Inspired by the President's Climate Commitment, the Fall & Winter 2011 class notes are published below rather than in the current issue of the Wesleyan Magazine. Enjoy catching up with your sisters! Our next magazine (with full class note coverage) will include notes submitted from October 2011 to April 30, 2012. To submit class notes online, click here or mail to: Alumnae Office, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon GA 31210.
1930s
Classmates will miss Carleton Ellis Cunningham, ’37, age 94, who passed away on April 18, 2011, in Austin, Texas. Carlton won a scholarship to Wesleyan Conservatory where she studied piano with Joseph Maertz and received a BM in music. At the Conservatory she was voted “Most Popular.” After graduating, she taught piano in public schools in Adel and Greensboro, GA. During World War II she went to New York City to study at Juilliard, and worked for Macy’s as recreation director for department store employees and as a counselor at Macy’s summer camp in the Catskills. Near the end of the war, she joined the Red Cross and played the piano in the psychiatric wards of a Tennessee Veterans Hospital. Carlton married Walker Newton Cunningham in 1946 and they moved to Blackstone, VA, where their two children were born. She served as Minister of Music at Blackstone Presbyterian Church for thirty years and for 33 years after retirement assisted with the music program as pianist and accompanist until she moved to Austin, TX, in 2009. Carlton taught piano lessons in her home for years, served in the Three Arts Club, and helped found a Community Concert Series in Blackstone, which was the smallest town in the U.S. to support such a series. (See In Memoriam in Winter 2011 Magazine)
1940s
“The magazine celebrating Wesleyan’s 175th anniversary is great,” writes Elsie Carmichael Boyd ’44 of Evans, GA.
“Nothing really new,” reports Winifred “Wini” Bosch Titterton ’45. “Just getting older and slower!”
Dr. Rebekah “Becky” Yates Anders ’46 is the author of a new book, Silver Bell (a Christmas story illustrated by her granddaughter) and a co-author with her son of Octogenarians Say the Darndest Things. She visited Wesleyan this past summer with her daughter, Buffie DuPuis, to deliver her books to the Wesleyan bookstore.
“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the 65th reunion,” writes Betty Howell Traver ’46 of Gray, GA. “I had a mastectomy April 13 and was still recovering.”
Harriet Loeb Feeney ’47 writes, “My husband Edward and I still enjoy living in Ruskin, FL. However, since most of our family is living in California, we are making plans to move to University Village in Thousand Oaks, CA. “We had a family get together at the beach in Sarasota, FL, in July and went on a cruise to Central and South America in December. Early in 2012 we plan to fly to California to attend the wedding of our granddaughter, Morgan Feeney, and Luc des Groseillers. It should be a very happy occasion.”
The WCAA sends sympathy to Mary Ainsworth Mitchell ’47 who reports that her cousin, Eloise Ainsworth Gray ’41, died June 29, 2011, at 90 years old. “Our grandfather was president of Wesleyan, Bishop W.N. Ainsworth.” (See In Memoriam in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“Sorry none of my other classmates were around for Alumnae Weekend,” says Elizabeth “Liz” Hean Stone ’48 of New Cumberland, PA. “I met my oldest son and family afterwards to show his twins the college (It would be the 6th generation.) Our oldest grandchild graduated Harvard, magna cum laude. Her sister is a Marshall Scholar at F&M.”
Peggy Carswell ’49 is enjoying the life of leisure in Macon. “Hope everyone else is too!”
Classmates will miss Eugenia “Genie” Toole Glover ’49, of Augusta, GA, who died in November at age 83. She retired from her job as Organist/Director of Music at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Augusta, on June 1, 2011, and celebrated her retirement with many beautiful parties. The church named her Organist Emeritus and established a chamber music series in her honor. Considered at one time one of the world’s top ten organists, Genie studied at Juilliard and Yale, and received her M.M. degree from the Eastman School of Music. In 1957, she founded the music department at Augusta College and wrote music for the college’s alma mater. In the 1960s she concertized extensively throughout the New York area and became organist of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. In 2003, the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association honored Eugenia with an alumnae award for Distinguished Achievement in a Profession. The WCAA sends sympathy to Genie’s brother, William “Bill” F. Toole ’49. (See In Memoriam and Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“Everett and I live in the independent living part of a retirement community in Austin, TX,” writes Dr. Faith Munford Price ’49. “We like it here and are nearer to our children but we miss the Colorado Mountains. We hope to visit Georgia soon. We’re enjoying classes in Shakespeare and Spanish and playing bridge and swimming.”
“A busy year for me!” exclaims Nadine Cranmer Read ’49. “My grandson got married April 16, my granddaughter graduated from UGA in May and was married July 17, three grandchildren graduated from high school in May, my second great grandchild was born in June, and a third great grandchild is due in October! My husband is well and is planting his summer garden as usual.”
“My mother had many cute sayings! When asked how she was feeling, many times she would respond “I’m vertical.” “Happily,” writes Jane Chandler Rhodes ’49, “I can report that I am still vertical!”
Martha Barrett Woodard ’49 of Charlotte, NC, and her daughter traveled to Lancaster, PA, in April to attend a wedding, and while in the area visited Hershey, PA, and the Amish country. Martha celebrated her 83rd birthday in Highlands, NC, with her family.
1950s
“Yes! At 83 years old I am a new grandmother,” crows Louise Cochran Mayfield ’50. “Harper Rose was born May 13, 2011. My husband, Mel, celebrated his 90th birthday in August. We’ve had a wonderful 61 years together. Best wishes to Wesleyan!
Members of the Class of 1951 are proud of the accomplishments of their late classmate Frances “Lil-bit” Cobb Hart ’51 who received two very significant honors posthumously. Both represented her contribution to The Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and were given in 2010. She and her husband, James, were given the annual “Chief Junaluska” award by the Junaluska Associates for outstanding service to Lake Junaluska Assembly over a great many years. The other award recognized her dedication to the Southeastern Jurisdiction as Director of The Archives and History Commission and the setting up of the new Heritage Center and Museum at Lake Junaluska, which boasts “The Frances Cobb Hart Office” in the Heritage Center, named in recognition of her planning and dedication to that task.”
Look for Dr. Mary Ruth “Lewi” Lewis ’51 of Houston, TX, who will be appearing in the 2012 edition of Who’s Who in America!
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 60 years since I graduated from the Conservatory - 4 wonderful, unforgettable years!” writes Marjorie Gray Masson ’51 from Windermere, FL.
Ida Few Bigbie Mixon ’51 moved to Lenbrook Retirement Community in Atlanta a year ago. “It is very pleasant here. We like it!”
Family deaths, major house repairs, and medical emergencies have made for rather unhappy times the last half of 2010 and the first part of 2011 for Sidney Ford Tatom ’51. “Other than all of these events, I’m fine. Over the past couple of years I’ve been relinquishing offices and committee chairmanships and other extraneous community obligations to give myself time just for my own projects - or to be lazy, as the spirit moves me. I still participate in DAR and the Master Gardener program and I’ve started playing bridge again. My house and yard keep me busy. My younger daughter, Nancy, a commercial interior designer, has been living with me since December, 2007, a victim of the housing collapse. My older daughter, Sarah, and her family live in Maplewood, MN. Sarah and her husband, John, are both nurses with many years of experience in all medical areas. I missed seeing our classmates. I hope everyone is well and happy; love and best wishes to all.”
“My newest grandson is a year old and is a great, great, great, great, great grandson of George Foster Pierce,” boasts Eugenia “Gene” Pierce Young ’51 of Nashville, TN. His sister, Ella, is 7. Now I have six grandchildren (three boys and three girls)! The oldest graduated from college in December. After 13 and 1/2 years of honor courses, she will enter law school in January, 2012.”
“As of 2010 I am retired,” writes Irma Rigby Collins ’52 from Tucker, GA. “I had hip replacement surgery in January of 2011 and I am doing very well.”
“Joe and I still play golf and travel a lot - especially cruising,” says DeRon “Mac” McCurdy Senna ’52. “We did a South America and Antarctic cruise in January; lots of icebergs, penguins and fun!”
Congratulations to Merrilyn Welch Eastham ’53 on the birth of her ninth great grandbaby. Avery Elizabeth Eastham was born June 1, 2011.
“My compliments to the editorial staff of the Wesleyan Magazine,” writes Joan Jennings Norton ’53. “The articles, photographs, and President’s letters continue to enrich my life and increase my pride in being a Wesleyanne.”
“Around the world again,” exclaims Ann Harrell Saunders ’53. “We missed the earthquake in Christ Church, New Zealand, by two days, and we were in Hong Kong, China, when Japan was hit. God was with us! Saw the rock where Paul preached in Athens. Awesome!”
“Moving to Wilson, NC, in 2008 has turned out to be the best,” reports Caroline “Caro” Eagerton Upperco ’53. “We love the town, the people and our church. We especially enjoy the proximity to our daughter, Ann Dolman, her husband, Dave, and our two granddaughters - Caroline, a junior at Wheaton College and Elena, who will be going to Wake Forest University in the fall.”
Bonnie “Beje” Gardner Barnes ’54 of Waynesville, NC, sends greetings to her Purple Knight classmate sisters. “John and I are involved in busy lives in Western NC. We do volunteering, music, book club and travel. Come see us!”
Retired from her job as Director, ABAC Arts Experiment Station, a multi-county cultural development program, Sydney “Syd” Willis Blackmarr ’54 is a grandmother of two, a private consultant in arts and heritage, a Stephen Minister at St Anne’s Episcopal Church, and serves on the Board of Tifton Museum of Arts, the Library Foundation and whatever else shows up!
Congratulations to new great grandmother Marilyn Bennett Edwards ’54! “Hanna Leigh Orr was born January 2, 2011! She is a beautiful baby! We also have had three graduations this year - two college and one high school,” writes Marilyn.
“My oldest son, David Fulton, is recovering from cancer,” reports Autumn “Cookie” Cook Ireland ’54 of Ormond Beach, FL. “I’ve just returned from Boston, MA, for the graduations of his two daughters; the eldest from Northwestern (summa cum laude), and the younger from high school, where she earned a 4-year merit scholarship to Boston University.”
The WCAA sends sympathy to Ann Parsons Odum ’54 on the death of her husband, A. Wallace “Wally” Odum, Jr., on May 31, 2011. (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
Donnie Donaldson Porterfield ’54 is recovering beautifully from surgery. Thank goodness! “Husband Joe is still under Hospice care in our home,” she writes. Donnie talks frequently with classmates Ruth Forehand Miller ’54, Ruth White Fruit ’54, and Carole Coleman Bruley ’54. “Thank heavens for Wesleyan friends!”
“I have retired, as librarian, from the Atlanta Fulton Public library,” writes Louise Stearns White ’54.
“I previously worked at the Emory University Library and that’s where I met my husband, Lucio Chiaragivlio, Ph.D., a native of Rome, Italy. My daughter, Vallie Stearns, is a lawyer in New Brunswick, Canada, and my son, Edwin Stearns, and his friends formed a successful company in Atlanta. He and his wife, Nicole, have two children. I’m so lucky my grandchildren are nearby. My husband has retired from teaching computer science at GA Tech.”
The latest story Lucy Neeley Adams ’56 wrote for The Mountaineer newspaper in her town of Waynesville, NC, can be found on their web page (www.themountaineer.com). “Remembering Daddy,” June 15, 2011, is on page 8A.
At Wesleyan only one year as a day student and music major, Hilliard “Wes” Fulwood ’57 of Meridian, ID, finished his degree in Music Ed. and went on to get his master’s degree in Ohio. Wes has an extensive resume of accomplishments in various areas of music, education, and real estate.
“I’ve just returned from Charleston, SC, for the 50th (Class of 1961) Medical School Reunion at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC),” writes Dr. Carla DuBose Kalec ’57. “Lots of fun - looking forward to the 55th Wesleyan reunion in 2012.”
“I have so much admiration for the teachers that I had each year and for the young women that I got to know and share four years with,” says Gretchen Nelson Scott Vann ’57. “What happy memories!”
“I have lots of great memories of my time at Wesleyan as a Purple Knight,” remembers Joan Nachbaur Rathbun ’58. “Thanks.”
“I’m teaching abstract painting classes, golfing, and walking beautiful New Smyrna Beach, FL. My husband, Buz, and I enjoy our three grandsons,” reports Martha “Sue” Davis Reynolds ’58. “Remembering wonderful friends made at Wesleyan days!”
“I’m about to have birthday number 74,” says Harriett Johnson Bell ’59. “We weren’t to get old. I’m still young till I look in the mirror!”
“Don and I are happily planted on the coast of Maine - furiously gardening during the short growing season and eagerly anticipating visits by our many families (16 grandchildren between us),” reports Lee Brenaman Holmes ’59. “Luckily they all enjoy the benefits of Maine that we do - sailing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking... and wearing sweaters in the summer. As the sign says, “Life as it ought to be.”
Elaine Wilder Jones ’59 and George E. Jones, Jr. of Macon are enjoying every day with their four grandchildren.
1960s
The WCAA sends sympathy to Dale Odum Barrow ’60 of Mount Holly, NC, on the death of her brother, A. Wallace “Wally” Odum, Jr, on May 31, 2011. (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
Although retired, Dr. Paula Talbert Johnson ’60 now works part-time for Cambridge International Exams. She has four grown children. Paula loves to travel and took a trip to India last spring. She and her late husband, Paul, who died in 2008, lived in Europe for four years where they traveled extensively.
Congratulations to Patricia Shriver Mancuso ’60 on the birth of a grandson, McQuaid Daniel Mancuso, who was born on April 28, 2011. Proud parents are Louis and Caroline Mancuso. Granddaughter Marin (3) is very proud to be a big sister.
Judy Warnock Burns ’61 of Austin, TX, sends grateful appreciation to Carol “Moon” Burt ’64 in St. Simons Island, GA, who made and mailed out a very special DVD of Judy’s 50th Golden Belles weekend. “Thank you, Carol.”
It’s a small Wesleyan world according to Suzanne Jones Kahn ’61 who writes, “I do water aerobics daily at the Pensacola Yacht Club. We have a core group that comes faithfully but we welcome members or out-of-town visitors who just wander up from time to time and want to work out. Recently, a new member brought her out-of-town sister to join us. Being polite, I asked the sister where she was from. “Georgia,” she said. “Oh,” I said, making idle conversation, “I just went to my class reunion at Wesleyan a couple of months ago.” “I went to Wesleyan, too. When were you there?” “I graduated in 1961.” “I was there about that time. Were you one of those red, uh…” “Pirates,” I reminded her.” “Me, too. I was Mary Grace Hobby then.” “Oh, for Pete’s sake, Mary Grace you were in my class!” (Everybody in the pool was laughing by then. After they heard all of this, we couldn’t play the old ‘My, you-haven’t-changed-a-bit routine.’ No credibility.) “We had a great visit. Mary Grace transferred to Stetson after two years and went back to get a degree at Valdosta State later. She is a speech therapist in an early childhood program and lives on a farm near Cordele. Her daughter and grandchildren live with her now. Her son works in historic preservation and comes home every couple of weeks to tend a vineyard where he is cultivating a grape that is not supposed to thrive in Georgia’s climate but seems to be defying that rule. She asked about several folks she remembered and was particularly interested in Teeny Cole Fulmer ’61 who was her roommate. It is truly a small Wesleyan world!”
Dr. Sheila Leto Scott ’61 has retired for the second time. She and husband John live in a condo on the bay in Panama City, FL - one block from where she grew up! Sheila writes, “Panama City is his hometown also, so we are both enjoying ‘childhood’ and ‘teen-aged’ friends once more!” Sheila also serves as a volunteer with Church of the Brethren’s Children’s Disaster Services, where she helped set up a child care center in the Belk Center Shelter in Tuscaloos, AL, after the devastating tornado there and provided therapeutic child care for 13 days.
Janella Sammons Brand ’62 has moved to Jasper, GA, where she is an educational consultant and head of a local preschool in Jasper. She retired from Holy Innocent’s Episcopal School in Atlanta after being a teacher administrator for 31 years.
Congratulations to Carol Anne “CA” Rollins Harrison ’62 on the birth of her 6th grandchild, Harrison Marx Henslee, on March 11, 2011. Proud parents are Shelley and Will Henslee and big sister Ella, who live in Big Sky, MT.
The WCAA sends sympathy to Marsha Harris Rudolph ’62 on the death of her mother, Jackie Studstill Harris, on February 1, 2011. She was 95. (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“As an alumna of the University of Missouri, I was a guest at a lecture presented there in April by the son of Virginia Barber Perkins ’63,” reports Mary Goss Hughes ’63. “I did my master’s degree work at Missouri and serve on the Alumnae Board of the College of Human Environmental Science.”
“My son, Keith, and his wife, Yvette, are both captains in the Navy and recently celebrated the birth of their twin sons, Kai and Kiernan,” writes Renate Butler Ryan ’63. “The boys were christened aboard the USS Curts; which, when Yvette was its captain, was named best frigate in the Navy.”
“We have found out that our new grandson, born in early September, has TGA heart defect and will need heart surgery at MCCG Children's Hospital,” says Glenda Barrett Bull ’64. “Please keep our family in your prayers.”
“Our first trip to India was in October 2010,” writes Mary “Rusty” Russell George ’64. “We’ve recently returned to Guatemala and Ecuador.”
“Spencer and I opened the Church Mouse in 1999 and are still working hard and enjoying it,” reports Mary Ann Moore Johnson ’64 of Fairhope, AL. “We go to England for the antiques. We also carry fly-fishing gear, etc.”
“Jim and I are enjoying his retirement, although the GA Board of Regents keeps him very busy,” writes Judy McConnell Jolly ’64. “Our oldest grandson graduated in May and was valedictorian at Christian Heritage in Dalton, GA. He headed to Texas Christian University in August.”
Semi-retired medical social worker Virginia “Ginny” Bowen Maier ’64 is also a spiritual director and trained labyrinth facilitator.
“Looking forward to our big “5-0” in three short years,” says Fran Strickland Masse ’64. “Thanks to Carol “Moon” Burt ’64 our class has stayed connected.”
Mary Jo Moody ’64 of Greensboro, NC, retired again, February 1, 2011. “Forty-five years of teaching is enough!”
“I am very proud to be a Wesleyanne,” writes Mary Helen Hall Ringe ’64 of Monticello, FL. “I will be forever grateful for the education I received at Wesleyan and for the close friends I made that are still my close friends today.”
Carole Jones Graham ’65 of Eastman, GA, has a new book out - Things My Momma Said! It is 100 pages filled with quotes that you might recognize from your childhood, or even things you have said to your own children. Planned as a little (4x6 size) book to give as a gift, it sells for only $10 plus tax and shipping. To order, contact Carole at pcjg@bellsouth.net.
“Loy and I returned to France after more than 12 years,” writes Gloria Dollar Knight ’65. “We found it just as wonderful as before! We also enjoy visiting national parks – the last one was Acadia in Maine. I went to my 50th high school reunion in April.”
Gini Harshbarger Lamback ’66 teaches English to Japanese students. She spent three weeks in Germany this summer visiting her daughter and her family.
“Not retired yet! I’m still the director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cherokee County, OK,” reports Jo Bogan Pout ’66. “I’m caring for my 91-year-old mother, and loving every moment spent with grandsons Erik (16), Zack (7), and Kyler (6).”
Dr. Jane Robertson Westerfield ’66 is the Editor/Co-Author of This One’s For the Birds! A Gulf Coast Anthology of Poetry, Prose & Art, an anthology from writers and artists from nine countries, including 22 states in the U.S. Jane is also a recognized expert on grief, having published four books on grieving and having been a featured radio guest and author at www.opentohope.com and guest author at www.livingwithloss.com. Jenna, her oldest daughter, is a massage therapist; Mark, serving in Iraq since June, is a Captain in the Kentucky National Guard; and Laura, Jane’s “baby daughter” is an M.D. in family practice. Jane has three adorable grandsons as well! She’s stayed in touch with roommates Joy Lewis Martin ’66 and Dona Vaughn ’66 and would love to hear from other PKs.
Congratulations to Jean Gilbert Witcher ’66 on the birth of her fourth granddaughter, Lilli Hope Witcher, born February 26, 2011. Perhaps a future Wesleyanne!
“Our youngest child, Cathleen, married April 30th,” writes Ann Zimmerman Elliott ’67. “Our ‘nest’ is empty, but we have eight grandkids under the age of ten. Isn’t it a grand time of life?”
After retiring from a bed & breakfast business, Bonnie Wirschnitzer Masslofsky ’67 and her husband recently bought a home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Easton. She enjoys part time work in an antique shop and also helps her husband with his jewelry business.
Helen Harwell Smith ’67 of Washington, DC, is proud of her granddaughter, Zoe Leigh Smith, who is a new Golden Heart this year and makes the 4th generation of Helen’s family to attend Wesleyan. She reports, “David and I ended seven months of travel in Venice, Italy. I am so thankful for our art history courses. The symbols used to indicate the saints returned from deep in the data base! We also spent two months on Orkney in Scotland. It has become one of our favorite places in the world and we have already booked two months there next summer. The Neolithic monuments fascinate us. While on Orkney we spent time with Nick Card, head archeologist for the newly excavated ceremonial site between Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar.” In November, Helen’s photo exhibit entitled “Scotland’s Stone Circles by the Sea” opened at the Society of Woman Geographers (SWG) in DC. She writes, “I look forward to seeing everyone at our reunion April 2012.”
Beth Rogero Bowen ’68 of St. Augustine, FL, has completed her third book, St. Augustine in the Roaring Twenties, scheduled for release by Arcadia Publishing in spring 2012.
“My daughter, Catherine, married July 23 and we traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, where her husband’s father gave a wedding celebration in their honor prior to their wedding here in Houston,” writes Col. Cheryl Grantham Fee ’68. “Also, two former business partners and I started a logistic training and consulting company late last year.
The WCAA sends sympathy to Martha Pafford Schindhelm ’68 on the death of her father, Dr. Ward Pafford, who passed away on January 23, 2011. “Thanks to my Wesleyan friends for their kind messages.” (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“We will not be moving to Seattle as my daughter, Wendy, and her family are in Tennessee,” reports Sharon Malone Boyd ’69. “I stay busy teaching voice at home at Conservatory of Music - First Redeemer and singing for seniors. Mom, at 95, is in our home and we care for her. Come to see us in Duluth, GA.”
“I finished my daughter’s wedding dress in time for the wedding! What was I thinking?” exclaims Nancy Greer ’69. “Pris Gautier Bornmann ’68 threw a fabulous Italian themed shower for Kendre.”
“I am enjoying retirement from AT&T,” notes Gloria Garrett Seymour ’69, “which allows time for volunteer work and gardening.”
Things have been busy for Dr. Barbara Marble Tagg ’69. She was named founder and Director Emeritus of the Syracuse Children’s Chorus; presented a session at the Chorus America National conference; hosted the Syracuse University Women’s Choir annual festival; was guest commentator at St. Mary’s College Women’s Choir Festival (IN) and honored by Walt Disney World as an outstanding contributor to Music Education.
1970s
The WCAA sends sympathy to Susan Reynolds Gregory ’70 of St. Mary’s, GA, on the death of her mother, Ruth Conrad Reynolds, on August 3, 2011. (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
The WCAA sends sympathy to Kathy Arnold Hale ’70 of Macon on the deaths of her husband, Crowder Lafayette “Bo” Hale on June 9, 2011, and her sister, Pat Arnold Clark on April 19, 2011. (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“I’m proud to say I am a former Wesleyanne,” says Wanda Saltmarsh Hopkins ’70 of Atlanta. “My friendships found and knowledge gained at Wesleyan has served me well. I am a photographer who loves to wander in the world and learn from people and places far away. I have used my photography professionally and personally to give back through my church. I have four grandchildren, three great-nieces and my mom, age 89. She always believed Wesleyan was the school for me and I believe so as well.”
The WCAA sends sympathy to Katy Nettles ’70 on the death of her mother, Margueryte Hughes, on April 28, 2011. (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
Congratulations to Jan Bull Simpson ’70 whose daughter, Anne Lambert, and husband Chris had a baby girl on March 20, 2011. Campbell Grace joins 4-year-old sister Carson Anne. In June 2011, Jan, who is the South Carolina Board Administrator of Architectural Examiners, was installed as the Member Board Executive Director of National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) at its 92nd Annual Meeting in Washington DC. In 2005, NCARB honored Jan with its highest award, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, which signifies her commitment to the architectural profession and to the Council’s mission to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of standards for licensure and credentialing.
Lindy Anderson ’71 of Clermont, FL, enjoyed reading the summer issue of the Wesleyan Magazine. She writes, “I read the magazine cover to cover and I feel it is one of the best magazines yet. I especially enjoyed Pearls of Wisdom. I also enjoyed the alumnae pictures taken at the Sailfish Club. I use to swim there in the summer. Wish I could have made it to the reunion but various circumstances prevented it. I enjoyed reading about my classmates and seeing the class picture.”
May 2011 was a busy month for Lynn Golson Priester ’72. “My daughter, Florence Priester ’11, graduated from Wesleyan and my son, Davy, attained the Eagle Scout rank.”
The WCAA sends sympathy to Eileen Vickery Thurmond ’72 on the death of her 95-year-old mother, Edna Rice Vickery, on August 7, 2011. (See Sympathy in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“I will always have fond memories of my two years at Wesleyan, the lovely campus, spring flowers in Macon, and especially the historical significance of Wesleyan,” writes Lisa McCave ’73. “I still wear my beautiful ring which prompts questions from admirers. Even though I was from Delaware (a ‘Yankee’), I’ve frequently been quizzed about being a ‘Southern Belle.’ I guess Wesleyan’s impact was stronger than I thought, but once a Wesleyanne, always a Wesleyanne! Now that I’ve moved to Indianapolis, IN, for the next chapter of my life to be nearer to family, I hope to look up Wesleyan alumnae here. I have two grandchildren, Declan (5) and Fiona (1), compliments of my son, Adam Wilson, and his wife, Molly, who live in St. Paul, MN.”
After taking a buyout/early retirement from the AJC in September 2010, Ginny Woods Everett ’74 of Woodstock, GA, has been working in the Cobb County Public Library System as manager of the Kennesaw branch. “We are an unbelievably busy branch and I’m really enjoying what one of my AJC colleagues predicted as my return to my public library roots,” writes Ginny.
Congratulations to Marian Elliott Lewis ’74 on the birth of a new granddaughter, Mallory Elizabeth Bishop, born July 14, 2011! She has a four year old sister, Abigail Camille, who loves to help with her new little baby sister.
“I enjoyed speaking with Dr. Ruth “Ruthie” Knox ’75, Millie Parrish Hudson ’75, Carol Bacon Kelso ’73 and Peggy Parrish Hasty ’71 during Alumnae Weekend,” writes Rita “ReeRee” Parker McGarity ’75. “Also, I loved seeing Beverly Mitchell ’68 as well as several members of the Green Knight Class of 1976. I had a glass of wine with Ruth Norman Solomon ’74 on Friday evening.”
Congratulations to Anita Stern Isaac ’76 and her husband who are now the proud parents of two children born via surrogate in India. Anita writes, “Zoe was 3 on September 26, 2011, and Noah was born April 17, 2011. We all traveled to India to bring Noah home. Being a wife and mother is just great!”
“It is just flown by. My husband, Charles, and I have lived in Marietta, GA, for 30 years and our daughter is expecting her first child in September,” reports Delia Tinnell Spinks ’76.
“I love living in Macon and finding old Wesleyan friends,” writes Lynn Moses ’77. “Please call if you come into town.”
“In December 2010, at the Annual Mercer University Press Authors’ Luncheon in Atlanta, it was announced that the first Will D. Campbell Award for Creative Non-Fiction had been awarded to Kathy A. Bradley ’78 of Register, GA! Kathy writes, “Yes, I am going to be published! My manuscript, Breathing and Walking Around: Meditations on a Life, was chosen as the winner of the competition. I am still a bit overwhelmed by it all, as you can imagine.” Congratulations, Kathy!
“Two of my three sons have just returned from mission trips,” writes Kay Appling King ’79. “Hunter, an Env. Eng. Masters, with Mercer on a Mission, designed a solar pump to bring water to an orphanage in Malawi, Africa. Cody, a psychology major at Georgia State, worked in an orphanage in Honduras. The youngest, Shane (12) was in soccer camps for the summer.”
Rebecca Tuten McClain ’79 lives in Savannah, GA, where she is the Chief Financial Officer for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.
1980s
After nearly 30 years of applying my dual BBA degrees from Wesleyan in the corporate world, I have returned to school and am working on a doctorate degree in physical therapy. Pursuing a new career, in a TOTALLY different area is a very demanding challenge, but a Wesleyanne believes in herself and I am grateful for all I learned that led me to this place,” writes Debra Schaffler Frisch ’80 from Coral Gables, FL.
Maconite Sara Griffin Landry ’80 proudly announces the arrival of two great granddaughters, Helen Winship Perkins and Julia Hodge Perkins.
“We are still enjoying life in Michigan,” writes Allison McFarland Wilcox ’80. “Daughter Johanna has just finished her junior year at Earlham College and son Connor is graduating from high school. I walk 2-4 miles most days with my standard poodle, Zoe, and keep busy volunteering with the Midland Symphony Orchestra Board.”
“My beginnings at Wesleyan taught me to look at ideas as a scholar if I want to understand their meanings,” writes Dorothy Ellen Hardman ’82 from Fort Valley, GA. “My little goddaughter in Vietnam taught me to look at people “eyes to eyes” if I want to see their souls. Aren’t these two Pearls of Wisdom one and the same?”
After teaching school in DeKalb County, GA, for 28 years, Cynthia “Cyndi” Bell-Lee ’83 retired in May and moved to Midway, GA, to be with her husband of one year.
Marietta, GA, resident Hazel Bodner Berger ’85 was named Artist of the Year at this year’s 2011 Sunflower Festival held in Rutledge, GA. Hazel’s photography has been juried into many Atlanta photography shows including the SE Flower Show. She has honed her photography skills since taking her first class in 1984. In 2007, after an eye-opening trip to Barcelona, she decided to start showing and selling her art.
“I have become a mother with a 12 year-old daughter, Yvonne,” writes Eileen (Ai-ling) Hung ’88. “I often mention to her about my studying life at Wesleyan, and how it was so important to me. In the one and half years, I learned how to think from different aspects, and how to value myself. After I got my MBA in Marketing at Cal State University, I went back to Taiwan and worked with several multinational companies such as Schering, Quaker, and Colgate as a senior product manager. Then, I was assigned to China to be in charge of a marketing department, which was a fantastic experience to me. Later, I worked for my brother-in-law to manage a chain drug store business until my daughter was 2 years-old. I switched my career to teach at a private university as a lecturer to accommodate Yvonne’s growth. Owing to my health problem (serious neck spurs) I quit my Ph.D. studying a year ago, and decided to retire this August. So now, I am a free person who focuses on social work, and develops my hobbies. Now, I am training Yvonne the ways that Wesleyan has taught to me. I keep thinking how to reward the school. Maybe I could open my house to my Wesleyan sisters, and provide them an environment for learning Chinese.”
1990s
“After seven years in the doctoral program, I have earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Practice from Georgia State University; specializing in women’s life transitions and wellness,” writes Karin Fulford Smithson ’92. “My son, Hoyte, has gotten through a heroic first year after multiple surgeries and several long stays in the hospital. Twin siblings, West and Elise, turned 3 in August and are happy Hoyte is getting bigger!”
Congratulations to Catherine Atchely ’95 on the birth of her daughter, Catherine Elizabeth “Cate” Atchley on February 14, 2011. (See Births in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“Anastasia is turning 2 years-old and Nicole is now 3 months-old,” reports Merry “Alicia” Barton ’95 of Moncks Corner, SC.
Blythe Buchanan ’95 has moved to Avondale, PA. She works at Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., in Chadds Ford as a senior manager in commercial analytics.
Write Robinson, a luxury stationery company specializing in Italian cotton based cards and notes and exotic, environmentally friendly papers from around the globe, is owned and operated by Angel Robinson ’95.
Congratulations to Chi Ezenwugo Ezekwueche ’96 of Macon, who was honored in May by Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Inc., as a 2011 Woman of Distinction for her volunteer work in the Middle Georgia community. An accomplished artist, Chi is active in the Macon community where she is involved with the Tubman African American Museum as both a board member and founder for the Pan African Festival and All That Jazz, among her many other volunteer endeavors. She is also a founding member of Otu Umunne Cultural Association for Georgia, an organization that preserves history and traditions for Nigerians immigrating to the United States.
Nationally recognized development professional Missy Ryan ’98, CFRE, MPA works at Clemson University as the Senior Director of Development for the College of Business and Behavioral Science. Since joining Clemson in fall of 2007 Missy has been responsible for raising more than $17 million. She was named one of six “Fundraising Stars” nationally in 2010 by Fundraising Success Magazine, as well as named AFP’s Fundraising Executive of the Year for upstate South Carolina.
2000s
Congratulations to Lindsay Abernathy ’00 who graduated from law school in May and took the Montana bar exam. “I’m fairly certain I’ll be moving to Colorado soon,” writes Lindsay.
It’s a small Wesleyan world! Deborah Berryman Guy ’00 met with Gergana (Kuneva) Coyne ’04 in London last June where they shared Wesleyan stories. Deborah lives in Cornwall, England, and married in July. She was pleased to hear that her friend Hyun Mi (Choi) Corin ’01 received the 2011 Young Alumnae Award. “Hyun Mi is a very special lady,” writes Deborah. (See Marriages in Winter 2011 Magazine)
Margaret Guiberteau ’00 finished a successful season as technical director for the Gateway Playhouse on Long Island and is back on the road again as head carpenter for the My Fair Lady National Tour. Margaret says she got to “catch up” with several Wesleyannes this year. When not traveling she calls Houston, TX, home.
Tiffany Noell ’00 graduated from Arizona State University with her Ph.D. in Theatre. Her dissertation focused on Native American theatre.
Another small Wesleyan world story! Keyara “Chanel” Thomas Hamilton ’01 of Hahira, GA, works as the Workforce Development Director at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Her office building, the Ola Barber Pittman House, in Valdosta is on the national register of historical buildings. This past summer Keyara located a few books in her office that belonged to Ola Barber inscribed inside with the words “Wesleyan College,” along with price values of $1.75. The books have copyright dates of 1905.
After 14 years together, Erin James ’02 and Kris Mayrhofer ’02 were married in Washington, DC, in May 2011. Christina Miner Noble ’02 and Emily Dukes Levan ’04 were in attendance. (See Marriages in Winter 2011 Magazine)
“ I’m finally a pharmacist and have started my new career! I am a resident with UNC Chapel Hill and work in a family-owned pharmacy in Charlotte, NC, called Moose Pharmacy. I am loving life and excited about my new adventures!” reports Erin McGavin ’02.
Congratulations to Hannah Harrell Martin ’03 and husband Jason of Jesup, GA, who just celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary. They have two beautiful children: Mollie, (7) and Miles (4). Hannah teaches 1st grade at Jesup Elementary.
“Cultivating happy is the best way to describe what I’m up to,” reports Elaina Winter ’03 from Atlanta.
“I am excited to tell you that I have taken a job as Director of Music/Organist at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church in downtown, historic Savannah, GA,” reports Monica Harper ’04.
Amanda McDowell Smoll ’04 lives on a remote island in the middle of the Bering Sea on the Aleutian Chain in Alaska. “We are in Unalaska - also known as Duth Harbor - that was featured on the Discovery Channel’s show, Deadliest Catch. We moved here a year ago when my husband took a new job as director of finance and administration for the only healthcare center for 800 air miles! After Wesleyan, Tom and I married in December 2004. I attended Mercer University School of Medicine and received my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy in 2006. In 2007, my daughter, Ansley, was born. I stay at home with her and am homeschooling. I enjoy hiking the mountain trails, berry picking, and seeing the rugged beauty all around me. It’s been a very fun adventure.”
“I teach Gifted 7th grade Social Studies at Howard Middle School, where I’ve been since graduation,” reports Donna Wells ’04 of Macon. “I was recently asked to submit my application to the PAGE Board of Directors as a candidate for the 12th District, and I joined them on June 3, 2011.”
Janine Ireland Bertolotti ’05 teaches high school biology in Madison County, Florida. She’s also working on her doctorate degree (2nd year) in Educational Leadership at the University of Florida. She writes, “Should be graduating in 2013 (too long)!”
Wesleyan sisters were on hand when Katie Riggs ’05 married Will Freeman last July in Huntsville, AL, including Jyoti Danes Coffelt ’05, and Sidra Ahmad ’05. Erin Rooney Riggs ’05 served as maid of honor and Heather Hughes ’05 sang for the bridesmaid processional. (See Marriages in Winter 2011 Magazine)
Stephanie Griffis Melvin ’06 of Warner Robins, GA, was honored as a 2011 Georgia Master Teacher and as a top 5 finalist for Houston County’s 2011 Teacher of the Year. “As I reflect back over these past five years, I think about the people who have played a major role in my development as a teacher. I want to thank Dr. Mae Sheftall for everything she taught me at Wesleyan! Her approach to reading helped me be successful, especially as a first year teacher.”
Hillary Jarrett ’08 started her 4th year of vet school at Auburn University. In October 2011 she had an internship with the American Veterinary Society in Washington, DC. She looks forward to another internship in spring 2012 with the CDC in Atlanta.
Current Denver, CO, resident Maddie Allsup ’09 is attending Theology school and working towards her M.Div. degree. She volunteered in Honduras for a third summer in July and will be an intern youth pastor next year. She also will serve a second year at-large for the school senate.
“Golden Heart 2011!” cheers Gabriela “Bri” Medina-Marrero ’11 of Bayamon, PR.
Congratulations to Kelly Page ’11 of Griffin, who accepted a new position at Wesleyan College as Executive Assistant for Institutional Advancement. Since graduation, Kelly has served as Assistant to Auxiliary Services, where she coordinated the Wesleyan Academy for Lifelong Learning, assisted with facility rentals, Wesleyan Market, and the Campus Store.
|
|
|
|