two milestones this past year: coaching for 50 years and winning over 1000 games. His achievements are now part of the history of Galesburg High School (see the Knox Gizmogram, January 2024).

Tom McBurney notes that the ADEs (remember them?) planned a reunion picnic, tentatively scheduled for June 1. It will be hosted by Dean Turner ’72, Chris Rowinski Turner ’72, and Tom Kroupa ’73.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: MONTA LEE DAKIN mld780@aol.com

1975

Ann Ranfranz recognized Nancy Claypool in Door County,WI, and put Nancy in touch with me. Nancy writes that she was sailboat racing in Lake Michigan with plans later to sail the New England coast.

► Lynne Barney Porter writes that she and husband “both honed our boating skills over the past 26 years … and the current one that we live on in summer, is a 55-foot boat.” When I told Lynne about Nancy’s sailing she wrote, “Nancy is quite the sailor as a racer! That requires a particular set of skills … I take my hat off to her! However, I prefer power boating!”

► Linda Langston and Dave Langston also notched some nautical adventure with a day aboard a two-masted sailboat off the coast of Maine and a Princess cruise from London to Ft. Lauderdale with a

couple of European port visits along the way.

► In other exciting vacation news, George Szostkowski writes from the Amsterdam airport that their “vacation included five days in Prague, six days in Budapest, and a 15-day Viking cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam on the Danube and Rhine rivers” with notable historic and cultural stops to tour.

► Diane R. Mayer took a “September trip to England and France for my 70th birthday.” Her “WWIIthemed adventure … starting in London, with a private tour of Churchill’s underground war rooms” also included “Bletchley Park where the code-breakers worked.” Then in Normandy Diane her birthday “touring both the German and the American cemeteries” also noting that ”the tour company … arranged a wreath-laying ceremony for us at the American Cemetery.” Regarding her goal for South Africa in 2024, Diane says “it’s about time I make it happen!”

► “After 38 years as the Wade Professor of Choral Music at Roanoke College,” Jeffrey Sandborg retired in May 2023. “In the last 27 years my choirs made eight international concert tours, including visits to Brazil, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France (four tours), Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic and The Netherlands. The Roanoke College Choir was the official choir of the 75th anniversary of D-Day commemoration with concerts throughout Normandy.” Jeffrey and wife Marianne still lead music at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke. Retirement promises a slower pace and still “vivid memories of the Knox years remain.”

► Amanda R LaRosa: writes “Having reached the age of retirement (not retired, yet) husband Joe and I have decided to act our age and make life easier. After 36 years of living in Orange County, CA (half my life!), we are in the process of moving to a new retirement community in Beaumont, CA, about 20 miles east of Palm Springs. Lots of activities, great facilities, and most importantly, NO STAIRS! I

will probably retire once I figure out what to do with my time, and I need to get a hobby. Would love to hear from anyone.”

► Dan England says, “Just thought I’d send you a quick email telling you that we are moving out of Jacksonville, Fl, and back to Illinois next week. Cindy’s mother wants to move closer to her sisters and other daughters. We mostly moved to Florida to be around her mother. So, we’re moving back too. We’ll be closer to family, friends, and colleagues. Goodbye sunshine, hello winter.”

► Dr. Gwendolyn Carol Webb writes, “I am well. Have been teaching this summer. Today is the last day of classes, and now I must grade papers! I did attend a conference in Florida and was able to tag on a few days to see my granddaughters in NC. That was exciting. It will be time to prepare for the fall in just a week and a half, and there are lots of issues with our wonderful Senate Bill 17, but we will persist because diversity, equity and social justice remains important!”

► Gary A. Pokorn writes he “is busier than ever in retirement: Jan – attended the Knox 1974-75-76 Basketball Team Reunion; Feb –participated in the Colorado Knox Alumni Scholarship high school student interviews; May – he and wife Debbie enjoyed their first European river cruise (not their last!); Jun – he and Debbiefinalized the final resting place for their ashes in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area Palisade, CO; Sep 1 –they lunched with b-ball teammate Greg Peden ’76 and wife Cindy; Sep 8 – Left for their first vacation in Door County, WI; Oct – missed Homecoming weekend helping move our son, his wife, and our four horses to Riverton, WY. We capped off an eventful year by sending copies of The Peace and Power of a Positive Perspective © to two terrific basketball coaches: Harley Knosher and Evan Massey ’74.”

► Shep Crumrine writes, “During my years at VA Milwaukee, we started a program called Feast of Crispian. It’s Shakespeare with Veterans and has had an amazing impact. It’s

not ‘therapy’ per se, but the impact is life changing, and in a few cases, lifesaving. One of the women who started it was an actress, and she just went back to school for her drama therapy credentials at the University of Kansas. There is another specialty called psychodrama that uses a more psychotherapeutic approach. Anyhow, it’s all amazing stuff. I credit my Knox education with so much that I have had the good fortune to experience. I often can tell when talking to a person early on whether they had a liberal arts education or not.”

► Jenny Lisenby Lockington and Sue Whittles Hickey “had a great time catching up in Orlando!”

► Sheri Sprung writes, “here’s a pic taken in Ashland, Oregon, of me with Barb Epstein ’76, enjoying beer tasting at Caldera Brewery and Restaurant …The temp was in the 90’s that day, so we opted for beer tasting instead of wine tasting. Barb’s husband, Julian, was there … He took the pic.” Sheri writes that family, travel and extensive investment in energy saving projects for the home have been highlights of 2023.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: DAVE LANGSTON dave_langston@hotmail.com

1976

Two years to our 50th, so let’s start corresponding. On a sad note, one of our wonderful classmates passed away last year. Anne “Tootie Murphy” Carden died in May 2023. Tootie was married to our classmate Jim Carden for 46 years, and Jim sent me a nice note regarding Tootie’s passing. They have a wonderful family and live in the Ventura CA area. I recall Jim and Tootie

joining us a few years ago in a class on Zoom during the COVID years. Jim said I could share his email (jimcarde@gmail.com) in case someone wanted to reach out to him.

► I received several notes from classmates, including one from “westcoaster” Barb Epstein. Barb recently retired (but I know she is always on the go) and mentioned she and husband Jillian love minor league baseball, symphonies, and outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest. Barb is a board member of the Portland Symphony and recently met up with Sheri Sprung Morrison. They attended the Oregon Shakespeare festival and, more importantly, explored the world of visiting chocolate shops. Barb also recently returned to her roots in Chicago and visited with friends Brad Jonas and Steve Varick and solved many of the world’s problems.

► Congrats to one of our class writers, Tom Farrell, who now is making his three published novels available in audio form. I listened to one on Spotify, and it was a very fun listen. Mary Rosic wrote and told me she and hubby George Rosic ’74 now spend several months a year in New Hampshire so they can help and enjoy their wonderful grandsons. Four young grandsons makes life very relaxing.

► Dave Chirbas wrote to note he has attended the last 10 Homecomings at Knox. He keeps in touch with Dan England (who recently moved to Rock Island, IL), Ginnie Welch, and Ted Moody. Dave is still celebrating our Williston Hall softball team victory over the Betas in 1974, led by his epic home run.

► Alice Fugate recently retired from her career in publishing college business and science textbooks. She and husband Steve will soon celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary and recently returned from an amazing trip to Indonesia and Australia. Alice is active with a St. Louis community choir, which will perform in New York this year.

► Cindy Corso Heath and husband Al Heath are retired and continue to reside in Frankfort, IL. They are

busy enjoying two granddaughters and trying to master the game of bridge. They recently got together with Knox friends Gail Sand Doescher ’75, Dave Weinberg ’75, Vida Adams Weinberg ’75, and Tom Kroupa ’73.

► Mike Widerschein wrote to mention he is doing well after a brief bout with cancer. He survived the world of chemotherapy and feels his study of certain chemicals at Sellew 1 provided great support for his recovery.

► Carol Brown Lukemeyer wrote to say she will often meet via Zoom with classmates Sally Etheridge, Cathy Ellinwood, and Marcia Bruget. Carol and her husband are planning a trip to Australia to celebrate their wedding anniversary and to relax after her recent move to a new home in the Indianapolis area.

► I also got a note from Donna Brady, who wrote: “At the end of July 2023, I retired after 12 years as onsite manager of a 92-unit apartment complex in Lacey, WA. Husband John and I bought a wonderful house in a peaceful, gated, 55+ community. With amazing help, we moved ourselves, two cats, countless boxes of books and treasures from storage, and over 500 potted plants. We are slowly settling in, adjusting to a very different life. We are, as are so many, reflecting on lives lived, friends and loves, old and new. For Donna’s contact information you can email: DBradyPAR@ aol.com

► So our 50 year reunion countdown continues. John Luthy noted that the class must come up with a class song for the 50 year reunion—what will ours be? Takin’ care of Business? Siegel Schwall? Freebird? You Should be Dancing? Kazoo Classics? BeeGees, Abba, Led Zeppelin, or Deep Purple? Tough decisions await us, and we may need to visit the archives of WVKC for some ideas.

► I did look at a few older class notes I received decades ago. Marte Barstow Ross wrote when her parents attended their 50-year reunion at Knox. At that time she comment-

ed, “Can you imagine us getting there someday?” Well, Marte, here we are—see you in 2026. Speaking of 2026, who has ideas? A class Pumphandle? Green Oaks tour? Alfano’s pizza outing? Streaking (not a good idea)? Let’s have some fun and start the chatter. Send me a note and let me know what’s going on in your world.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

GEORGE M.PEARCE george@gpearcelaw.com

1977

As you retire, please visit https:// www.knox.edu/alumni/update-your-information and send the College your new information.

► From Bruce Hall: “In summer 2023, I saw Marty Stuber at my 50th High School reunion. We both went to Salem Community High School in Salem, Illinois. My sons did some moving last year Eric to Bozeman, Montana, and Jason to Portland, Maine. My wife, Kathy, completed her year-long Maine Master Naturalist course and continues to provide tours of the Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary in Lewiston, Maine. I’m not retired (yet) but have joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. We are civilian volunteers providing assistance to the US Coast Guard in a variety of ways. It is great fun!”

► Bill Hurley got in touch: “Using my Knox geology degree, I worked on exploratory and drilling rigs on the Gulf coast early in my career 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, and 52 days a year caused me to shift gears. Inspired by Mike Wiggin (now passed), I got a law degree from John Marshall Law School. I practiced in Chicago for 35 years, mostly representing financial institutions in their regulatory, transactional and litigation matters. Married since 1988, wife Sheryl and I have two sons, both of whom served for six years in the Marine reserve. We have one grandson. I’ve stayed in touch with Chuck Barstow and have spent a lot of time duck hunting near Canton, IL. We bought a 40-acre parcel of land 13 miles south of Galesburg and ultimately built a house on it

in 2003. In 2017, we made it our permanent home and now we are surrounded by 20 acres of trees we planted, deer, turkeys, two horses, three retrievers, and various barn cats. Brent Petersen ’78 has been my physician for many years. I saw John Pritchard ’78 and Les Hunter recently at a retirement party. Norm Hilner ’78 put together a Fiji-Phi Delt golf outing recently and it was a great opportunity to see many of my fellow Fijis. It’s been a long and interesting journey!”

► Roger Strukhoff and wife Lynn spent the holidays in the Philippines, visiting their large, extended family. Everyone consumed an amazing amount of food, and “if you haven’t been in the Philippines on New Year’s Eve, you haven’t lived. It makes our Flunk Days from the 70s seem like a quiet, sedate tea party.”

► From Jackie Crooks Murnane: “My husband Frank and I have been blessed for over 42 years with three wonderful children, nine beautiful grandchildren and a strong and binding faith in the resiliency of the human spirit and the Grace of God. Cheers to everyone and best wishes for a great year ahead!”

► Mara Malakoff writes: “Retired since Nov 2019, I’ve enjoyed the luxury of leisurely travel including reconnecting and visiting friends from my years at Knox. I met with Diane Slaviero twice in 2023—in February at the Museum of Science & Industry and in July for brunch before heading to Iowa to support my daughter (now living in London) in the 500-mile, six-day Register’s Annual Great Bike RideAcross Iowa, aka RAGBRAI. We celebrated her successful completion with an overnight stop in Galesburg, including a wonderful dinner at Landmark Cafe and Creperie, suggested by Knox classmate Jill Kirk, who I visited a few years ago in Big Sky, MT. From there we went to St. Louis, where I met up with Warren Wimmer, whom I met during Knox’s program in Besançon, and hadn’t seen in 20 years. Also, during my visit to Chicago in February, I met up with Paula Danoff and enjoyed a tour of the Evanston Art Center, lunch, and catching up. I continue to live

near Charlotte, NC. I was named the 2023 Volunteer of the Year for the Carolina Thread Trail for trail maintenance activities, and I continue to do quite a bit of kayaking, camping, and hiking.”

► Kathy Nolte shared: “I’ve been serving as a Lutheran pastor in Oak Park for the past 16 years. In 2020, I added working with the bishop at the Metro Chicago Synod ELCA. I truly love my work… I’ve had great conversations with college students over pizza, quiet talks with elders over coffee, and lots of goofiness with tweens while trying to talk to them about faith. In my job with the bishop’s office, I work with lots of congregations during leadership transitions. I also help vulnerable congregations discern their next step: reimagining ministry, joining with a stronger partner, or closing. I don’t know if I shared back in 2012, but I was hit by lightning. The full recovery of my brain took about a year, though most was back within a few months. Life is precious, wonderful, unpredictable and crazy-making!”

► Eileen Larmee Chamberlin got in touch: “I still live in Grand Rapids, MI. I retired from my position as clinical therapist at a recovery program in 2021, but continue to maintain a small private practice from home. My husband retired in 2022, so lots of leisurely mornings, dog walks, books, and word puzzles to keep us occupied when not traveling. Our oldest daughter, Lillie Chamberlin ’19, lives in Brooklyn and works for Girl Scouts USA as an editor. Our other daughter, Katie (Michigan State Univ. ’23), now lives in Denver and works at a community health resource center as a programs coordinator. We are very proud of both, love visiting them, and are happy they still like to come home for holidays!”

► Kristie Zamrazil wrote: “The New Mexican-based Knox alumni Ellen Interlandi ’76, Brigid Wyatt Conklin, Lucia Deichmann ’78 and myself were finally able to find a calendar date to meet for lunch in Bernalillo, which is a half-way point between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. First order of business was to establish whether Ellen was once

Lucia’s RA (she was not, although it took some discussion and remembering). Second order of business was to marvel at how great we all look none of us has changed a bit! We ended our visit by committing to get together for a trip to the very hip Truth or Consequences (City in New Mexico) in 2024 or whenever we can. Other Knox-worthy events in my life include my retirement, which gives me more time to visit Knox friends, and my house remodeling that is complete enough that Knox friends can now come visit me!”

► Ed Jepson, Brian Bond, Mitch Baker ’76 and wife Karen Ashby and my husband, Tom Shirley, and I (Sarah) met in Mexico City recently to explore the city and scope out the beer and Mezcal scenes. We scoured the Flower Market, admired the Museo de Art Popular, and visited the amazing Museo Nacional de Antropologia. Then it was time for a road trip to Oaxaca, where Mitch and Karen have built a lovely home. They dazzled us with their fluency in Spanish, as well as their ability to navigate the chaotic driving scene. We partook in Mezcal tastings, rug weaving demonstrations, archeological sites and much local fare. It was an amazing trip with long-time friends!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: SARAH KAULL

skaull@icex.com

1978

It was great to see everyone who attended our 45th class reunion in October. The school and the festivities were great. We need to gear up for our 50th. Five years used to seem like such a long time (more than most of us spent as students at Knox). My how times have changed. Since what goes on at class reunions, stays at class reunions, I will move on to the notes gratefully received since then.

► Pete Mitchell, helped plan the reunion but was not able to make it. But he says he is already working on a playlist to help select our 50th walk-in tune. I have already submitted my vote for “Stayin’ Alive.”

► Jim Straus reports that he has definitely moved over into the right-hand lane. “Semi-retirement has brought a new rhythm to our lives, and gymnastics remains a central theme.” His wife is an IL State judge for HS girls’ gymnastics and even has a meet named in her honor after decades of coaching. Their eight-year-old granddaughter is competing across the country, from DeKalb to San Diego. Recently, they even saw Simone Biles compete live and are planning to attend the US Championships in Fort Worth. A European adventure is also planned, including a wedding in Italy. The rest of the time they enjoy their four grandchildren, who are all close by in the Chicagoland area.

► Errick Cameron is retired and living the good life on the Outer Banks. He has seven grandchildren, and three more on the way!

► John Luthy is enjoying a second career tutoring and mentoring students. He has been recognized for his work helping students significantly improve their CAD comprehension and abilities. His holidays were fun and filled with visits from his Dallas-based daughter and lots of time playing with his grandson. In the new year, he has continued tutoring CAD and has added “pre-Algebra” mathematics classes, even working with the visually impaired. “I am enjoying the challenge of conveying very visual concepts like Venn diagrams, probability trees, and probability charts to someone who cannot see. I now even have my own Braille label maker.” He says he is still trying to get together with Knox alums whenever possible. Bob Thompson, Sue Strow Stegeman, and he had coffee a few weeks ago in Springfield.

► Susan Haerr Zucker reports that she and Paul Zucker became snowbirds in Naples, Florida, a few years ago and hosted Pam Berra Swafford and Wayne Swafford (honorary class member) in early November. She says, “Fine wine, good food and shell hunting in Sanibel are among the highlights we can publicly mention. We hope to see Mary and Tim Loch in a few weeks after they snowbird in The

Keys and the Caribbean and work their way back north.” Paul and Susan recently attended the Knox FYC gathering at The Conservancy. “Meeting Knox alums from other decades and times is always fascinating; our similarities outnumber our differences. We are amazed at how time flies and hope to have a 50th anniversary next spring celebrating our first meeting at Knox. Sorry to have missed you all at our reunion last fall, but we plan to attend our 50th—WOW!”

► Sadly, Brent Petersen reports that both of his parents passed in 2023. They had lived in Galesburg for the past 20 years, so that was always a good reason to check the campus out. Prior to that, when we were in school, they lived in nearby Alexis, IL. I am personally thankful for the times they had me (a homesick kid from Colorado) and others out for great food and a respite from campus. Two of their five children went to Knox, as well as grandchildren. Brent reports that his family is fine, and that he continues to practice medicine in Algonquin (since 1987).

► Barbara O’Brien says she is enjoying retirement in a different way than she originally planned (she retired six months before COVID). Her quilting hobby has become a fun, social, and almost full-time way to express her creativity.

► Brad Milton reports that after returning from a three-month stay in Japan during which he and Peg spent most of their time working on the house. They decided that working on a house was not the ideal way to spend their retirement … until August when they finally purchased a new house in the States. Ever since, they’ve been spending most of their days working on the house. Good news though: the drywallers finished last week; his (carpenter) brother is here this week helping with the trim work; and the painters are coming in to begin their work tomorrow! Hopefully, soon they’ll be comfortably ensconced in both retirement and their new home—unless they decide to go back to Japan.

► John “Rocket” Reilly has tried to take up golf on weekends. He says hopefully he will be able to attend our 50th.

► Susan Hughy Walker reports that her youngest son was married in April, and her husband retired in May. He and his Dad sold their Cadillac store in Jacksonville, which had been in the family for 118 years. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with an amazing trip to Bordeaux and Paris. Her oldest son and family are moving back to Florida this April. She will now be able to see her only grandson on a more regular basis. She still works at Bank of America and enjoys her team. Retirement is nearing but not here yet. She says she may be the last one standing.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: DAVID BATES

david.m.bates01@gmail.com

1979

Dee Herring Revere retired on January 31, 2023, after practicing law for 34 years. For the last 20 years, Dee worked for Oracle America, Inc. as the vice president of its State & Local Legal group. Not quite ready to hang up her bar license yet, Dee plans to volunteer with the local bar association to provide pro bono legal services to low-income individuals. Dee and her husband, Tim, will continue to reside in the D.C./Northern Virginia area. “Please call if you are nearby!” In February 2023, Dee and Tim traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to visit with her brother, Tim Herring, and his wife, Ellie White. In May, the foursome spent time together in

► Henry Tischler sends greetings from New York, where he has been an orthopedics surgeon at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist for over 30 years, specializing in total joint replacements, with 20 years as chief. He continues to work and has a busy practice. His wife, Fran, and he have been married for 35 years and live on Long Island. They have two wonderful children. His son, Eric, is following in his footsteps. He is presently a fourth year orthopedic resident. His daughter, Heather, is an architect and proud mother of their first granddaughter, Brooke.

California and Nevada, with many specular days hiking in Yosemite National Park. “Retirement is good, but takes some getting used to!”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

BRIAN SULLIVAN bjpscruffy4@aol.com

1980

Carol Runyon writes that after 35 years in Arizona, she sold her place in Scottsdale and moved to Florida to be close to her son and brother, about 45 minutes NE of Tampa Bay. She loves hiking, enjoying the wilderness conservation areas, and going to the beach. Carol helps at a local church in their children’s ministry and loves making a difference in their lives. If anyone lives in Florida or will be visiting, give her a shout at carolreferrals@gmail. com. Carol wishes all a positive and happy 2024!

► George Eaton writes that as of late December 2023, he and Annette Zemek ’81 are both retired! They celebrated with an eight-day trip to Iceland in early December and are plotting what to do next together!

► Marsha Sanders McCormick writes she retired from nursing in July 2023. She enjoys baking and cooking, as well as time to do her counted cross-stitch projects.

► Mike O’Mary writes from Aurora, IL. He retired from a career in investor relations and corporate communications in 2020, and he started publishing a newsletter about indie books. This year, he will celebrate five years of marriage by spending six weeks in his wife’s hometown of Chaozhou—a hamlet of 2.5 million in southeast China where his wife can trace her roots back to 800 AD. Mike had the good fortune to reconnect with Tom Rendall ’77, who is now retired after a long career in Special Forces and he told many great stories at The Bavarian Lodge in Lisle, Illinois. Mike also keeps in touch with some younger guys—friendships that resulted mainly from living and working in Galesburg from 198085. He sees Tom MacMillan ’81 every week for poker. Tom splits

his time between Chicago and northern Wisconsin, so Gurdon Hornor ’81 and he spent a relaxing week last summer with Tom and other friends. A glass was raised to “Miller G,” Greg Miller ’84, who passed in spring 2019. Gurdon also visited in December when they got together with Bob Nelson ’81 and Steve Carlson ’79 at Harp & Fiddle in Park Ridge for an evening of food, drink, and storytelling, including stories about a Florida spring break road trip that Nelson, Carlson, and Hornor took with the legendary Frank Basco ’78 in Carlson’s equally legendary black GMC Vandura. Mike also keeps in touch with Scott Westerman ’84, Jesse Dabson ’83, Kim Kost ’83, Paul Harada ’83, and other youngsters from the early 1980s. They are kind enough to include Mike whenever they get together in the Chicago area, and “it’s always like a Friday afternoon on the porch of the Beta House.”

► Fritz Goeckner writes that after 29 years in Burlington, Iowa, he and Tracy Bell ’81 have retired to San Diego—not for the weather, but to be near their two small grandsons. They miss many friends back in Iowa, but have both found parttime jobs and are learning to enjoy the beach and the many cultural opportunities of this slightly bigger city. Their son teaches math at University of San Diego, and their daughter and other son are at law schools in Arizona and Massachusetts.

► Kevin Landgrebe writes he retired from 3M 14 months ago and now enjoys retirement as an adjunct chemistry instructor at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also just published the second edition of his book, So You Want to Get an A in Chemistry: Clear Explanations, Guided Solutions, and Tips to Help You Succeed.

► Karen Kelly writes she has been living and working in the Austin area since graduation. While her company, Signature Science, LLC, has changed hands over the years, she has been there since graduation in June 1980, holding several different positions. Her current and final position is director of

quality management, as she retired in March!

► John Drake wishes all a happy 2024!

► Joy Machnicki Frestedt writes “did you know fish skin can be used as a human skin substitute and the fish skin grafts are effective in helping the body to heal wounds? Huh, me neither. That is, until I stepped on board the fastest growing regenerative medicine company in the world last year. As the VP of clinical affairs at Kerecis, I get to see some pretty interesting medical treatments, and I’m headed off to Iceland this spring for some research meetings in the land of fire and ice (as long as the active volcanoes stay away from the airport).” Very interesting! Joy has a couple of book chapters and books coming out this year (one chapter in a book on medical device labeling from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society and one on Clinical Evaluation Reports by Academic Press with Elsevier). They should be out by June 2024. Also her little company is doing ok with lots of crazy clinical research, regulatory negotiations, quality system developments, and engineering project needs from drug, device and food companies. Joy’s husband is still doing all kinds of electrical engineering research and development, and their daughter is rockin’ the music world as a manager for some pretty interesting musicians. Also, her first granddaughter just turned two. Joy sends her well wishes to all.

As for me and Colleen, still working and living in Austin. It’s a great city if you ever get to visit. I am kind of inching toward retirement, but I still enjoy my job. Colleen took a new job working for Easter Seals. All my kids are doing well. Isn’t it cool to see your children doing well? I love “Grandpa Thursdays”! Talk to Work, Mark, and City fairly regularly. Had dinner with Lof in DC in May, and Kurt earlier in the year in St. Charles. Shout out to Kurt Pearson’s insightful book. Looking forward to possibly going on the Knox France trip in 2024. Let’s go! Congrats to all retirees! Sounds wonderful. Let me know

if you’re ever in Austin. Let’s get barbecue! Take care friends.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: ROY BRANDYS brandys@barronadler.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JOE MOORE joe@joemoore.org

1981

Scott Calhoun: “On December 31, our son John married his long-time girlfriend in a lovely, small ceremony in our home … we learned at 7:00 pm on Friday that we would be hosting a wedding at 5:00 pm on Sunday … we had a whirlwind wedding with food, flowers, and out of town guests … a wonderful way to kick off the New Year. I am still working in Atlanta, still involved with the Atlanta Knox Club and the Alumni Council. My wife Gloria is close to wrapping up her dissertation for a Ph.D. in the history of science and technology. John and our new daughter-in-law, Nicole, live right around the corner from us and are enjoying life.”

► Tom Woolwine: “Last year was special for us as our son Larson married Paige Widrig in July and held an outdoor event in the Rockies near Castle Pines. I retired in 2022 and spent last year reallocating my time to golf, volunteering, mentoring, and redefining productivity. I occasionally see Knox grad Bill Colby ’77 around Kansas City and go to alumni gatherings when possible. I continue to serve the College as a member of the Endowment Investment Committee.”

► Brian Kramer’s daughter Morgan was married in a private ceremony in Savannah, GA, last October to Dylan Ziegler.

► Lisa Gould: “I am very excited to report that after years of work devoted to treating complex and non healing wounds, I will be receiving the Wound Healing Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual meeting in May. I am an active volunteer for Save the Bay and The Nature Conservancy, and I continue my pursuit of classical guitar with online courses through the

Classical Guitar Corner Academy.”

► Dr. Lisa Gould earned her MD, Ph.D. in the Medical Scholars Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has been practicing plastic and reconstructive surgery with an emphasis on difficult wound problems since 1999 (www.woundcarecc.org/lisagould-md/).

► Jun Adachi played golf with a freshman roommate, Craig Behm, in Houston. A round of golf is too short to talk about life after college. They plan on another round to continue the conversation.

► Tom Castronovo: “I continue working full time at the Investment Advisory firm in Batavia, Illinois, that I founded in 2011 (Criterion Wealth Advisors LLC). I am a certified USPTA Tennis Instructor at Naperville Tennis Club, as well as head varsity tennis coach for girls and boys at St. Francis HS in Wheaton, Illinois … Our family continues to grow, as we now have two grandchildren from oldest son Tommy, who is a tennis professional and high school varsity coach in Missouri. Our daughter recently moved to Tampa, Florida, as she took a job as an ICU trauma nurse there this fall. And youngest son Ryan remains in Raleigh, North Carolina, working in software logistics for IBM. We are fortunate to spend the winters in Southwest Florida.”

► Annette Johnston retired from working on contracts in September, just in time for her youngest son’s wedding. Fred Johnston ’80 will retire no later than July 2024. “Our first grandchild arrived last year. We are transitioning from planning vacations between work periods to spacing out travel during retirement to children, adventure, beach house maintenance, and seeing friends.”

► Jennifer Baldwin: “For many of us, Carol Baldwin was the first person we met at Knox College. Carol was the absolute perfect person for the job that she held for so many years in the Admissions Office… She was a friend, a stand-in parent or family member, and a cheer-

leader to so many new students, transfer students, foreign students, and former students. I was lucky enough to call her my mother-inlaw, and, as you can imagine, she was wonderful at that, too. Carol passed away on December 16, 2023. If you are so inclined, you can make a donation to Knox in her name… If nothing else, just be kind to others, ask them about their families, smile at people, whistle as loudly as you can, and make sure you’ve got some root beer barrels on hand to share.”

► Belinda Morrill Meader: “My British husband became an American last year and is reading all the biographies of our U.S. Presidents. He’s read from Washington to Lincoln so far and is giving me a great education in American history! We are retired and living in sunny New Mexico (and loving it!). We made a trip to the Cotswolds in England in early December.”

► Donna Mielke: “Mike Maday and I are doing fine. Mike hasn’t retired...yet. We did make it to Homecoming 2022 to see Annette Andresen O’Donnelly ’82 inducted into the Knox Athletic Hall of Fame for her stellar track and cross-country career. It was fun to visit with friends and poke around in the Science-Mathematics Center to see all the changes! We were impressed with how good the College and the town of Galesburg are looking… Our eldest daughter joined the Rocky Mountain Institute this past fall as their point person on methane emissions. Our next daughter is three years into a four-year residency in physiatry at Rush. Our son is thriving as a software engineer with a very successful start-up. We celebrated his wedding this past September at a picturesque venue outside Atlanta, so now we have gained another daughter!”

► Dean Conterato: “My new 1st grandson, Arthur, is now fourmonths old and growing fast. My middle son is getting married and completing residency in ER medicine this summer. I started working part-time (60%) this year with my present group Radiation Oncology Consultants in Chicago. Recent travel/hiking trips to Portugal, Sedona and planning on much more

mountain biking and fishing this summer with my extra time off!”

► Jim Whitehill is practicing law in Tucson, Arizona, with his son, Andrew Whitehill ’15. Jim says they are having a lot of fun working together on real estate, business and trust, and estate matters.”

► Nolan Hetz: “Since May 2023, I’ve transitioned from GlobaLASEReach’s president and senior product development manager to a more manageable role as chief science & technology officer. We are preparing our two innovative Photobiomodulation Therapy administration systems for their pilot studies this summer-fall… I’m having a great time working with all our talented administrative and research support staff, engineers, scientists, and clinicians over the past five years.”

► Dali Sardar has four children with eight grandchildren, all living in Malaysia. He misses dorm mates Howard Gerdom, Doug Furtcamp, and Marty. He is an ex-Citibanker and now sits on several boards, including at a bank.

► Mark Huddle: “My daughter will graduate high school this year. Since the mid-1990s, when I cut back to part-time, I have balanced my time between law, art, and working out. In the last 10 years, I took up some acting and will be doing a one-man show, performing the Gospel of Mark (KJV) this spring in Chicago and downstate. I am also training people, especially those our age, in the gym who want to stay strong and healthy. I had dinner with Rosie, Tom MacMillan, and Greg Saunders recently—we do that once or twice a year. I see Susan Arjmand ’83 and Joe Moore ’80 around the city every so often. Great to see Knox people!”

► Team Nicolau: We had two new grandchildren recently born, our fourth granddaughter in December and our first grandson in January. All our kids and grandchildren are living in Chicagoland, so we see them with some level of frequency. My wife and I are still working full-time, and she also babysits. Targeting mid-2026 to retire, so

she can say she worked at the same place for 45 years (ICU nurse on the Northshore) and me, just because. We traveled to Acadia National Park to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this past fall. After full lives (92+ years), we lost both of our mothers this past year. Grateful to our health and families close by to help us weather these storms.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JOHN NICOLAU

j.nicolau@comcast.net

1982

Hello Knox Alums of the Class of 1982! We are slowly approaching our 45th Reunion—so let’s start floating ideas! Haven’t heard from folks in a while so please send us some great info! Hope you were able to see the Eclipse!

► News from Frances Jones: “My 8th grade daughter, Saskia, and I traveled to Ghana over the holidays with some friends. We had the wonderful opportunity to tour all over the country, and it was such an incredible experience! Also, I have recently niched down my law practice areas, and now I focus exclusively on intellectual property law, specifically trademark law. We’re now Soul Matters - Visionary Law Firm, specializing in ‘Trademark for Visionary Founders.’ Also, I was honored to be named a 2023 Woman of Achievement by TriDelta, and I was recognized during their July 2024 national conference. I was also honored to recently be named a 2024 Changemaker for the Arts by Austin Woman Magazine And I have recently been selected as a 2024 Fellow for Austin’s African American Leadership Institute. But by far my biggest honor is being Saskia’s mom, and I give thanks every day for the blessing!”

► Also from Kelly Norton Warner: “I am still enjoying my work as deputy director for the U.S. Geological Survey Central Midwest Water Science Center which includes Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The last few years have been difficult because my 29-yr-old daughter, Lizzy Warner ’13, was killed while walking to a friend’s house. Lizzy had attended Knox and loved it.

At Knox, she was involved in sports, academic teams, and PiPhi. Lizzy was just finishing her PhD in engineering at Northeastern when she died. In my daughter’s honor there is now a ‘Lizzy Warner ’13 Fund for Women in STEM’ at Knox College, and it would mean a lot to have your support for this fund. If supporting online then you may put the scholarship name in the ‘designation’ section.”

Hope to catch up with more of you!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

SHARON SCHILLEREFF

Sschil7470@yahoo.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: CHRIS GALVIN cgavlin@gmail.com

1983

Greetings, all. A great time was had by all who attended Homecoming/ Friends & Family Weekend at the end of October. While we didn’t see the sun over the weekend, there was time to reminisce about all the fun and some of the work we shared 40 years ago. Pro Tip: Don’t read any one else’s preceptorial paper before turning yours in, as it may cause stress. I have to say that everyone who attended looked amazing; the years are treating us well. Thanks so much to Mary Beth Erffmeyer-Shomos who made arrangements for our class evening and publicized our schedule. There was lunch in the cafeteria, which was quite tasty and better than I remember; tailgating at the football game and a lovely dinner in the Union. Our class photo featured 20 of us, although some folks missed that event. It was uplifting to catch up with everyone as our class begins to retire, have kids or grandkids, travel and excel at amazing careers or think about beginning a new adventure; it is wonderful to know that we gather every five years to tell tales and laugh together and the decades slip away. Our class was well represented at the weekend events, with doctors Chip Martin-Chaffee and Susan Arjmand speaking about their medical careers and answering questions from students and alumni. Dr. Arjmand also spoke about the Medical humanities. John Baxter,

our Senior Class president gave a sermon at a local church over the weekend. I believe that Ann Elfline Davie won the award for coming the longest distance by arriving from Australia, although others came from California, Washington state, and the East Coast. Thanks to everyone for representing our class and sharing laughs together. Chip Martin-Chaffee has volunteered to lead the next reunion in 2028, our 45th.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

BETH ANDERSON SCHUCK

bschuckgal@gmail.com

1984

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

VALERIE JENCKS

knoxcollege84@gmail.com

1985

It’s a cold day in mid-January here on the East Coast, but nothing like the weather that other parts of the country have been having, so I’ve no complaints. Lots of news this time: I heard from Judi-Ann Shaw. Judi is an executive medical director in the medical Insurance industry. She is also the president and board chair of a nonprofit organization Shaw OpCo Corporation, which is focused on community building. The organization provides scholarships in Jamaica and Kenya, supports and runs a medical mission in a Kenyan community, and supports a fishing community and its coral reef restoration in Jamaica. She spends a great deal of time traveling.

► Kristin Esty-Ibarra writes: “This year held a change for us, as we relocated from Arizona to Maine. I’m a four seasons woman, and fortunately my husband (Patrick Ibarra) and son (Maximiliano) are four seasons guys! We’re enjoying the lifestyle here and the variety of nature: ocean/lakes, mountains, forests, while our son is finishing his last year of high school before heading to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia for his freshman year in the Fall! The decision to move was percolating. We’d been working with a realtor for about a year to find a house or build, but we stepped up the move by a year

as our son was game to move his senior year if we found a great home. The rest, as they say, is history!

► Debbie Dehm visited Valerie Flacco ‘87 in October for a few days. Kevin Thompson has news: “Hello all, rounding out five years here in New York City after relocating from Washington, D.C. to lead communications at Robin Hood, NYC’s largest philanthropic organization dedicated to elevating New Yorkers out of poverty. It is such a joy to work with a team of people so passionate about seeding opportunities for New Yorkers in need. I feel especially grateful to have led this work through the pandemic and the City’s long recovery.”

► Dan Shaffer has retired. Yes, we are starting to reach that age. Dan reports that “I had the good fortune of retiring in February of 2020. I taught secondary-level English at Gurdon S. Hubbard High School, which is located in Chicago’s southwest side and about a mile east of Midway Airport. I taught at Hubbard for nearly 30 years (about 33 years total) and live in the city’s Andersonville neighborhood. Hey to everybody, and I’m looking forward to attending our 40th Reunion in October of ’25.”

► Kathy Gedamke has been busy. She writes: “Greetings from (not so) sunny South Florida! We are having a fairly damp dry season here, which is great for my veggie garden. Right now I am harvesting tomatoes and the occasional pepper or Key lime. In the ground are various brassicas and greens. This is the best time of year for growing a great variety of foods! I still love my job teaching mathematics at Keiser University. I just hit the 19-year mark; being only 60, I might just make it to 25 years. During my three-week Christmas break, my husband, son and I took a road trip to the famous Cross Creek homestead in north Florida. I would dearly love to have a little farm like that. I was able to enjoy many of my hobbies, like hiking, birding, history, and geo-caching. We even saw two bald eagles. I especially love eagles, being a part of the Florida Audubon Eagle watch program. I have the privilege of monitoring a

nest just a few miles from my home in the nearby Seabranch State Park. On the weekends, I spend time helping to lead my local Aglow International group and my homechurch group. Family time is also a big priority, especially with my new grandson, Benjamin, born in March 2023. I now have three grands, with the other two, Gustav (4) and Elanor (2), living in Virginia; and they are expecting a new sibling in April! As you can see, I try to keep busy. After all these years, my daughter discovered that she and I are what some people call a ‘multipotentialite’. Who knew?”

Thanks to everyone who wrote in!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JANE DAVIS jedavis_ill@hotmail.com

1986

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: SUSAN BANTZ sbantz001@luthersem.edu

1987

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: LISABETH SIMMS BELMAN lisabeth1208@verizon.net

1988

For the 20 of you who attended our 35th reunion at Homecoming 2023, it was great to see you, and thanks for attending the festivities. Cathy Kirk hosted five ladies at her place in Chicago including Tammy Hill Ballard (NC), Jennifer Setliff Veltkamp (TX), Stacy Louck Sturgeon (CA), Nancy Kim Kang (CA), and Joan Johnson (WA). They rented a van and began their road trip from Chicago to Galesburg together. Friday evening was a gathering for all classes at The Vault, formerly a car dealership near campus that is now a big open space perfect for a large gathering. There were food trucks outdoors, a bar, and a dessert table. We met Knox President McGadney, who easily engaged in conversation with many alumni and was happy to see the turnout. On Saturday, Kecia Heard Anderson ’89, Stephanie Martin Danielson husband Rob, and I had a light breakfast at the Gizmo. We enjoyed

beautiful fall colors, the countless squirrels running about, and watching the current students on campus. We went to the bookstore, strolled through the library, had lunch at the TKE house, and then checked to see if the marble stairs in Old Main were still warped. They are! A full visit of Alumni Hall is a must see if you haven’t been to campus since this renovation was completed. The Offices of Admissions and the President are located there now, in addition to tours for incoming students, study rooms, and a boardroom. Outside of the cafeteria, Stephanie and I met up with Penny Swanson who lives in Galesburg and recently retired from teaching art. We made our way to the football game, watched part of a soccer game, and then made our way to Post 5, where Cathy, Stacy, Joan, Jennifer, and Nancy re-created some yearbook photos from freshman year, 39 years later. We couldn’t believe how small the suite seemed. It felt so big when we were first-year students. We made our way through the basement and up to Post 2, where Tammy and I were able to see the doors to our rooms. Tammy shared that she never gets tired of returning to campus. It always stirs up good feelings and good connections from her years of growth and joy on our small yet beautiful campus. Returning to campus, reconnecting with friends, and walking the same paths that she did over our four years is something that she will treasure and desire to do always. She enjoyed the new places and activities that were planned that weekend and enjoyed hanging out with her Post people. Kecia shared that it was a blast being back after so many years! Hanging out with longtime friends and multiple roommates was like being back in college all those years ago.

► Cathy Kirk stated, “With the help of a few photos, a round robin of old and newer life stories to seal their reacquaintance it was as if no time passed, just slight distractions of whole careers, husbands and children in between. Though life experiences varied, the similar and notable observations is the essence of who we were then remains today. We couldn’t know how we

would evolve professionally during our time at Knox, but the choices aligned perfectly with who we’ve become today.” Cathy is a regional director of professional services for a pricing software company. Her daughter recently graduated from college and is applying to graduate school. For the last two years, her work with the Black Alumni of Knox College (BAN) seeks to grow the network of alumni to support the student population in preparation for the workforce and life.

► Nancy Kim Kang enjoyed walking into the cafeteria and reminiscing about all the good times and the lifelong friendships that would evolve. Nancy splits her time between southern and northern CA and Las Vegas, with three grown kids doing well in California and Chicago. Nancy looks forward to traveling more and working less in the next few years. “It’s been nice to reconnect with my Knox friends after all these years… As an Asian American female, I felt that Knox strived to nurture diversity and inclusion. The environment was safe for growth and learning. I will always be proud of being a Knox alum. I hope to go back for more reunions.”

► Jennifer Setliff Veltkamp has been a radiologist for the last 20 years. Jennifer has a beautiful set of twin boys, age 13, and resides in Dallas, Texas, with husband Dan, a neuroradiologist.

► Stacy Louck Sturgeon has moved out of the snow belt and now lives in Northern California. Since graduation, she has moved around in the publishing industry and is now in the process of taking over ownership of an independent bookstore. Stacy’s daughter is a sophomore in college, studying environmental biology, and her husband is an Episcopal priest.

► Joan Johnson works in educational technology and lives in Seattle.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

TRACY DAHLEN BRANDON TracyDB531@gmail.com

1989

Authors! We have authors in our midst! Saskia Marijke Niehorster has authored a new book, The Snakes’ Slippery Slope between Feared and Revered, and it is available on Amazon.

► Sarojesh Mukerjee has authored The Life and Times of David Hare: First Secular Educationist of India Of special note to Knox people in general, and history majors in particular, Sarojesh acknowledges Gregory Pfizer and George Steckley in his author biography. Any other authors? Let me know!

► Heartfelt congratulations to Mary Crawford on her marriage to Karen Lindebrekke! Hope to see you all in October to celebrate 35 years since our graduation from Knox.

► If you are in Pleasanton, California, stop in and visit Stacy at her bookstore on Main Street, Towne Center Books. Kecia and I drove down Henderson Street observing a few new restaurants and shopping plazas. Main Street has several changes as well. The area around Cherry Street now includes several bars. Landmark and Packing House are still popular places to dine. We had a group of 10 who went to the Packing House Saturday evening. The cinnamon rolls are still amazing! After dinner, we went to Iron Spike Brewing Company, where more of our class gathered—Andy Guschwan, Vida Cross, Mary Crawford ’89, who is now associate dean of the College, Sarah Dahl Gednalske, Mark Lind, Dan Provencher, and Libby Patton Newberry. The Chicago group of six enjoyed Sunday lunch at The Landmark before driving back to Chicago and taking their respective flights back home. It was great to reconnect, laugh, and share the last 35 years of our lives together. Even though so much time has passed, in many ways it felt like we were all together just a few months ago. Everyone was so gracious and welcoming.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: MIA JIGANTI mjiganti@prodigy.net

1990

Andy Revelis shares, “I’ve been practicing Interventional Pain Medicine in Tulsa Oklahoma for the past 23 years. I’m married to my wife of 28 years and have two children. In addition to my busy practice, I also serve as a City Councilor for the City of Bixby and have been appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma as a commissioner to the Alcohol Beverage Laws Enforcement agency and serve as vice-chair for the commission. When not working or involved in civic duties, I’m active in my church, play golf, and travel.”

► Amy Carlson writes to us, “All’s well in Brooklyn. We are planning another annual dinner soon with John Rogers ’89, Mike Ferraro, and Amy Hausmann. Just drove up with my son, Nigel (14, 9th grade) and daughter Lyla, (17, 12th grade) to see Rachel Creager Ireland ’89 in Providence, RI. She was visiting colleges with daughter Kiran. Kiran and my daughter, Lyla, are now corresponding. Planning on summer trips, some to see my partner, Syd Butler, play with his band, Les Savy Fav, on tour.”

► From Chris Everson: “After graduation, I moved back to my hometown of Springfield, IL, and started working in state government. I retired last June after 33 years, the last 20 at the Department of Transportation in their Budget Office. I’ve been married to Anne Everson for 26 years. She taught in the Springfield School District for over 20 years before retiring with me last year. We have two children. Bethany is 23 and graduated from Indiana University last May. She works in marketing. David is 21 and is in the Marine Corps.”

► Noelle Hawk Jaddaoui shares, “After graduation in 1990, I became an ESL teacher in Evanston, Illinois. I got married to a Moroccan who is a plumber. He and I have one son who is 25 and currently attends the University of Illinois at Chicago and is studying economics. I am very excited that I will retire at the end of this year (2023-2024) after 34 years of teaching. We currently live in Wheeling, Illinois.”

► Heather Acerra writes, “I am happy to report that Michael and I just won a pitch competition called ‘Bank Tank’ in Davenport, IA, and won $20,000 to offset the costs of prototyping and beta-testing a robotics addition to our construction toy, Lux Blox. Also, we are thrilled that Lux Blox is currently featured in an exhibit on invention and historic patents at the Peoria Riverfront Museum entitled, ‘Fire of Genius’. In the past year, I won a seat on the Galesburg City Council and was recently appointed to the board of WTVP, the public television station in Peoria. We just announced a new CEO for that organization, which is on the cusp of a great turnaround today. Michael Acerra ’89 was a guest speaker last week for the Masterclass at the School of Humanity, an online international high school reinventing education.”

► From Paul Easton: “I’ve been gardening in Skokie since 2003, canning tomatoes for the past three years, with my wife Janet and our kids. I expect to retire from being an English teacher at New Trier High School in June 2027. My daughter, Ella, is a tech theater seamstress and high school senior who recently has struggled with dysautonomia (thanks, Covid!). My son John Henry is a high school freshmen and travel goalie who just (sadly) tore his ACL. I survived prostate cancer in 2021. I married Janet in New Orleans in 2002 and left Thornridge High School in 2001. Last fall, I saw Kyung Yang briefly for a chat over sandwiches from Skokie’s own Kauffman’s Deli. I’ve been reading and enjoying James T. Farrell’s trilogy on Studs Lonigan.”

► Brian Coffey writes to us and shares, “I attended Knox from 1986-1988. I transferred to the University of Illinois from the years 1988-1990, so I earned a B.A. from there, although I had more college credits at Knox than UIUC! At Knox I played Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Fall of 1986 and was an Army ROTC cadet. I was also a Sigma Nu and lived in the house. Notable developments in my life in the last few years include separating from Caterpillar Inc. in

July 2020, after 25 years of service in the Peoria area to complete a one-year pastoral internship in Virginia Beach, VA, to finish my Masters of Divinity (M. Div) from Luther Seminary in August of 2021. I was ordained in the Lutheran Church in December 2021 and began serving as pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Carbondale, IL, on January 1, 2022. I joined the local Rotary Club, which meets at Southern Illinois University and includes Knox grads Sterrett Collins ’86 and twin brothers William Becque ’08 and Brad Becque ’08. Along with Becques’ parents, who are also Rotary Club members, we believe we are the largest weekly gathering of Knox-affiliated people in Southern Illinois!”

► Rene Bouchard shares, “I am still the chief fundraising executive for a local nonprofit community cinema, and I love that work so much. A community cinema is a wonderful ‘third place,’ and we use the power of film to advance a range of social, economic, and environmental justice issues. I also recently received support through the New York State Council on the Arts administered by the Huntington Arts Council to perform a song series exploring complex trauma and dissociation in a multi-media context. That funding also supports production of a book of original prints that contextualize the work. My son is a double major at University at Buffalo, history and music, and is doing exceptionally well. My husband is also a working musician with upcoming performances. Our lives are full of art and music.”

► From Joseph Lennon: “I live in Narberth, PA, with my wife, Marika Beneventi, and my two boys, Nicholas and Sean, and my parents are close, just outside of Philadelphia. I’ve spent my career in higher education and frequently think about the great experiences I had at Knox—in theatre, biology, and English—and with so many great friends and professors. I look forward to the next reunion!”

► Amy Wanggaard Hasumann has been named the new executive director of the Maine Arts Com-

mision, starting in August 2024. Congratulations, Amy!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JEFF HALE

jeffhale1968@icloud.com

1991

Christine Purtell Deblock writes: “I had a Knox-filled spring last year. I took my son Luke to Knox for his first college visit. While he was impressed by the tour, he decided it was too small of a school for him. I sigh inwardly, but I want his college experience to be his own. While we were in Illinois, I got to visit with Girija Gullapalli. Then Luke and I went to Sheboygan where we visited Stefano and Whitney Witt Viglietti’s ’92 restaurants. Stefano kindly spent a long afternoon with my son, talking to him about the realities of running restaurants for a living, as Luke was considering studying culinary arts. It means more to me than I can say that connections that started decades ago are still strong. Beyond spring break, I’ve recently felt the urge to reconnect with Knox friends I’d lost touch with. I’m happy to say that I was able to locate and reach out to Liz Damptz Eliopolous ’93, Sarah Jajesnica Foye, and Jill Leonard Diethelm, all from Post 6. It was great to reminisce with them. Finally, I was saddened to hear of the death of Prof. VanderMeulen. He was my advisor, and I remember him fondly.”

► Colin Graham shares: “After years at ICM, I am now a part of Creative Artists Agency as the result of a merger between the agencies. I am a business affairs attorney in the books department making the world a safer place for our authors (I trust Bob, Bill, and Robin would be proud). My twins are college freshmen (UConn and Mount Holyoke, respectively). Neither considered our wonderful little school on the prairie, though I am certain they would have thrived there.”

► From Demos Tantalidis: “Hey, class of 1991, I’ve been in Chicago, Charlotte, Seattle, and now back in Chicago, planning my Greece trip for Orthodox Easter.”

► Rich Trout writes: “I am releasing a memoir in April titled Up All Night that includes six chapters on my experiences at Knox College and shortly thereafter. One chapter is titled “Chris, Jason, and Tim” after my best friend’s first year at Seymour Hall. Chris Connor, Jason Wessel, and Tim Martin, who pledged Phi Delta Theta with me. Other characters include several Post Hall women, my favorite professors, and Phi Delt activities from various classes. Craig Owens and Jason Wessel were major contributors to the accuracy of the events. I’d describe my story as a heterosexual version of Running with Scissors My last proof is about to arrive. The book includes photos. I’m at 575-390-9219 or richtrout@gmail. com if you have any questions. JJ Sheinkop, Malcolm Currie, Ned Schaub, Nick Schimick ’89, and Tom Immel ’90 are some of the other characters. The central story traces my challenges of growing up with Asperger’s syndrome before it became known to the public. The book is hilarious, touching, and heartbreaking!”

► Maheshinder Singh shares: “I was on campus briefly last fall. I am in regular touch with Hassan and Taimur. That’s about it.”

► After a 29 year Army career and retirement in 2018, Julian Bond continued his service as a civilian as an acting associate director and chief supply chain officer for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2018 to 2019 and as an administrator for the Veterans Home of California—Ventura for the California Department of Veterans Affairs from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, he was appointed as the inspector general of the California Military Department. Bond received the 2022 Spotlight on Excellence Award from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) for his work at CalVets. The award is a peer-nominated honor given to one of the 1.5 million CalPERs members in California that recognizes the outstanding contributions of an exemplary public agency, program or employee. According to Bond, “I want to continue serving. I have a passion to continue public

service.” He said “I believe in serving 24 hours, 7 days a week.” Service runs in Bond’s family, as well. He has two sons who are currently serving in the Army.

► The Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE) has named Mick Waldspurger, attorney and shareholder of Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, P.A., the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award. Waldspurger was honored for his positive history and association with Minnesota public education, contribution to improving Minnesota’s public education, and reputation as a person who willingly “goes the extra mile” at a statewide recognition ceremony during the MASA/MASE Spring Conference held on March 15-16, 2024. Waldspurger currently serves as president and CEO of Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, P.A.,specializing in education law. Waldspurger represented school districts, cities, and counties for 17 years before forming Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger, P.A. (now Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, P.A.). After graduating from law school, he served as the Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Justice Donald W. Steinmetz of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Waldspurger received his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Knox.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JJ SHEINKOP jonathansheinkop@hotmail.com

1992

Stacy Green Jacobs writes: “By the time anybody reads this I’ll be fully retired from a career I loved (mental

health). My husband is working on selling his company and, when that happens, we’ll head southwest to our home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We have two daughters: one just opened a really cool boutique in Wheaton, IL, and the other works in development for a nonprofit that resettles refugees in the greater Kansas City area. A May wedding in Palm Springs is coming up for our oldest daughter—when did we get so old? Anyway, if your travel plans bring you to the Bay of Banderas, hit me up!”

► Nan Vorath wrote: “So this year has been full of emotion. How am I old enough to have a daughter, Autumn Green, graduating from Beloit College. She graduated in May 2024, either Magna or Summa Cum Laude, with a major of sociology and a minor in theatre. As parents, Carl and I have been busy helping guide on what her next adventure will be in life. No decisions made, first choice is to pursue musical theatre professionally, looking at New York, Chicago or Milwaukee in that order. She has several programs and auditions coming up. A different option is, if accepted as a Fullbright Scholar (she is in the finals), teaching English in Vietnam for a year. Her long term goal is to obtain a master’s and Ph.D. and become a college professor. Otherwise, just spending my time working for a large internationally renowned insurance brokerage as an employee benefits account manager, and spending time with my step-son’s family which entails three grandkids. Hubby and I are homebodies but are into movies and going out to eat. Looking forward to attending my third Knox Homecoming in October 2024, the last two were so fun!”

► Lots of Class of ’92 were at Homecoming in 2023 to help support our friends from class of ’93 and saw some friends from ’91 and ’90. It takes a lot to get this Texan up to the cold in the fall and the tailgate on Saturday was chilly, but Amy ’91 and Steve Olson along with Tammy Ragnini and Beth Middleton Voigt ’93 made it fun and warmer. Looking forward to seeing everyone again at future Homecomings!

► Jen Hartman wrote: “We are soon to become empty nesters, our daughter graduates this year and will enter Northeastern this fall. I am still doing family practice in Leominster, MA, but have started to think about making changes so I can work more on my pickleball skills. My wife and I plan on doing much more traveling in the near future!”

► Anglea McNutt Fillenwarth has lived in Mazon, IL, for 22 years and just recently closed her private practice as a lawyer for a job she’s loved as 1st Assistant Public Defender for Grundy County. She’s been the 1st Assistant Public Defender for the past two years.

► Mary Whiteside Groll was named Dean of North Central College's School of Education and Health Sciences, after serving as interim dean since July 2023. Mary arrived at North Central in 2019 as founding director of the College’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program, and later became chair of the Department of Medical Sciences. Prior to joining North Central, she was a faculty member and founding medical director of

the physician assistant program at Dominican University.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: CELINE MATTHIESSEN celmatthiessen@hotmail.com

1993

Gina Clemmer: “Rich Lufrano ’92 and I are alive and well in Portland, Oregon. We see Marisa Patino often, and she is also doing great. If any Knox alumni come out this way, come and visit!”

► Heather Klaas Melloh: “Hello fellow 1993 Knox College graduates! I am fairly certain I’ve never submitted an update of any kind so apologies for that, and, no, I am not going to bring you current from graduation to 2024, have no fear. I am just feeling very appreciative for my time at Knox and wanted to say thank you to all of you for making it such an amazing, important part of my life. My time there is with me every day. Thank you all! If you find yourself in Minneapolis, please look me up!”

► Anne Swanson: “Hi, classmates! I hope you are all doing well. It’s hard to believe that it has been three years since I moved to Denver, where there’s an abundance of sunshine and the beautiful Rocky Mountains as my backdrop. I have fallen in love with a year-round outdoor lifestyle, and I especially enjoy hiking, seeing the wildlife, skiing, and spending time with my family who are all living nearby. I am also starting my own consulting business, specializing in strategic planning, operations, and program management. The Knox alumni club is strong here, so I can stay connected to my roots. Of course, there are obstacles and challenges, not to mention how much I miss my friendships back ‘home’ in Chicago, but one day at a time, right? Feel free to contact me if you are ever out this way!”

► Heather Robb Godin: “My husband and I are slowly wading in the waters of empty nesters. We are figuring out how to cook for two and getting used to the house being quiet. We marked this moment in

our lives with a celebratory trip to NYC, which included many trendy bakery purchases, Korean BBQ, and time with our hosts Chris Boyle ’92 and his husband. Our daughter is a junior at University of Minnesota, and our son is a freshman at University of Rhode Island. It is nice to have one kid close enough to visit. He doesn’t think so, but his friends love it when we arrive with homemade cookies! I am still working at one of the big teaching hospitals in Boston. I left the pediatric ICU (talk about stress) about eight years ago and now work in the pre op/ recovery room areas. The days are long and busy, but I work with a great team.”

► Beth Middleton Voigt: “Wednesday evening. February 14, 2024, will be the anniversary of my ordination—25 years! I am still waiting on my plaque from the 20th ‘ordiversary’...Two daughters have made it through their first semester of college—University of Minnesota and UW Madison. The youngest is a senior and weighing her options. I continue to work as a transitional pastor. Husband Bill is in his 30th year of teaching. Retirement feels like a worthy goal. It was a delight to visit with so many classmates at the 30th reunion. Looking forward to the next.”

► It was great to see so many folks back for Homecoming! It was nice to see so much has stayed the same (spinach bisque at the Landmark, the Gizmo) and all the new places on campus and Galesburg. The poetry reading in the ‘new’ art building was my first time in there, and I loved it!

► I’m still loving Pennsylvania, but with my youngest approaching his senior year I’m looking forward to doing some more traveling. I made it to Chicago after Christmas and got to visit Melanie Brown ’94 and see her art exhibit. I’m headed to Phoenix in March, but sadly Kathy Dix Biallas ’96 will be away so can’t meet up with me there. I’m off to Georgia at the end of March for Family Weekend for my middle son who is Basic Training for the GA National Guard. My west bound travel this summer may be foiled as

I will need to go to Georgia again for his graduation in June.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

REBBECCA GILLAN

rebecca.m.gillan@gmail.com

1994

Hello everyone! Ralph Pennel is enjoying the mountains of Upstate New York where he has been living for the past three years. To a flatlander, who grew up amidst the soybean and corn fields of the Midwest, the mountains never get old. Last year, in collaboration with Sree Yedavalli ’93, Cheryl Clark Vermeulen ’96, and Levi Morgan ’07, Ralph helped establish the new Knox literary event, “Knox is Lit” An Alumni Reading, held during Homecoming weekend in the beautiful Whitcomb Art Center. A book signing immediately followed the event. Alums Michael Walsh ’97, Sam Martone ’11, and Laura Adamczyk ’03 joined Cheryl and Ralph on stage while Melanie Brown live-painted the reading and Trey Stone ’93 provided musical accompaniment to make it a multi-generational and multi-disciplinary event. Ralph is working with Levi again this year to help put together the second annual “Knox is Lit!” reading. Last year’s reading was a hit! Standing room only! In non-Knox news, Ralph was recently invited to join the planning committee for the Lit Youngstown Literary Festival, a small—but growing—festival celebrating the literary arts, held in Youngstown, Ohio.

Midway Journal (https://midwayjournal.com), of which he is a founding editor and the fiction editor, is now in its 18th year of publishing. He is currently working on his third poetry manuscript.

► Mahmood Hussain sends in a poem to celebrate his 30th Homecoming:

“Mahmood Hussain 94, back at Knox College, Where the manure train runs with absolute knowledge.

Dashing to class in blizzards and rain,

Bike stolen so much, it became a real pain.

Studio art critiques had me falling asleep,

Dreaming ’bout travels and journeys so deep.

From Galesburg to a dozen lands, Exotic scents and foods, feeling so grand.

From the heart of the Midwest to countries so vast, I sniffed new scents, had a blast.

But no aroma compares to that Galesburg train,

Even exotic spices, they can’t explain.

Life’s a journey, full of twists and turns,

But Galesburg’s in my veins, like it burns.

Critics in the studio, thought they knew,

Fell asleep on their words, dreams came true.

Kresge symphony, through campus it rolled,

In the world of Knox, memories unfold.

Galesburg in my life, in my rhymes, Through blizzards and snow, those crazy times.

Exotic adventures, but Knox remains,

In my heart forever, Galesburg entertains.”

This captures so much essence of Knox, its scents and sights.” Be well everyone!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: LISA PRESTON-HSU story.of.a.kitchen@gmail.com

1995

“What are you celebrating? This was the question I posed somewhat impulsively in our Class of ’95 Facebook group on New Year’s day 2024. I was amazed and surprised at the quick and wonderful answers you gave me. I’m sure you know that it’s been hard to celebrate the last few years. Not only COVID-19, an overdue racial justice reckoning, and now two wars and continued enormous political unrest, can easily make us hopeless and cynical. (I’ve definitely spent more of my fair share of time with those emotions.) I’m sure many of you have had personal losses and disappointments, too.

► We lost our friend and classmate, Prof. Monica Berlin, almost a year ago. And you may have known

Greg Fugate ’96, who passed away in fall 2023. There are many things to grieve, but there’s also things to celebrate. Many of us have or are turning 50 soon, and I’ve seen so many fantastic parties of those half-century milestones on social media. (I don’t know about you, but I never even thought about what 50 would feel like when I was at Knox! It’s not that bad, as it turns out.)

► One thing that seems to be true—and that may be a sign of our maturity—is that we can hold many disparate feelings at once. Yes, there’s grief, but also plenty of celebrations. I personally resonated with Jim Pawlowski who said he was celebrating “the end of a particularly crappy year.” I’m with you, Jim. I had a rough year, too. But I’m also celebrating the learning and the clarity I now have and am looking into 2024 and beyond with hope.

► If you have any more celebrations, please email me between now and the next notes so we can celebrate with you in my next column. Or join the regular conversation in the Knox Class of ’95 Facebook group: www.facebook.com/ groups/250947524963479

Enjoy all these celebrations from friends and classmates:

► Julie Burdette Leonard is celebrating family, especially having the sweetest grandson ever. Kimberly Wiederer Jansen is celebrating her return to a job at Illinois Office of the State

► Appellate Defender that she left 20 years ago. Keshia Teverbaugh Gipson celebrates a little every day for love, gratitude and health. Jim Pawlowski is celebrating the end of a particularly crappy year. Mimi Doyle Russell is celebrating starting her second semester as an elementary special education teacher. She teaches functional skills. “It’s a tough job but I am enjoying it,” she wrote.

► Nicole Havelka is celebrating all the people she’s helped prevent and recover from burnout with the Defy the Trend coaching community, a business entering into its 4th year.

“This year I finally feel like I have a clue on how to do this,” she wrote.

► Anel Z. Dominguez is celebrating her 23rd year as a practicing immigration attorney and her 16th year as founder of Dominguez Law Firm P.C. She’s celebrating that her son, Alejandro ’26, is a sophomore at Knox majoring in physics and enjoys his side hustle as a professional horse trainer at a nearby barn in Galesburg. Her “baby,” Diego, is graduating high school this spring and will be taking a year to travel, pursue modeling and all things beauty. Husband Javier manages her practice and runs our family horse farm, A and D Stables. She is thankful for all of the opportunities her Knox education has given her and is bringing to her son.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: NICOLE HAVELKA defythetrend@gmail.com

1996

Sometimes it’s difficult to think of an appropriate update. However, I have a fun exercise for you: name the best/funniest/weirdest quote you ever heard from a Knox professor. I’ll go first: In junior or senior year, in one of Prof. Bill Brady’s renowned Shakespeare courses, he announced to the class, apropos of nothing, “If anyone ever offers you a taxi ride to Moses’ grave, don’t take it! Moses was buried in secret, so no one knows where his grave is. If someone tells you they know where he’s buried, they’re lying.” In Prof. Andy Mehl’s first-year chemistry course, I generally sat in the front row with Eun Jung and Bevin Philip in one of those enormous SMC lecture halls. During one memorable class, Prof. Mehl set something on fire. As the heat from the flames spread to the front row; I found myself sitting on the floor of the row behind us, trying to escape. (I don’t recall anyone losing any eyebrows.)

► From Shannon McDaniel: “I’ve been traveling a lot for work and have been on the road most of the time since mid-May. I’m currently in Tirana, Albania, getting ready to head to Santo Domingo, and will spend Christmas in Cameroon.

Next June, we will be moving to Tunisia for three years.”

► From Aaron Rutter: “Knox was an amazing place, and I love it. Tonight I am having dinner with Irving Birkner and Andy Johnson ’97. Also I live near Emily Todd Swistak. Knox is everywhere, and I love it. Be safe, and I know I lost our Knox cup (the mug designed by the chairs of the Knox Challenge), but I hope you still have mementos of our Knox time!”

► From Angie Valetutto: “I continue to work as the assistant director for a non-profit Dream Maker project of the Ink People Center for the Arts, supporting artists in all stages of their careers. Daughter Stella, and I performed in two original aerial shows in the past 11 months with an ensemble through Synapsis, a local performance organization. Stella, Scott (my partner and Stella’s dad), and I are grateful to be living in our first house with two cats: Charlie and Moxie. Life is good!”

► Jillian Szilagyi is an LCSW and Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) offering clinical therapy for adults, with a special interest in serving late-diagnosed and undiagnosed neurodivergent adults to find their empowerment and live authentically in a world not designed for a diversity of abilities. “I have lived in Oregon for nearly 20 years and have three vivacious, almost adult children of whom I could not be more proud. I enjoy gardening and growing food on my rural half acre, hiking in the backcountry with my dogs, and exploring the beautiful western states.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: KATHY DIX BIALLAS kathybiallas@gmail.com

1997

Angela Christianson has been accepted to Antioch University New England for a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health starting in fall 2024. “My ultimate goal once I graduate and am licensed will be to work with other adoptees in understanding and coping with the unique challenges of adoption such as addiction, suicidal ideation and other major life challenges. Studies have shown the odds of a reported suicide attempt were four times greater in adoptees compared with nonadoptees (Keyes MA, Pediatrics. 2013). My goal is to be done by spring 2027 and then clinical practice focused on those in the adoption triad and other queer folx.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: CHIP CHANDLER knoxclassof97@gmail.com

1998

Hey Class of 1998, let’s stay in touch. When I hear news from you, it brings me right back to our time at Knox. Though a lot of years have gone by, we are still busy cranking through our most productive years. Sometimes we get so busy that we don’t take the time to reflect on how far we have come. I hope you’ll take a moment to share an update here by sending me an email. This spring I’ve been teaching a dual credit high school/university biology course at my son’s high school. My students are high school seniors, and they are making their decisions right now about where to attend college and what they’d like to study. I’ve been so happy to share with them my memories from Knox about when I found my own academic passions.

► Tim J. Lord sent us an update on his prolific career as a playwright with another debut production this spring! “I’m happy to report that the world premiere of my musical, Through the Sunken Lands, is being produced at the Kennedy Center in March. It’s centered around a teenager whose Mississippi River town

is suddenly, mysteriously flooded— mythical, Biblical style—and what she has to go through to help the town recover in a story about what happens when we get out of balance with the world around us and how we can restore that balance. And in personal news, my wife and I will be moving to Minneapolis this summer when she takes over as artistic director of the Playwrights’ Center, so I’m very much looking forward to getting back to the Upper Midwest and reconnecting with Knox friends in the Twin Cities.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: KIP CONWELL kipconwell@gmail.com

1999

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: CASSANDRA WESTFALL cassandra_westfall@yahoo.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: NELSIE BIRCH nelsiebirch@gmail.com

2000

Hilary Anderson writes, “Last summer, Todd Nahm reached out to me, and we were able to start communicating again for the first time since we left Galesburg in 2000! He lives in the Minneapolis area and has two beautiful daughters.” Todd and Hilary reconnected and are thrilled to announce that they will be getting married. Congratulations, Todd and Hilary! Couldn’t be happier for you both!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JENNIFER PARKER parker_jen78@yahoo.com

2001

If you’re interested in serving as a class correspondent for the Class of 2001, please contact Jennifer Gallas at jgallas@knox.edu.

2002

Katy Nicketakis lives in coastal Maine with her husband, Clint Chase, and their two cats and four chickens. She recently took a new position as director of admissions at Lincoln Academy, a private boarding and day school. She gets

Talip Kilic ’04

2024 ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Talip Kilic '04 graduated summa cum laude from Knox College with a degree in economics and international relations. He earned a Ph.D. in economics from American University in 2008. Kilic has since worked at The World Bank, he now serves as a senior program manager. His work focuses on poverty, agriculture, labor, and gender issues in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the “Global South.” Under his leadership, the Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) program has raised over 100 million USD in external funding, supporting 47 countries in the past year alone.

“The diversity of thought and perspectives at Knox is essential to critical thinking and essential to succeeding in a workplace with diverse perspectives and cultures.”

to travel the world meeting with families and other school partners!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

JENNIFER WREYFORD jwreyford@gmail.com

2003

Greetings, fellow Knox alums, & happy new year! I’m Dan Chibnall, the new class correspondent for 2003. Let’s see what our fellow class members have been up to lately.

► Joyce Christensen Dykema writes, “I still live in Lincoln, NE, with husband Justin and our three kids (ages 15, 12, and 9). We also have two cats and a dog! I still run my own business (Doula Joyce!) as a birth doula and childbirth educator, and am training as a birth doula trainer with DONA International, my training and certifying organization. My biggest news is that I was appointed in February 2023 to the DONA International Board of Directors for a three-year term as the director of communications. It has been a big job, as my department oversees the website, social media, email newsletters, International Doula quarterly magazine, and all internal and outgoing official documents. I’m building my volunteer team, streamlining processes and procedures for our large, international, non-profit organization, and enjoying having a big impact on the doula world.”

► Maria Filippone writes, “This past fall, I went back to school at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice to become a clinical

social worker. It feels great to be back in a learning environment!”

► Kimberly Van Winkle-Spires is “still loving Florida life.” She continues, “I am entering my 3rd year here at Florida Cancer Research & Specialists. Before the move, I was in Ohio where I worked for Select Sires for 13 years. Select Sires is the leading artificial insemination company for bovine in the nation. I have made it back to Galesburg for an occasional weekend wedding, but no longer trips. I am hoping to make it back for a Homecoming celebration soon.”

► Finally, Jake Wright has some exciting news from the teaching world. “I received the Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Teaching, the highest teaching honor in the University of Minnesota System.”

► Thank you all so much for sharing your life updates & good news. Enjoy 2024!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: DAN CHIBNALL danchibnall@gmail.com

2004

Class of 2004’s new class correspondents, Maggie Claudy and Lauren Klinger, are looking forward to sharing updates with everyone and want to sincerely thank our previous class correspondent, Susan Vitous Johnson, for her nearly two decades of service. Thanks for keeping us all connected, Susan!

► 2024 is our 20th reunion year, and we know many of you plan to attend Homecoming. We created a new Facebook group (search Knox College Class of 2004) to connect, gather updates, and share Homecoming info. Join us there, even if you can’t make it to Galesburg this year!

► Maggie Claudy shares: “My husband, Sarun Teeravechyan ’01, and I have been busy chasing after our kids, Samantha, 8, and Oliver, 5, while also managing a short-term vacation rental business in Galena, Illinois. In 2021 we moved to the Quad Cities after many years in Chicago to be closer to my parents.”

► Lauren Klinger says, “In 2023, I was excited to resume my annual meetup with some of my Knox favorites, Steve Krejci, Nathan Lubchenco, and Kenny Ruzicka, who live in Florida, Colorado, and Oregon. I live in Florida, not far from where I grew up, with my husband, Ivan, and our two kids, Leo (4) and Julian (2). I work as a freelance editor, and I’m writing a book to help people our age (and younger) prepare to care for (and eventually lose) their parents. When I lost my mom in 2007, and my dad, Steve Klinger ’62, in 2021, I learned a ton about the systems and logistics of caring for aging parents, and I want to share it with as many folks as possible. I know, it sounds depressing, but I hope it helps people have both the tools they need to navigate this stage of life and the support they need to find joy in it.”

► J. Jobe shares that she is coming up on her 15-year anniversary

working for the Central Arkansas Library System as editorial assistant for the Encyclopedia of Arkansas (encyclopediaofarkansas.net). She is also caretaking for her mother-inlaw, post stroke, which she says is both challenging and rewarding.

► Jo Bradley gave birth to her second child, Colin Williams on December 14, 2022.

► From Philadelphia, Chris Fundakowski reports that he is working at Thomas Jefferson University as a head and neck cancer surgeon. “Kids are already 5 and 7!”

► Miranda Higdon Addonizio shares: “I was promoted to senior editor at Solution Tree Press, which publishes books in the K-12 education field. Mark Addonizio ’05 and I continue to enjoy life in Bloomington, Indiana, with our daughter Eleanor, 6, and our two dogs, Rudy and Arya (14 and 12, respectively).”

► Krista Nieraeth says, “This past summer, I accepted a job as the superintendent of schools/ elementary principal/special education director in Alsea, Oregon, a small district between Corvallis and the coast. I commute to the district each day from Junction City. I enjoy the new challenges each day. In January, Gina Salamone did her annual visit to stay with me. We survived a weekend ice storm in Astoria and power outages in Junction City. Thank God I live in wine country!”

► Erin Jezuit shares: “I currently reside on the southern Oregon coast, where I conduct research and

do some teaching at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. My research aims to understand the mechanisms of barnacle embryonic development in hopes of bettering our general knowledge of how crustacean body plans are formed (which is exciting because crustaceans display the most variety in body plans globally compared to other animal groups). Over the past two years, I have presented my work at conferences across the country. Also over the past two years, I have been able to meet up with other Knox ’04-ers, including Krista Nieraeth, Gina Salamone, and Eura Ryan Szuwalski, as well as virtually with Jamie Koenig Nordling, Jenny Larsen Park, Jessica Watson, Karolina Sawicka, and Nnenna Odim. If you ever want to enjoy the most beautiful (and biologically diverse) coastal region in the lower 48, let me know.”

► Fiona Asiedu says: “I made the big ‘return home’ move to Ghana in 2011, and after a decade, made another major life change—moving to the UK. I am enjoying exploring Europe. It has also made it much easier to connect with Knox friends—for two years running now, I have been able to see Karan Grover, who lives in Singapore but comes to Europe frequently for work. If anyone is coming to this side of the pond, definitely look me up.”

► Holly Oberle is an assistant professor of political science and gender studies at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. She says, “I moved back to Colorado in 2021 after living abroad for more than 13 years. I published a comparative politics textbook and adopted an amazing dog named Jack. He and I hike and camp together often.”

► Brian and Jennifer Larsen Park share: “After spending the last three years in Japan, our family completed its last tour in the United States Navy and transitioned into civilian life. We joined new medical practices in Southern California and are enjoying being back near the ocean.”

► Abbie Kuhn Enlund shares: “From Wisconsin to Illinois and now in St. Louis—the Kuhn/Enlund household has made some moves since 2004! With two teenage daughters, who each play three sports. We are a busy family. When we aren’t in a gym, we love outdoor adventures and traveling! I recently left the environmental education field to take a new position as the director of development for a St. Louis-based Mobile Vision Clinic that provides essential vision services to kids from low-income households. Chris Enlund ’03 is thriving in a new role as an actuarial consultant for Willis Towers Watson.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

MAGGIE CLAUDY mclaudy@gmail.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: LAUREN KLINGER lauren.klinger@gmail.com

2005

Tom Bazan and Elizabeth Presley Bazan welcomed Christopher Lee Parker Bazan through adoption this past year. He joined their family at 12 days old in March 2023, and the adoption was finalized in September 2023. Christopher attended Homecoming in October 2023, and thoroughly enjoyed his first Knox experience. Tom tells us, “We assume he is looking forward to attending his first Winter White Out (ultimate frisbee) tournament on campus in February 2023.” Additionally, Tom was promoted to director of budget at the Illinois State Board of Education in October, and Elizabeth continues working as a marketing project manager at Hospital Sisters Health System. If you find yourself in Springfield, Illinois, Tom and Elizabeth would love you to reach out and catch up!

► Jon Betts writes, “I continue to be amazed at how Knox remains a constant in my life almost 20 years later…Hardly a day goes by without some entertainment or support from one Knox alum group chat or another. My family is regularly in awe watching Steve Bachta ’03 compete in American Ninja Warrior; we are humbled to have Seth Kopf ’04 hosting the

Henry Hustle charity 5k in our son’s honor (thank you Sarah Connelly & Dave Connelly ’07 for continuing to make it a part of your annual Thanksgiving tradition); and I got to spend all summer working with the incomparable Dave Rahofy ’03, who even made time to house-sit for us as we took a family road trip to Colorado where I officiated my brother’s wedding. No matter the miles from the ‘Burg or the years since graduation, I always feel like I’m bringing a bit of Knox along with me.”

Wren Davisson and Michael Gilbert welcomed their daughter, Julia Davisson Gilbert, on October 24, 2023.

Ashley Steinsdoerfer Gottlieb continues to explore a career change from event planner to visual artist. In 2023, she exhibited her work at the Reno-Tahoe International Art Show and completed murals at Mt. Rose Wine Co. and the Katherine Dunn Elementary School library. She was also selected to design art for a parking meter wrap in the Las Vegas Arts District and developed three new series of work for shows Sierra Arts Foundation’s Riverside Gallery, South Valleys Library Art Gallery, and The Basement Reno. She is primarily an abstract painter, creating bright, bold, and playful works inspired by nature and travel. See her work at www.ashleygottlieb. com

► Rebecca Halonen lives in Phoenix, Arizona with husband Marc Schumann ’03 and two children. She began her dream job as fulltime residential faculty in the reading and English department at Phoenix Community College this past July.

together.

► Sarah Lammie told us, “I finished my masters in ESL Education and celebrated both my graduation and my 40th birthday by going to the Disney’s Star Wars-themed hotel because I am a nerd. Luke and I also adopted a new puppy. His name is Lando Pawrissian, and he is all kinds of wonderful. In addition to teaching 2nd grade and dance, I’m celebrating 15 years working at the Field Museum by finally completing the Field Ambassador program.”

► Arne Olson recently completed a five-year apprentice program with Sheet Metal Local 16 in Portland, Oregon. He is now a union certified journeyman and lives in Sandy, Oregon, with wife Mandy, 12-yearold stepson Theo, and 5-year-old son Leif.

Drew Charles Parsons writes, “I am the father of two girls, Viola and Josephine, and married to Erica Riley Parsons. I am an assistant appellate attorney for the Office of the State Appellate Defender. In March 2023, I argued before the Illinois Supreme Court in People v. Pacheco, 2023 IL 127535. The case involved the right to cross examine and confront your accuser.”

Jacqueline Dehne Scafidi shared news on her new job as the Bartlett Elementary School librarian. As a regular substitute teacher at the school, the opportunity to join the staff came rather quickly, as the previous librarian was leaving to become a teacher. Knox Theatre taught her one thing she uses daily in life, it’s that you say “yes, and…” The new position has been very rewarding, leaving room for lots of creativity, getting in some much-needed updating, and finding ways to connect students to subjects and books. “I guess working at the Knox Bookstore for four years prepped me in more than one way.” Jacqueline shares that the family is doing great. Spouse Matt continues along in his career. Eldest Andra is now a middle-schooler, and youngest Vivian has hit double digits! Jacqueline also continues to regularly see Knox alumni, including Erika Knuth ’03, Ashley Nehrt Lambert ’03, Graham Lambert ’06, Helen Drysdale Lillard, Julia Beale

Cascio ’04 and Jason Cascio ’06 on adventurous gatherings or during the annual camping trip.

► Roberto Vargas became the head of research and instruction at the libraries of Swarthmore College this past year. He also went back to school for a masters of philosophy, art and critical art, at the European Graduate School. His family adopted a Berne doodle named Canela from the shelter.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

ASHLEY STEINSDOERFER GOTTLIEB aggottlieb@gmail.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: MARISSA PARKIN moeparkin@gmail.com

2006

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: MEGAN REHBERG megan.rehberg@gmail.com

2007

Hello Class of 2007! We are always energized by the updates you share with us! Please keep them coming. You can submit them any time of the year to knoxclassof2007@gmail. com, and we will get it into the next issue that we can, adhering to our deadlines to get them into print!

► Anne Barker writes: “Warm greetings from Alaska! We recently welcomed our third child, Axel Wilde, into our family. He joins big sisters Linnaea and Jolena. Needless to say, our cute little log cabin in Alaska needed a major addition

Pamela Schuller ’09

2024 ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

Pamela Schuller '09 graduated from Knox with a degree in psychology and holds a Master of Arts in advocacy and policy, plus certifications in executive coaching and DEI methods. She has turned her personal challenges, including a Tourette's diagnosis, into a platform for disability advocacy and mental health awareness. A globally recognized advocate and professional stand-up comedian, Schuller has performed in six countries and nearly every U.S. state, reaching over 100,000 people. She has appeared on Netflix, Curiositystream, and NBC, and consulted for companies like Disney and Google. As founding director of HereNow, she promotes mental health and wellness among Jewish teens.

“Knox helped me believe that I could take the things I love in this world, comedy, diversity and inclusion, and mental health, and create a whole world out of it.”

and renovation! So this year has been the year (years) of the house addition/renovation. I continue to work locally as an RN, and our family construction company, SunDog Builders, keeps us busy. Hoping to see Knox friends soon, it’s been a bit too long!”

► Kourtney Grimm shares: “We welcomed our third child, a daughter, Magdalena Rose, on October 16, 2023.”

► Since January 2022, Sam Jin has been working as a tenure-track assistant professor in Korean studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

► Michael Sales celebrates 10 years as the senior coordinator of student activities at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, in April. It seems like not much has changed since his time at Knox!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

LAURA WENTINK

MARCASCIANO

KnoxClassof2007@gmail.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

MICHAEL SALES

KnoxClassof2007@gmail.com

2008

Ariel Lauryn updates that, “After working as a visiting professor of theater at the University of North Alabama, I moved back to NYC and now work as a movement teacher at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I’m continuing to freelance as a performer and artisan as well.”

► Nineteen years after their firstyear heyday, Post 5 friends Brittany Alsot, Madeleine Clay, and Melissa Springer are very excited to be reunited under one roof. They now share a 100-year-old two-flat in Chicago with Brittany’s wife, Ellie Poley ’10, pit bull mix Ponyo, Madeleine’s husband, John, and their kid, Frances. Together they’ve been enjoying house dinners, craft nights, Dr. Who watch parties, and spending entirely too much time on thisoldhouse.com

► Miriam Gillan reconnected with Caroline Allen this fall. Her sisters, Rebecca Gillan ’93, and Susannah Gillan Eastwick ’99, visited in December, and they all attended Melanie Brown’s ’94 art show.

► Erica Stringfellow Tully is enjoying playing with her 2 and a half year old son, teaching 5th grade, and texting Brian Patrick King (and everyone she knows) about The Traitors.

► It is with great sadness that we relay the news of Nicholas Perry’s passing. Sable Helvie Schwab wrote this in remembrance of him: “Nicholas James Perry passed away in January 2024. In his final days, he was visited by several Knox alums—a testament to not only the strong bonds that a Knox experience creates, but also a testament to Nick’s ability to create long lasting friendships. Besides being known as a supportive friend, Nick is also widely known by his Knox cohort for his roles in Dancing at Lughnasa, An Error of Comydes, Life Underwater, Through the Eyes of a Raven, As

You Like It, Nora, Our Town, The Madwoman of Chaillot, Working, Passages at Random: An Evening of the Absurd, and Hamlet. His Knox career also included directing Am I Blue, Leonardo’s Last Supper, and The Bacchae.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: MIRIAM GILLAN miriam.gillan@gmail.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: ERICA STRINGFELLOW TULLY e.stringfellow4@gmail.com

2009

Toshia Zessin Albright: “After being a SAHM for 7 years, I’m back in the lab working as a process chemist for Dow Chemical Company. My partner in crime, Vic, and our crazy tribe of hoodlums keep me busy with lots of activities that

15-year reunion, and we haven’t grown up yet! At Lake Storey during Homecoming with Madeleine Clay ’08, Graham Troyer-Joy ’08, Ellie Poley ’10, and Brittany Alsot ’08.

take us around Michigan and the country.”

► Maren Reisch Axe: In March 2023, I got to hang out with Mikah Berky in London! Then my husband and I welcomed our son, Declan, in July 2023. I still work at MIT, wrangling graduate students. In my spare time, I continue my campaign to get Jaclyn Anderson Wangerin, Jennifer Hoben Quick, and Kimberly Anderson Kasper to move to Boston.

► Clint Moore coaches men’s soccer at Colorado School of Mines, and Amanda Chavero is a grant writing consultant for schools and 501(c)3 organizations. In 2021, they decided to pick up parenting as a fun new hobby. Dempsey has his momma’s eyes and dad’s appreciation for a good party playlist. These days, it’s a lot of kitchen dancing and decisions made by rock-paper-scissors. Cary Archer’s recent Knox Magazine interview is taped to the fridge.

► Olivia Engel is back in agro-tech as agriculture manager for Neon Greens—a new urban farm-restaurant hybrid that grows and serves its own fresh salads. She leads a team for two hydro farms, and they harvest their produce an hour before restaurant service. And she’s seeing Kelli Refer ’08 and Tom Fucoloro ’08 in person again for the eclipse in April!

► Mike Callahan is living his life a quarter mile at a time, for family, back in Chicago.

► Sam and Kate welcomed their new daughter, Olivia Jarvis! Kate finished residency and is now a dual-boarded physician in family medicine and psychiatry. Sam is still doing public health things and back in the classroom teaching undergrads.

► 2023 was a big year for Iona Cooper! “After nearly five years of working as a therapist at a community mental health center, I took the leap of starting a private practice. I never imagined myself becoming a business owner, which just goes to show that you can always surprise yourself! I now focus on providing therapy to neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individual, and am grateful every day that I get to be my own boss. Outside of work this year, I survived a harrowing backpacking trip, competed in a CrossFit competition, hung out at a dog beach in Florida, arrived super late to the trend of learning to bake sourdough bread, and spent lots of time with friends and family.”

► Kaley Anne Morlock Seader married Scott Andrew Seader on October 14, 2023 on her family’s ranch in Jones, Oklahoma. Amidst the pandemic, she received a master’s in education, with an emphasis on social and emotional learning. Kaley continues to virtually teach high school English from her Imperial Beach, California, home.

► Sarah Pokorny: “It was a wild 2023! In July, my husband Ben and I welcomed our baby boy into the world (by the time folks read this he’ll be a year old, which feels a little surreal, but I understand time speeds up after you have a kid). In October, we also threw ourselves a belated wedding reception celebrating our 2022 nuptials. Party-goers included Carolyn Markus ’10, who gave a lovely speech and toast, Brady Vaughan, and Matt Rosso Aside from that, I’m still chugging along in Chicago, managing the learning team at an animal shelter, enjoying rare quiet moments, where I can relax with a book or show

while cuddling my cat, and doing my best to squeeze in time for D&D.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: SAM JARVIS

samuelpaulleejarvis@gmail.com

2010

Margaret Spiegel is seeing some exciting life changes in 2024. She’s moving to Waterloo, IA, to get married in June. She’ll be sad to leave the Mahaska County Historical Society and Oskaloosa, IA, but is ready for the next chapter. She’ll see where life takes her next for personal and professional growth!

► McKinley Murphy celebrated her sweet daughter’s first birthday in December.

► Katherine Williams Booth has been in Atlanta working on a PhD in Mathematics at Georgia Tech. I’ve been able to travel to math conferences all over the world, including France, Spain, and Uzbekistan. This summer, I will be following my advisor and moving my family to Nashville. In addition to doing math and traveling, I will be fixing up a 60’s ranch that backs up to a forest for my kids to explore.

► Tasha Coryell’s debut novel, Love Letters to a Serial Killer, was published by Berkley Books on June 25.

► Mandy Gutmann-Gonzalez’s poetry chapbook, A/An (End of the Line Press), was published in January 2024. They continue teaching

creative writing at Clark University, where they started a creative writing major last year.

► Marc Dreyfuss and Erin Souza Dreyfuss got brunch with Paige Barnum in Vermont.

► Samantha Newport wrote, “They were too young and too good to be gone. Rest in peace, Abby Harms and Nicholas Perry

► Sandy Guttman started working at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in 2023, where she supports performances and public programs. In addition, Sandy’s apartment gallery, Curb Appeal, welcomed over 600 visitors who came to experience the work of Molly Joyce, Genevieve Ramos, Jay Afrisando, and Stella Brown.

► Chris Mouzakitis married Acacia (Caci) Dishman on October 14, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Kevin Morris ’10 served as best man and tons of Knox friends attended, including all essential parts of CoHouse 1 (RIP Mustache). Caci and Chris moved to Boston in June 2024. Caci will complete her radiation oncology residency at Harvard Medical School, and Chris will continue working for accounting behemoth PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: KATE MOON RAESS knmoon10@gmail.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: CASSIE MILLEVILLE c.milleville11@gmail.com

2011

Sasha Murphy and Sean Frohling ’10 welcomed a new addition to the family, Miss Elowyn Murphy Frohling, in September 2023.

► Anita Ahuja added a second daughter to the family, Maya, in May 2023.

► Caitlin Fones bought her first house and is in the process of making it home with pup Gimlet. Garden pictures coming soon!

► Ashley Antenore will be heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a tour at the U.S. Embassy.

► Brett Daley is in his fourth year of teaching and coaching at Crestwood High School in Cresco, Iowa.

► Hannah McMahon and her husband welcomed their first child in November 2023 and have been in awe of her brilliance every day since.

Chloe Bohm and husband Josiah welcomed their second son, James, in January 2023, and all together celebrated big brother Ben’s second birthday.

Rosie Worthen Theobald and husband Alex launched Elementary Earthworks, LLC in April 2024, a chemical free urban micro-farm in Galesburg. They provide produce for local eateries, markets, and the general public.

Oliwia Zurek ’10

2024 YOUNG ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

Oliwia Zurek ’10, originally from Poland, began her U.S. education with minimal English but excelled at Knox College, graduating with Honors. She earned a Ph.D. in immunology and infectious disease from Montana State University and conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University. Zurek secured significant grants, authored numerous publications, and became a sought-after speaker. A U.S. citizen since 2012, she advocated for NIH funding in Washington, D.C. Transitioning to biotech, she led clinical trials and FDA market launches for chronic disease treatments. Committed to mentoring, Zurek now focuses on implementing advanced technology in health care, continuing to empower others.

“Knox was an excellent place for someone like me, who really wanted to seize all of the opportunities in front of me. Thanks to the McNair program, TRIO, and the Ford Fellowship, I was able to develop as a scientist.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

TIM SCHMELING

trschmeling@gmail.com

2012

John Williams and wife Kaitie Adams spend a lot of their days chasing around their 2-year-old toddler, Willow, these days. He also spends his working hours managing the farming operation at Sola Gratia Farm, a non-profit vegetable farm in Urbana, Illinois, donating literal tons of produce each year to food banks, soup kitchens, and directly to those in need of better food access.

► Jamie White recently moved from Maryland with his husband, Greyhound, and Whippet into an RV in a cornfield in Geneva, New York. It’s the best decision he’s ever made.

► Ellen Ramsey married Josh Thede in October 2023. They were surrounded by friends and family, of course including a Knox crew.

► Ed Davis and Gabi Sutton recently celebrated seven years of marriage and 10 years as a couple. Ed is the founder and director of Vox Venti, a 30-voice semi-professional choir in Chicago which, as part of its mission to foster diversity in the composers whose music it performs, commissions a new work on every concert by a composer from an underrepresented background. Gabi has been a member of the group’s soprano section since its founding.

► From Crest Hill, Illinois. Michael “Mikey” Whitt and wonderful wife Shannon are currently expecting their first child, a boy. “We are super excited to meet him in the next few months. We also adopted a dog named Barkley, so our family is continuing to grow.”

► Adam Mize says, “I am currently serving as an administrator at Dunlap High School and recently started my doctorate in educational leadership with the superintendent endorsement. Outside of work, my wife, two boys, and I have begun traveling the country in our travel trailer. Life is good!”

► Monica Prince released her latest choreopoem, Roadmap, in July with Santa Fe Writers Project. She also married the love of her life, music producer Robert Barkley II, and is currently under consideration for

tenure at Susquehanna University. Follow all her shenanigans on her website, www.monicaprince.com

► Rachel Clark Cole and family are settling into life in Eagan, MN, just outside the Twin Cities. So far, they’ve enjoyed the Minnesota State Fair and the many playgrounds and splash pads in the area. Rachel is a research scientist at the University of Minnesota, and she really enjoys teaching some courses at the University of St Thomas and St Olaf College. It’s hard not to be nostalgic for Knox when on a small liberal arts campus! This winter her family is excited to visit Stephanie Sorensen and her husband and dogs in Florida!

► Mark Wolak and wife Lili got married during the pandemic in 2020. He currently works as an engineer at Northrop Grumman.

They are expecting their first child this summer in July and currently reside in Rolling Meadows.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

APARNA KUMAR BOEHM

aparna.kumarboehm@gmail.com 2013

JC Weinberg: “I got married back in 2020; we bought a house in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that year, too. We welcomed our first baby girl in April 2021, and our second baby girl back in March 2023! I have been working for McGraw Hill Education for the past two years as a senior developer on their eBook publishing and management platform. Before that I was a senior developer for a consulting firm that specialized in education and training platforms. Lastly, I captain a local hockey team called The Misfits; we have won our city’s divisional championship a couple times and earned an invite to a bigger tournament in Toronto, where we won it all in 2022.”

► Jill Krippel and Justin Dingle had a busy 2023! Jill is having fun DMing her first D&D campaign and is on the DEIA Committee at IDOR. Justin just started taking classes so that he can apply for a promotion in 2025. “We both keep getting more involved with our union. Three of the highlights out of the many things we did in 2023 were able to see Band-Maid again and go to our first Gen Con, as well as our 10-year reunion at Knox. It was great seeing old friends!”

► Joseph Puntoriero had another exciting year in Tampa, FL, with wife Rayann Parkinson Puntoriero ’12. The couple welcomed their second daughter into the world on July 11, 2023, and she is growing up so fast. Her older sister can’t get enough of her. Joseph’s career in U.S. Army Special Operations is hectic and advancing faster than ever. He was selected for promotion to Major and will “pin on” his new rank in fall 2024. He’s also working on a graduate certificate in space systems and operation to posture himself for some potential future career moves. For the second consecutive year, Joseph will represent both the U.S. Army and the U.S.

Special Operations Command as a Military Mentor to the U.S. Senate Youth Program. “It was an honor to be selected last year, and this repeat came as a pleasant surprise.” Joseph and his family will leave Tampa in summer 2024 for his Major’s schooling at Fort Leavenworth, KS, so they’ll be trading in days of eternal sunshine to be much closer to Knox and Rayann’s family for at least the next year.

► John “William’’ Budding has officially reached a decade living in greater Boston, spreading the good word of Knox College. In November 2023, he was affected by layoffs at his company and hopes to find new employment this spring. He hopes to continue work in talent acquisition & recruiting of employees for any range of industries. Networking is always welcome! William serves as a board member at the Perkins School for the Blind, an international NGO supporting education of children with disabilities around the world. He also serves as an advisor to the Howe Innovation Center at Perkins and has traveled with Perkins to Tech conferences across the country to promote the future of Perkins impact globally. (Learn more at www.Perkins.org) Still singing his heart out, William is a proud member of the choir The Oriana Consort and performed concerts in March with the group. Aussi, j’apprends le français avec Duolingo. “Mes amis disent que mon accent français est très bien! Voulezvous parler avec moi?”

► Emalie Jacobs Moore: “I started a new position at St. Louis Community College working in the Writing Center this January. I’m also a year into working on my MFA in writing at Lindenwood University. The program has reignited my love of writing, and there should be some publications of short fiction coming out soon! I was recently inducted into Alpha Chi, national college honor society. It was exciting to have my kids (Oliver, 4, and Penelope, 2) get to see Lindenwood’s campus and watch the ceremony. I had my kids, husband, and mom there to cheer me on. I look forward to graduating in 2025!”

► Stephanie Fore has left the classroom (“for now”) and is working with aspiring teachers at the University of Minnesota. She got engaged in August and is expecting her first child this summer.

► Erin Bell: “I am the full-time director of the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives in Chicago, IL. I oversee the day-to-day operations of our LGBTQ+ library and archives, work with volunteers and patrons, and connect with community members to facilitate archival donations! It is an absolute dream job to serve my fellow queer community, and it is such a relief to be passionate about one’s job.”

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: WILLIAM BUDDING williambudding@gmail.com

2014

After nearly 13 years together, Andrew Cook and Allison Diamond are engaged!

► Olivia Berridge was married on November 1, and her best buds from Knox, Brittany Meeker ’15 and Ellie Mercado ’15, came to St Louis to celebrate.

► After three exciting years working at Condé Nast, Ashley Wolfgang just started a new role as an editor at New York Magazine! She will be specifically writing and editing newsletters for their commerce vertical, The Strategist, so please subscribe!

► Jess Ranard is still sober, still trying to create a queer housing coop space in Chicago, in the beginning stages of also trying to start a worker owned bookstore on the Northside, trying to get her book published, and doing what she can to fight cis het fascist norms and also, in love with a hot girl and the moon.

► Tom Courtright has become “moderately obsessed with motorcycle-taxis.” He lives in Nairobi, Kenya, working as an electric mobility consultant and research director at a small organization while doing his Ph.D. on motorcycle-taxis in Kampala and Dar es

Salaam. He lives with his lover and friend, Muthoni, and they try to go on hikes and visit new places, most recently, Morocco, when they can. He recently hosted David Petersen ’15 and Andrew Marr ’16 and is still working on convincing them to move to Kenya.

► Bethany Marinier married her husband on October 8 in Sterling, Mass. Her Knox roommate, Laura Crossley, and her partner, Jesse Mitchell, traveled to celebrate with them.

► Natalia Kaplan (née Binkowski) had Ezra on August 12, 2023, and he’s been the best and busiest thing she’s ever done. Watch out Knox Class of 2045!

► GraceAnne Roach was married this fall surrounded by her Knox friends.

► As a reminder, you can submit your notes to your class correspondents on Facebook or by emailing directly.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: NATALIA BINKOWSKI KAPLAN nbinkowski@gmail.com

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: ESTHER FARLER-WESTPHAL efarler.westphal@gmail.com

2015

Minda Chen lives in Portland, OR, and works for Thermo Fisher Scientific as an application scientist.

► Colleen Flint DiCarlo and husband Jack DiCarlo welcomed their son, Hayden, in August.

► Mikko Jimenez has fledged into his final form to become an actual bird. He currently nests in Fort Collins, Colorado.

► Nesha Harper graduated with her Ph.D. in clinical psychology in June. She then moved to Boston

for a two-year neuropsychology fellowship at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School. She also explores vegan restaurants and trains for the Los Angeles marathon!

► Becky Duffyhill married Lin Duffyhill in Chicago this past October! Jamie Blue ’16 and Mary Houlihan ’17 stood in her wedding. Becky owns a photography business (@beckyduffy.creative) and stays active by playing rugby in Colorado.

► Kate Hovda graduated from the University of Washington’s Information School with a Master’s in Library and Information Science this spring. She and Celinda Davis recently took a ferry ride together in Seattle.

► After six years together, Emily Ioppolo and Christopher Shorten wed in October 2022. Oakton Reynolds ’15 officiated. They galavanted around Scotland and London for their sprint honeymoon. They live in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago with their two precious cats, Leo and Taco.

► Bruce Kovanen and Serafine George were married on January 5, 2024.

► Bethany Larson graduated from Arizona State University with her MFA, after the presentation of her solo thesis exhibition, “Nowhere: Now Here.”

► Loye Oyedotun is still a lawyer in London. Please reach out if you’re ever across the pond!

► Carley Bechen ’17 Mitchell Murphy ’15 married in Eugene, OR, on July 1.

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS:

ABBY KRAVIS CLAIRE NERI knox2015reps@gmail.com

2016

Hannah Steele opened her own holistic, trauma-informed physical therapy practice this year called Somatic Performance Therapies, LLC. She also has a puppy, Westley, who likes to make the occasional appearance at the office.

► Emily Roberts lives in Albuquerque, NM, after many wonderful visits to see fellow Green Oaks 2014 alumna, Jessica Robinson, and Emily Cooney ’14 in the land of enchantment. She graduated this past December with a Masters in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University. She currently runs a special library on the subject of disability at the University of New Mexico.

► Laura Lueninghoener writes: “Finished up my year-long rotational leadership program at work. I feel like I have more questions than answers about my future career, but, ironically, I feel like this is a step in the right direction. In my free time, I dote on my baby niece, playing a lot of peek-a-boo or hanging out with 2015, 2016, and 2017 Knox al-

ums playing trivia, going to karaoke, or hosting crafting days.”

► Julie Wertheimer-Meier is now Dr. Julie Wertheimer-Meier, after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December with a PhD in psychology. With that on top of the JD she received in 2020, she is out of school for the first time since she was five! Julie moved jobs within the NYC government and now works for the Department of Aging. In their first full year of living in NYC, her and Holden Wertheimer-Meier ‘16 went to almost 100 theatre productions, and somehow found time in there to move burroughs from Brooklyn to Queens.

► Zane Brown-Carlson and wife Ashleigh live in Saint Louis, with their two dogs, Sccy and Idunn. In August 2023, he began his Master of Public Administration & Policy (MPAP) online at the School of Public Affairs, American University. Zane works for Beta Theta Pi Foundation as a gift officer and also volunteers as an alumni advisor for the Knox College Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

► Kate Mishkin lives in LA with Matt McKinney ’13 and works as a researcher for Ronan Farrow/ The New Yorker. In her free time, she hikes, plays tennis, and works on a pilot—all hallmarks of the LA stereotype.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: ELLEN LIPO ellenmlipo@gmail.com

2017

► Jakub Dulak continues to work at the Gray Talent Group LA Branch. While the actor and writer strikes kept his 2023 slow, Jakub helped

book clients on some interesting projects over the year, most notably helping book the new voice of Morty on Rick & Morty. Jakub started 2024 with a promotion to associate agent, and, while he continues working on TV & film, he will now also head up the video game voiceover department.

► Jessica Chrzan has been enjoying a year full of adventure! She got married in April, laid off in October, and started a new job in December. She also went on a month-long honeymoon to Hawaii and New Zealand—6 islands in total!

► Diandra Soemardi is in Jakarta, Indonesia, working as a science curriculum developer for a private school. Once a week, she also teaches research for high school students. She has been dancing and performing poetry just like her college days at Knox.

► Raeann Boero moved to the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, was promoted to communications, stewardship, and engagement manager at Catholic Charities of Oregon, and started the MS in Digital Media Management program at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

► Chloe Vollenweider has continued to work towards her Ph.D. in Drama about Graeae Theatre Company at Queen Mary University of London. The project will culminate in an exhibition about the company’s history and approach to accessibility later this year. She is also thrilled to announce that she recently got engaged to Andrew Watson. The couple is planning a November 2025 wedding in Scotland!

► Kam Wells was promoted to senior data engineer and team lead, baseball systems for the Boston Red Sox.

► Elisabeth Zarnoti and Sean Ramsey ’18 had a very eventful first year of marriage together. They honeymooned in Hawaii, got several root canals, and endured a car accident. Sean graduated from Dunwoody College of Technology, and Elisabeth performed in the ensemble of a community theater production of Legally Blonde and changed jobs. Elisabeth goes on to share, “Our cats are doing great and now only beat each other up around meal times. The five fish are also doing well, and we welcomed a brand new Honda Accord to the mix in January.”

► Max Wallace went to the Ohio Pawpaw fest and thought it was really cool. He also got married, bought a house, and got another dog. “It was a busy year!” Max reports.

► McLeod Sumner is pursuing an MA in classical education at Hillsdale College and playing guitar in a traditional Irish music band.

► Cortney Hill recently moved to Las Cruces, NM, to start a role as a senior TV producer at KRWG at New Mexico State University. He writes, “looking forward to exploring the Southwest and would love to connect with anyone out here!”

► Tevin Liao shares this message: “Dance, cats, and community. What else could I ask for? I’ve cultivated a peaceful life here in Buffalo!”

► Emma Thornton-Kolbe enjoyed a 5% increase in her graduate stipend this fall, which was won during lengthy union negotiations after going on strike. In addition

to picketing, Emma also worked in the strike kitchen, helping to make sure that her fellow strikers stayed well-fed and energized during long picketing sessions.

► Jen Ripka and Emma Thornton-Kolbe also celebrated 10 years of being best friends by taking a trip to Boston and Salem this past fall. Highlights included purchasing matching witch hats, loafing in the grass in Boston Common, visiting historic burying grounds, and a quick trip to the ER in central Boston.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: JEN RIPKA jripka1327@gmail.com

2018

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

DANIELLE DIAZ

ddiaz42@uic.edu

2019

► Leo Monterey says: “Time since graduation feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, I really AM the adult in the room. I’ve transitioned to a full-time role at University of Illinois at Chicago as a resident director. Our department has been doing good work serving our campus of 3300+ live-in students. It’s been a terrific experience this year to serve first-year students and truly make an impact on their transition into college. As for next steps, retire by the end of the year! (Lofty goal I know, but I can always hope!) In all seriousness, I’m still figuring out what the next step is and how to best leverage my experiences and dreams.“ Below is a picture of my first staff team I supervised last academic year.

► Evan Economos is currently interviewing for Internal Medicine

residencies, as he graduates from medical school at the University of Iowa. The residency match system is a bit odd, but he will find out where he will be going this spring!

► Joel Schleicher is now the technical lead for Rise Comedy Club in Denver, Colorado. Congratulations, Joel!

► I am so proud of my classmates— we are all growing and trying out new places and experiences, meeting new people and bringing some KNOX into the world. As for myself, I moved to northern Germany and started a MSc in neuroscience. The program is absolutely amazing, and the town is beautiful. However, it does rain a lot, so I would love to trade that in for the Galesburgian weather (more snow, less rain, win-win). I otherwise enjoy the city very much when it’s dry! On a side note, we are still missing a lot of our classmates due to the closure of our Knox emails, so when you get in touch with fellow 2019 grads, please check in with them about their current contact information status. They can forward it to me, so they can stay up to date with the College and receive my column emails.

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: ELENA IATROPOULOUBANNAT elena.bannat@gmail.com

2020

CLASS CORRESPONDENTS: COURTNEY PLETCHER ALLEN IRVINE NATASHA CAUDILL CAYNE RANDLE knoxclassof2020@gmail.com

2021

Lots of exciting news from the class of 2021 this spring! Some people are pursuing graduate degrees, taking further diverse academic interests from Knox.

► Alexander Baker started a PhD program in biomedical sciences at the University of Florida.

► Tina Jeon is in her second year of PhD in learning technologies at the University of Minnesota, soon to finish coursework and work on preliminary exams.

► Alyx Farris is doing a Masters in Education, being an art teacher in Chicago Public Schools.

► Zeina Sbai is pursuing a masters degree in psychology from University of Chicago.

► After a year-long teach-abroad program in South Korea, Sarah Lohmann is also doing MFA in Writing at Lindenwood University, while working as a freelance proofreader.

► Glen Malast is halfway through a master’s degree in environmental education at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College in northern Indiana.

► Ikenna Ozor graduated from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and works at Thermo Fisher Scientific as a formulations operator, helping formulate a lot of reagents that researchers and industries use for research or other means.

► Some of the Class of 2021 are thriving with their professional career. Elliot Bainbridge is working at J.P. Morgan in London, as an investment advisory for ultra high net worth clients.

► Ryan Earles in St. Louis is currently a software developer at Wells Fargo. Ryan is also planning a trip to South Africa, as well as reunion with Knox friends this year.

► Alia Saadi is working as a product designer in Chicago, Illinois.

► Payton Shaw is working hard as a 5th-8th grade art teacher at BCLUW middle school and also starting a small business and traveling the country.

► Amaya Guzman is moving from Illinois to New Mexico to live with girlfriend and is currently doing work for DataAnnotation with

interests in writing, tabletop games, and coding too.

► Lauren Gray is writing reviews of LGBTQ+ media for the Illinois Eagle news website and working as a facer at Valli Produce. Lauren also did social media and marketing internships for The Strand Mystery Magazine, as well as visits to London and Amsterdam!

► I hope members of the Class of 2021 all across the world are having a great spring, and we look forward to hearing more from you!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT:

TINA JEON jse2053@gmail.com

2022

Hello! I (Faeryn Swift) have taken up the gauntlet of class correspondent for the Class of 2022. After a short stint abroad in Scotland, I now write to you from Houston, TX, where I live with my two cats, dog, and family. I’ve begun working at EMSL Analytical as a laboratory analyst for asbestos identification. I enjoy spending the rest of my time reading, crocheting, and spending time with my sister. Please send me an email with any news you might have!

► Olive Colangelo writes from Minneapolis, MN, where she works as an overhire stage hand for theatres all over the Twin Cities; however, she will soon work as a forestry technician for the U.S. Forest Service at the Superior National Forest near Duluth, MN.

► Emily Dibenedetto writes from good ol’ Galesburg, IL. They work as a teacher at Lombard Middle School teaching fifth grade ELA and science. Emily lives with partner Frankie Williamson ’21, cats Violet and Hazel, and dogs Bella and Coco.

► Rose Stout writes from Minneapolis, MN, where they work as an assistant teacher in a Headstart classroom. They look forward to adopting a cat very soon!

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: FAERYN SWIFT

swiftfaeryn@gmail.com

2023

CLASS CORRESPONDENT: HALEY METZ

haleyrmetz@gmail.com

2024

If you’re interested in serving as a class correspondent for the Class of 2024, please contact Jennifer Gallas at jgallas@knox.edu

Join alumni, parents, and friends on a land and sea voyage to Japan and South Korea!

APRIL 13-25, 2025

Visit ethereal temples, jewel box pagodas, shogun castles, and breathtaking vistas that epitomize Japan’s culture and natural beauty. See the incredible historic and cultural feast of the Gyeongju Historic Areas in South Korea.

Join Michael Schneider, provost and dean of the College and creator of Knox’s immersive Japan Term, as he shares his passion for East Asian history and international and intercultural relations of modern Japan.

Learn more at: knox.edu/alumni/alumnitravel

Questions? Contact Megan Clayton Associate Director of College Engagement 309-341-7476; pclayton@knox.edu

In Memoriam

JORGE PRATS, PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF

MODERN LANGUAGES

Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages Jorge Prats, founder of the Knox in Barcelona program and Prairie Fire men’s and women’s soccer program, passed away on March 28, 2024.

Prats touched the lives of countless Knox students through the years. A native of Spain, he arrived at the College in 1962, teaching Spanish as a member of the modern languages department until 2000. His impact also reached far beyond the classroom. His passion for soccer was palpable, and, in the mid-1960s, he founded the men’s soccer club, laying the groundwork for what would become a storied athletic tradition. When soccer gained varsity status in 1970, Prats stepped into the role of head coach, leading the team to its first Midwest Conference championships in 1973. He was also instrumental in starting the women's soccer club in the 1980s and pushing women's soccer to varsity status. His coaching style, characterized by a blend of encouragement and critique, not only honed the skills of his players but also instilled in them values of fairness and ethics.

One of his most enduring legacies is the Knox in Barcelona study abroad program, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. Through this program, he introduced students to a world they might never have experienced, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. He also assisted groups like the Knox Choir in planning trips to Spain, further enhancing the cultural exchange between the College and a country he loved.

“Jorge’s dedication to teaching, coaching, and making a difference in people’s lives are true embodiments of the values that we at Knox hold near and dear to our hearts. He was a real Knox legend and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide the Knox community for years to come,” President C. Andrew McGadney said.

In 2007, Prats’ contributions were honored with the dedication of Jorge Prats Field, a fitting tribute to a man who not only pioneered soccer at Knox but also shaped the lives of countless students. Without his guidance and vision, generations of Knox students would have missed out on the opportunity to participate in soccer and, more importantly, to learn from one of the finest faculty members at Knox.

Prats will be remembered not only for his achievements in academics and athletics but also for his warm-hearted nature and his dedication to shaping young minds. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide the Knox community, family, and friends, including his children, Jordi ’85, Laura, and John ’93, for years to come.

A celebration of life is planned for Homecoming 2024 on Saturday, October 26. More information is available at www.knox.edu/ homecoming.

Deaths

Berkley Johnson ’52

Erwin Johnson ’56

Edward Jurkens ’40

Przemyslaw Kania ’07

Roberta Eddy Kasmar ’51

Art Katzmann ’65

Kevin King ’79

Clifford Koch ’58

David Kopf ’74

Karen Kuntz ’63

Robert Kuzminski ’60

Frederick Larner ’54

Quadril Lawal ’20

Richard Lemay ’64

Anita Wrench Long ’68

Tony Lopez ’91

George Lowe ’75

Nancy MacLeod ’63

Thomas Main ’71

Harriet Harris Marsh ’42

John McGann ’53

LeRoy McGrew ’60

Suzanne Brown McKnight ’70

Jane King McLean ’52

Constance Wagy Melin ’52

Robert Mignin ’70

John Morley ’77

George Mrkvicka ’52

Paul Nelson ’42

Jonathan Nitz ’77

Bradford Norton ’55

Arthur Oppenheim ’52

Thomas Osberg ’69

John Palmer ’49

James Paynter ’65

Susan Mann Penner ’61

Donald Perry ’64

Dale Piret ’64

Peter Politi ’68

Terry Rahmsdorff ’70

Eric Ratzel ’08

Caryl Resag ’56

David Riley ’68

Angela Rightnowar ’74

Donald Roberts ’58

Carol Tomicki Rogers ’58

Burt Sargeant ’56

Nancy Wellington Scifres ’49

Nan Garton Siebert ’65

Candace Smith ’68

Mary Harris Smith ’60

Candace Smith ’68

Joseph Springer ’71

Maylou Serven Stanforth ’44

John Sternberg ’71

Hugh Stoddart ’77

Ron Streibich ’58

Thomas Strobel ’43

Janice Sullivan ’65

Myrle Trieger Summerford ’52

Donald Sweeney ’73

Vincent Throop ’72

In Memoriam

LYNETTE LOMBARD, CHANCIE FERRIS BOOTH DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR EMERITA OF ART

Chancie Ferris Booth Distinguished Professor Emerita of Art Lynette Lombard passed away on November 8, 2023. Lombard’s dedication and passion left an enduring impression on the lives of her students, colleagues, and Knox College.

A member of the Knox faculty since 1990, Lombard made a significant artistic impact through her courses in painting, interpreting landscapes, and drawing. Her intense focus on and respect for student work influenced her colleagues and inspired countless students to take themselves seriously as artists. Dozens of Lombard’s students have been accepted to prestigious graduate programs, and many others have discovered fulfilling life-long passions for art.

Lombard received a bachelor of arts degree from Goldsmiths’ College of Art University of London in 1976 and a master of fine arts degree from Yale University in 1989, and attended the New York Studio School for two years. Lombard’s paintings have been shown widely

in both group and solo exhibits across the United States and Europe, including numerous exhibits at the Bowery Gallery in New York; the Museum of Modern Art in Mojacar, Spain; the Lohin Geduld Gallery in New York; the Newtownbarry House of Ireland; the Westbeth Gallery in New York; and the Artemisia Gallery in Chicago, among others.

Lombard’s list of professional honors is among the most acclaimed at Knox. She received the Philip Green Wright Lombard Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1999, multiple Knox Faculty research/creative work grants, and the Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence in 2022. She also founded the Knox in New York art program in 1994, with her husband, Associate Professor Emeritus of Art Tony Gant, with whom Lombard also co-chaired the Department of Art from 2002 to 2011.

“For over 30 years we were privileged to have Lynette share her talent and friendship with the Knox community. The impact she had as an artist, teacher, scholar, mentor, and colleague is far-reaching and immeasurable,” said President C. Andrew McGadney.

Provost and Dean of the College Michael Schneider added, "Lynette was such a vibrant and unrelenting optimist for the power of student engagement and creativity. I could always count on her to reflect deeply and find possibilities in any situation. Her memory serves as an enduring reminder to not permit ourselves to fail in imagining what could be.”

Robert Tracy ’61

Julianna Turnquist Underwood ’63

Christa Vander Wyst ’22

Joan Whitney Whitcomb ’56

Roger White ’67

Jeffrey Williams ’73

Richard Zehr ’73

Deaths of Friends

Mushtaq Ahmad, parent of Shahab Mushtaq ’97

Rita Alexander, parent of Kate Alexander ’03

Kenneth Andresen, parent of Annette Andresen O’Donnelly ’82

Patrick Baker, parent of Alex Baker ’05

Carol Baldwin, Knox College

Admissions Staff, parent of Scott Baldwin ’81 and parent of Penny Young (Retired Knox Billing Collection)

Bruce Barkley, parent of James Barkley ’96

Mohammed Basith, parent of Humaira Basith ’95

Osei Boadi, parent of Bernard Gyamfi ’27

Richard Cook, parent of Jonathan Cook ’97

George Cooper, parent of Judy Cooper ’91

Virgi Cox, former staff

Winifred Culp, parent of the late Milie Culp ’71 and Bill Culp ’69

Sir Andrew Davis, parent of Ed Davis ’12

Hal Devore, former faculty

Linda Dool, friend

Larry Edwards, former staff

Marsha Gall, parent of James Gall ’92

Mary Gonzalez, former staff

James Hakes, former staff

Robert Hansen, parent of Lindsay Brown ’99

Margo Harden, parent of Liz Harden ’98

Don Herminghouse, spouse of Pat Herminghouse ’62

Alan Johnson, former faculty

Edward Kelly, parent of Maureen Kelly ’91

Barbara Koester, parent of Jon Koester ’70 and Dave Koester ’76

Chamnian Kulab, parent of Daranee Bozer ’98

Joe LaRosa, spouse of Amanda Roberts LaRosa ’75

Lynette Lombard, faculty

Mati Maldre, parent of Kristina Jarosik ’94

Carlos Melendres, parent of Giselle Melendres ’91

In Memoriam

DENNIS M. SCHNEIDER, PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS

Professor of Mathematics Dennis M. Schneider, whose impressive career spanned more than 50 years at Knox College, passed away on June 6, 2024.

Schneider earned his Ph.D., master of science degree, and bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan, completing his doctoral studies in 1973 and starting at Knox later that year. His distinguished career at the College was marked by his dedication to mathematics education and innovative teaching approach.

His broad teaching interests included calculus, linear algebra, vector calculus, differential equations, and complex analysis. Schneider also had a particular passion for integrating Mathematica, an advanced STEM computational software, into his calculus courses, enhancing the learning experience for his students through technology.

During the weekend of June 1, 2024, more than 30 alumni, colleagues, and friends gathered at a mini-conference on the Knox campus to celebrate Schneider’s distinguished career and lasting influence on his students. The caliber of its speakers and the respect and love shown for his career was a testament to his contributions to his field and the Knox community.

“Professor Schneider leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, pioneering teaching methods, and a profound impact on the Knox

community,” President C. Andrew McGadney said. “His contributions will continue to inspire and guide future generations of mathematicians.”

Schneider’s contributions to mathematics education were recognized with several prestigious awards. He received the Caterpillar Foundation Faculty Achievement Award and was honored with the Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics by the Illinois Section of the Mathematical Association of America. His scholarly work included the textbook Linear Algebra: A Concrete Introduction, the Knox Packages, a collection of Mathematica programs for calculus and linear algebra, and the comprehensive textbook, Multivariable Calculus using Mathematica

Throughout his tenure at Knox, Schneider actively contributed to the academic community. He served as chair of the math department three different times and was awarded four National Science Foundation grants for research in mathematics education and the development of Mathematica as a teaching tool. He also participated as a panel member for “Preparing for the Liberal Arts Job Market,” sharing his insights on academic careers in liberal arts colleges.

Schneider’s teaching methods were known to be intensive and thorough, setting high expectations for each student. His involvement in campus activities and dedication to student success made him a respected and beloved figure at Knox.

Schneider’s work exemplifies the enduring power of dedication to education and the lasting influence of a passionate educator.

A loving father to his four sons, he will be sorely missed by Robert, Mark, and Jacob. His youngest son, Ben, passed away in 2023. Schneider is survived by brother Bruce, sister Linda Clarke, lifelong friend Jean Schneider, and grandchildren (Alyssa, Spencer, Sophia, and Luciano Schneider). He will be missed by many close friends and colleagues.

A public celebration of life and achievements for the community is currently being planned for a later date. His family asks that donations be made in his name to either local Humane Societies or to the Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon (centralcityconcern.org).

Mary Mohn, parent of Jonealya Wells-Mohn ’27

Ann Musser, parent of Zeytin Ercan ’27

Rosemary O’Brien, parent of Robert O’Brien ’89

Genevieve Partin, parent of Rick Partin ’75 and Patricia Partin ’74

John Peterson, parent of Alex Peterson ’11

Jorge Prats, emeritus faculty, parent of Jordi Prats ’85, John Prats ’93, and Laura Prats-Aschheim

Margaret Robinson, parent of Pat Robinson ’89

Peter Rubinas, parent of Romayne Dorsey ’88

Phyllis Salsman, former staff

Luz Schick, parent of Robert Schick ’16

Dennis Schneider, faculty

Randall Staton, parent of Ellis Staton ’20

Robert Ulinski, parent of April Ulinski ’12

Sallie Van Arsdale, daughter of Fanita Welsh 1918

Herbert Walker, spouse of Jane Walker ’68

Willie Williams, parent of Key Williams ’27

Samuel Youkhana, parent of Mike Youkhana ’13

In Memoriam

JOAN WHITNEY WHITCOMB ’56

Joan Whitney Whitcomb ’56, a cherished alumna of Knox College and co-namesake of the Whitcomb Art Center, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 6, 2024.

Whitcomb graduated cum laude from Knox as one of the pioneering female business majors, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the field. While attending the College, she met her husband, Dick Whitcomb ’57, beginning a partnership that would span decades and leave a lasting legacy.

After graduation, she embarked on a successful career in banking in Chicago, showcasing her exceptional talents and dedication to her profession. With the start of her family in the mid to late 1960s, she chose to prioritize her role as a mother and homemaker, dedicating herself to nurturing and supporting her growing family.

Whitcomb remained actively engaged in her community, particularly in the vibrant Atlanta art scene. Her passion for the arts led her to volunteer her time and expertise, contributing

to the cultural enrichment of her community for many years. She also devoted herself to various charitable endeavors, including promoting literacy through rural library campaigns to get books into the hands of underprivileged children.

Together with her husband, Whitcomb made significant contributions to Knox College, demonstrating their shared commitment to supporting education and providing opportunities for future generations of students. They established endowed scholarship funds for Knox students in economics or business and management, empowering aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. Their generosity extended beyond scholarship funds to contributions for the Whitcomb Art Center, Alumni Hall, and the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center, transforming the campus landscape and enriching the academic experiences of countless students.

“Joan’s legacy as a trailblazer, philanthropist, and supporter of the arts continues to inspire and uplift those around her. Her contributions to Knox College are a testament to the values instilled by her liberal arts education, and we are profoundly thankful for the lasting impact she has made within our community,” said President C. Andrew McGadney

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will live on through her contributions to education, the arts, and her unwavering dedication to her family and community.

PARTING SHOT