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Fall & Winter 2009 Class Notes
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Inspired by the President's Climate Commitment, the Fall & Winter 2009 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 2009 to April 30, 2010. To submit class notes online, click here or mail to: Alumnae Office, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon GA 31210.
1930s
Dorothy “Dottie” Dupuis Mackin ’38 of Silver Spring, MD, writes, “My grandson, Seth Mackin (16), is a sophomore Lacrosse player on his high school team. They won the Maryland State Championship in May. Lots of excitement!”
Anne Brooks Bazemore ’39 of Tennille, GA, celebrated her 93rd birthday last August. She thinks of her classmates often. Anne still drives, is a member of five clubs, plays bridge, and has ten grandchildren to keep her busy.
Many thanks to Marguerite Stallings McLeod ’39 of Savannah, GA, who donated four Veterropts to the alumnae archives.
1940s
Tallahassee, FL, resident Betty Anderson Farkas ’42 is still active. She especially enjoys attending theatre productions at the Young Actors Theatre, founded by her daughter, Tina Farkas Williams ’74. Betty’s granddaughter and Tina’s daughter, Elizabeth Hollingsworth Williams, is an actress in New York City.
From Hendersonville, NC, Bettye Milton Paden ’45 writes, “We celebrated the birth of our second great grandchild - Amelia Elizabeth Wright. Elizabeth is my legal name so I am honored. She lives in Greenville, SC, so I will be able to stay in touch.
Winifred “Wini” Bosch Titterton ’45 is just enjoying life on Long Island, NY, - relaxing - reading - remembering her life at Wesleyan.
Dr. Rebekah “Becky” Yates Anders ’46 writes, “My husband and I lap up the privileges that being in our 80’s brings. The 20 grandchildren teach us new tricks, and our first great-grandchildren (twins) are now four months old.” Becky misses her classmate, Joy Lawless Tripp ’46, and thinks Joy would be proud of the way her husband, Dr. Bill Tripp, is staying active.
Emily Bradford Batts ’46 and husband Larry moved to Carriage Club, a retirement center, not far from their long time home in Charlotte, NC, in August 2008. “We are quite happy -- making new friends here and keeping up with long time friends in Charlotte. We both still drive and attend the church where we’ve been members for 49 years. Two of our daughters are in Charlotte and one is in Gahanna, OH. Our oldest grandson, who earned his degree in mechanical engineering and received his R.O.T.C. commission from NC State last May, is a 2nd Lt. in Field Artillery in the US Army, and is stationed in Iraq. We have three other beloved grandchildren and two great- granddaughters,” reports Emily.
Macon resident Mary Nunn Domingos ’46 has a new great grandson. Hayes Anderson Estep was born on July 18, 2009, in Greenville, SC.
It was a festive red, white and blue July 4th for Helen Proctor Watson ’46 of Statesboro, GA, who spent the week with her seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Nina Bishop Andrews ’47 of Decatur, GA, remembers her longtime friend and Wesleyan College roommate, Betty Lane “Duck” Merritt ’48, who passed away in July. After graduation, Betty pioneered the careers of women in radio and television at WATL and WAGA. She was a member of the American Federation of TV and Radio Artists, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the International Association of Women in Radio and TV. She coordinated public relations between radio/TV and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She also worked in public relations for the Georgia Medical Association and was associated for several years with Thibadeau Realty.
Wesleyan Trustee and long time friend of the College Lovick P. Corn, husband of Betty Turner Corn ’47 of Columbus, GA, was given an honorary degree at the Commencement exercises of Wesleyan’s EMBA Cohort XIV held in June. In addition to the new Executive MBA faculty awards presented for the first time, many EMBA alumni returned for this special ceremony and helped Wesleyan honor Mr. Corn and celebrate 195 graduates of the program.
From Cartersville, GA, Mary Wofford Morris ’47 brags, “Jim and I have a beautiful family. Five fine children, 11 grandchildren, seven great grandsons - and now, our first great-granddaughter. We are proud!”
Peggy Ann “P.A.” Pangborn Roos ’47 of Pungoteague, VA, remembers meeting Mary Josephine Holmes ’32 by chance on the same train to New York City on her second trip to Europe and their first trip as teachers for the U.S. Army in Germany. The year was 1955. “We became good pals, speaking flawless ‘Wesleyanese’ and had many adventures traveling to many interesting places. She was a wonderful, fun friend.”
Antoinette “Toni” Smith Suiter ’47 reports from Rocky Mount, NC, that “all is well here as I approach my 86th birthday on March 18, 2010. I added a room (by way of the garage) to my daughter’s house and am happily ensconced there. I’m trying to clear my other house (where I lived for 62 years) and my goal is to clear it by the end of the year and put it on the market next year. I have generations of “STUFF” to go through, besides being a “pack rat” myself, with no grandchildren to pawn things off on. But I’m taking delight in giving away. I’ve had four auctions so far - still a long way to go.”
Beth Quillian Johnson ’48 of Chattanooga, TN, misses her sister, Dr. Joe Anne Quillian ’50, who died last July. Joe Anne received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee and practiced internal medicine for more than 50 years. She served for many years on numerous local and state medical professional boards, and was a member of the board of Contact. In 1978, Wesleyan honored Joe Anne with an alumna award for distinguished achievement. In 2004, she received a 50-year award for medical practice from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. (See Sympathy.)
Elizabeth “Liz” Hean Stone ’48 of New Cumberland, PA, represented Wesleyan College as a delegate at the inauguration of Cedar Crest College’s new president in October.
Janet Kelly Collins ’49 of Macon reports that she now lives at the Cottages on Wesleyan, a gated community. “I see my four grandchildren often. Jayme just graduated from Mississippi State with a master’s degree in nutrition.”
Dr. Gloria Dixon ’49 retired from medicine 12 years ago. She reports that she has married again, three years after the death of her first husband, Leo Ryan. She and new husband Charles Yarborough reside in Birmingham. (See Marriages.)
According to Emmie Carlton Johnson ’49 of Oxford, GA, she is “still basking in the afterglow of our 60th year reunion!”
From Carnesville, GA, Wilhelmenia Taylor Nesbit ’49 writes that she enjoyed her 60th reunion very much!
Elizabeth “Libba” Cook Smith ’49 has retired from the local chamber of commerce staff in Statesboro, GA, but stays busy with garden club, Senior Choir, DAR, Sunday School, and family activities. I now have 19 grandchildren, counting the nine “greats!”
1950s
Betty “Beji” Mayher Ward ’50 and her husband, Bob, live in Melbourne, FL, from Nov. - May every year now. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Virginia on July 5th with most of their family, including their one-year-old first great granddaughter.
Daisy Weathers Boswell ’51 continues to enjoy living near Boston, MA, close to her son and his family. “I send my very best wishes to all my classmates.”
From Tallahassee, FL, Rebecca “Becky” Dodd Hollady ’51 reminisces about Wesleyan friends. “A dear Wesleyanne from Bulgaria called me recently, and was delightful. I will always miss my freshmen roommate, Nancy Cumming Connolly ’51, who died too young. Nancy played Peter Pan in our Wesleyan Conservatory senior year theatre production. She flew across the stage. I named my first baby girl “Wendy” to honor my enchanting roommate. Every now and then, I hear from Ida Few Bigbie Mixon ’51, who was my roommate after Nancy.”
In May, Dr. Mary R. Lewis ’51 of Houston, TX, was honored as a 2009 inductee into the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame in Tuscaloosa, AL. Mary received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and her Ph.D. in social work and social research from Bryn Mawr. She has served as assistant professor in the School of Social Service, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and as associate professor of social work at The University of Alabama. She served as full professor at University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work. A prodigious researcher, Mary has made significant contributions to her profession by authoring important publications. Her first book, Integrating Services for Children at Risk: Denmark, France, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom (England and Wales) is available in French. Mary writes, “I retired officially as professor emerita from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work faculty in 2004, but continued to teach two courses a year for four years. I still have an office and my usual perks and may do some contract work and special projects in the future. Being inducted into the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame was a special occasion for me, to say the least. You may recall that I taught there for four years before joining the University of Houston faculty in 1980. Six of my relatives were there for the event.”
Leon Moburg ’51 lives in Redlands, CA, and reports that there is “not too much to write about at 81 - just keeping busy and using up days at the gym.”
After living in Macon 60 years, Mary Eva Bryan DuBose ’52 moved to McDonough, GA, last year. She now lives with her daughter, Diane, and helps her in her post mastectomy boutique called Cat’s Pajamas. “I still do a lot of volunteer work in my church with abused and neglected children. Come see me if you’re ever in McDonough.”
The Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) in New Smyrna Beach, FL, recently honored Charlotte Battle Everbach ’52 of Winter Park, FL, with its prestigious Spirit Enrichment Award (SEA) at a special dinner. “An Evening in Provence” provided the venue for Charlotte’s recognition as a volunteer extraordinaire for the Center, whose 30 years of devotion to enriching and preserving cultural heritage through her service as a former Chair of the Board of Trustees, friend-raiser, and fund-raiser has nurtured an impressive group of ACA supporters. Wesleyan guests President Ruth Knox and Senior Advancement Officer Susan Allen were on hand to celebrate with Charlotte and to toast her with special “Charlotinis” in the Charlotte B. Everbach Painting Studio before the award dinner.
Merrilyn Welch Eastham ’53 is staying busy in Marietta, GA, with her five children, 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren! She has enjoyed talking to classmates this spring - Jan Gay Munn ’53, Gary Still Suters ’53, Julie Withers Roland ’53, and Lucia Hutchinson Powe ’53. “We have a wonderful class. Thanks to “Wesleyan Memories.”
Joan “Jen” Jennings Norton ’53 pays tribute to her classmate and roommate, Ann Draughon Lary ’53. “She was a beautiful human being; brilliant, generous, loveable, and appealingly shy. I am privileged to have shared her life. We both loved and treasured our Wesleyan years.”
Caroline “Caro” Eagerton Upperco ’53 had the joy of seeing her oldest granddaughter, Caroline, graduate from Fike HS in Wilson, NC, and then travel off to Wheaton College, IL, in August. “We enjoyed a great visit and a lunch of traditional eastern barbecue with Jim and Betty Lou Barber McClure ’53 at our home in Wilson, when they were en route to Hilton Head in March ’09.”
In May 2009, The Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Inc. honored Macon resident Neva Langley Fickling ’55 as a 2009 Woman of Distinction. The Women of Distinction program celebrates women from the middle Georgia area who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Joyce Ann Loudermilk Richards ’55 of Marietta, GA, says several of her classmates are facing health challenges. “Joyce Caldwell Bryan ’55 and Cynthia Coleman Scott ’55 are both mending after a bump or two in 2009. Helen Horne Sweigert ’55 is caring for her husband, Milt, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. I enjoy seeing Marilyn Welch Eastham ’55 and Mary Galbreath Smith ’55 often. We all share sweet memories of Wesleyan!”
From Los Osos, CA, Joann Garrett Rusch ’55, writes, “We’re very fortunate to have Ruth Austin Knox ’75 who gives so much.”
“The Wesleyan Magazine came yesterday and I have enjoyed reading through it so much,” says Lucy Neeley Adams ’56, who lives in Lake Junaluska, NC. “I have two new writing adventures. THE JOURNAL is a Christian newspaper in our area and I am the Christian Heritage writer. I also write for www.churchmousepublications.com (which has only been on the computer for a short time). There are hundreds of resources to download for both churches and personal study. I write longer stories for the “Articles” section than what are in my book of devotionals.”
From Eatonton, GA, Jo Ann “Jo” Copeland Chapple ’56 reports that she had lunch in Macon last May with other GKs of ’56, Toot Wade Mixon, Paula Hunt Geiger, Lou Anne Holmes, and Pat Drew.
Lloyd Young Flanders ’56 of Darien, GA, is a great-grandmother! David Monroe Powell was born November 14, 2008.
Ann Godwin Denham ’57 of Gold River, CA, has co-authored a book with Gert Wilkinson - Cloister of the Heart: Association of Contemplative Sisters. The book traces the history of The Association and is available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Xlibris.
Dr. Carla Dubose Kalec ’57 of Odessa, FL, continues to volunteer at Women’s Hospital and stays busy with ceramics class, too. She’s looking forward to the 55th reunion.
From her home in Tallahassee, FL, Elinor Maxwell Garner ’58 reports what a great time the 12 purple knights had at St. Simons Island, GA, in May. “I’m looking forward to more PKs joining us next year!”
The highlight of the summer for Nancy Cook Hollingsworth ’58 was a visit from her great grandson. “He is nearly 2 and I don’t see him often. It was so special to be at the 50th reunion in ’08. I send greetings and hugs from Round Rock, TX, to my classmates.”
Medra Lott Wallace Keyser ’58 of Fernandina Beach, FL, has a new great grandson - her first! Ryder James Arnold was born on July 22, 2009, in Park City, Utah, to Megan and Jacob Arnold. Grandmother Laura Wallace Arnold ’79, Medra’s daughter, is delighted with the new addition.
Joan Nachbaur Rathbun ’58 loves life in Longview, TX. “I enjoy traveling, helping with four young grandchildren - two girls and two boys, and working part time at my church. I have lots of wonderful memories of my two years at Wesleyan,” writes Joan.
Senator Nancy Smith Schaefer ’58 has accepted an appointment as Georgia Eagle Forum State President. Nancy has been involved with Eagle Forum for many years. She also served in the Georgia State Senate for four years. Nancy is president of Family Concerns Inc., and is the founder of two Pregnancy Centers in Atlanta. She has held important positions in the Southern Baptist Convention, and represented Family Concerns at United Nations conferences in Beijing, Istanbul, Rome, and New York. Nancy will also assume the position of Eagle Forum’s National Chairman of Parents’ Rights. She spoke recently at the World Congress of Families in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on the subject of "The Unlimited Power of Child Protective Services."
Maconite Elaine Wilder Jones ’59 had so much fun attending the 50th class reunion. “We were Golden Hearts and now Golden Belles. My mother, Kathryn J. Wilder, was not able to attend Wesleyan but always wanted me to attend and graduate. The tears running down my face were for her. I enjoyed meeting the 1939 class representative Mimi Cordes Kelley.”
1960s
Gwyndolyn “Gwyn” Brown Chesnut ’60 of Carrollton, GA, received the “Leadership in Historic Preservation” award from the Carroll County Historical Society last spring. Gwyn served as president of the Society for the past nine years. Her new focus there will be preserving the Society’s archival collections.
Writing from Ooltewah, TN, Sandra Dew Graves ’60 says, “We have a new great-granddaughter - maybe a future Wesleyanne! It seems impossible because I don’t feel old. I was just living for last year when I became 70 so I could play on the 70’s tennis team. We represented TN at the tournament in Alabama this year.”
Doris V. Manning ’60 lives in Asheville, NC. She had surgery for ovarian cancer in August but looks forward to attending her 50th reunion in April 2010. Sadly, her brother, Charles Manning, died in May. (See Sympathy.)
Dr. Virginia “Ginger” Sumerford York ’60 of Panama City, FL, is such a world traveler that Tena Roberts ’60 e-mailed her to find out where she was. Ginger was in Colorado visiting with her Air Force Colonel son and his family. He had returned to the states, after a three year stay in England, to teach at the Air Force Academy.
After just returning from a bird watching trip around Texas, Judith “Judy” Warnock Burns ’61 reports that she and her husband, Bill, are “doing OK” in Austin, TX. “I have ten piano students, all from the surrounding neighborhoods where we live. I still get to be a teacher to young kids and that is what I love so much. I don't play as much as I used to. The old wrist is not what it used to be. I still love whatever I can play and am thankful for that!”
Jean Edwards Dukes ’61 and her husband live in Barnesville, GA, and celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 20, 2009. On hand were most of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their youngest daughter, Carolyn, is deployed to Iraq and was unable to join the festivities.
“Cleve and I recently relocated our real estate practice to a new office condo in the Johns Creek area of Fulton County in Atlanta, says Jean Cain Gaddis ’61. Moving 24 years of real estate records plus office equipment for seven people was a real chore, but now that we are settled, we love our larger space and shorter drive time to our office!”
“My father died June 27, 2009,” reports Dr. Sandra Combs Lewis ’61. “His name was Robert M. Combs, Sr., and we were fortunate enough to have him for 102 and 1/2 years. Mother died at 95 on August 1, 2004. Their marriage lasted 73 years. There is much to be grateful for.” (See Sympathy.)
“My husband of 38 years, Jim, passed away on May 2, 2009,” writes Linda Vogel Pfleger ’61. “I miss him terribly, but am relieved he is finally out of pain. He was a wonderful man and took good care of me.” (See Sympathy.)
Lynn Cochran Thompson ’61 writes, “Gerry and I went to Wales for a week in November ’08, to celebrate his brother-in-law’s 80th birthday. The weather was beautiful. We had a wonderful time with friends and family.” We send apologies to Lynn, who was listed incorrectly in the Sympathy section of the summer ’09 magazine. Her sister, Betty Jo Cochran Ridley ’63, of Clarkesville, GA, is not deceased but is alive and well!
Elaine Evatt Crow ’63 of McColl, SC, vacationed at Sullivan’s Island, SC, with family during June. Still active at FUMC Bennetsville, she enjoys biking, camping, and cooking. “Hi” to the ’63 Golden Hearts.
Judy Woodward Gregory ’63 of Quincy, FL, is a new grandmother! Daughter Marjorie and husband Tom welcomed Julia Dow Clarke on July 18, 2009. Judy’s mother, Julia Munroe Woodward ’35, is delighted to share her name with her newest “great.”
Lynda Brinks Pfeiffer ’63 of Cataldo, ID, is also a grandmother. Ryan Thomas Pfeiffer arrived ahead of schedule on February 20, 2009. Everyone is well.
Betty Jo Cochran Ridley ’63 says she experienced a “Samuel Clemens moment” after the last Wesleyan Magazine was published, when news of her death “was greatly exaggerated.” Classmates should know that Betty Jo is, indeed, alive and well. We send our sincere apologies to Betty Jo and to her sister, Lynn Cochran Thompson ’61, and to all of their classmates who shared concern for their beloved Wesleyan sisters after hearing this incorrect news.
From her home in Miami, FL, Renate Butler Ryan ’63 reports, “After serving as military aide to the president for two years, my son has now assumed Command of Seal Team One. His wife, Commander of the frigate USS Curts, was named Best Commander in the Persian Gulf. My daughter teaches preschoolers and has blessed me with three fine grandchildren. I’m still doing interior design projects, but work is slow because of the economy.”
“Just a quick note about Alumnae Weekend ’09,” writes Paula McWhorter Judd ’64 from Pensacola, FL. “I want to thank the staff for the ‘Wesleyan Pretty Purple Bag.’ I flew home prepared for the security personnel - I had my boarding pass, cell phone, video camera, digital camera, and the ‘3 x 1 allowed liquids’ in the side pockets ready to drop in the special carrier prior to X-ray. Another feature is the fact that the bag zips close, nothing can fall out. Those of us who travel or have a need for just overnights will find many uses for the carrier bag. Appreciation to all those who approved this thoughtful way of letting us show our Wesleyan pride.
Frances “Fran” Strickland Masse ’64 of Lake Mary, FL, was unable to attend reunion this year but her classmate, Carol “Moon” Burt ’64, “was an angel” and sent tons of pictures. “The class of ’64 still looks great. I will be celebrating with all in five short years,” says Fran.
From Saluda, NC, Margaret Mannheim Sease ’64 and her husband announce the birth of their newest grandchild, Katherine “Katie” Hayes Thompson. Katie is the daughter of Margaret’s younger daughter, Ellen, and her husband, Brian, who live in Raleigh, NC.
“Loy and I enjoy traveling, especially to national parks,” says Gloria Dollar Knight ’65 who calls Dunwoody, GA, home. “We also volunteer for the AARP tax assistance program and enjoy tennis with our neighborhood teams.”
“We love Savannah and our ‘almost’ retirement here,” says Katherine Champion Smelley ’65. We have three grandchildren: Brittany (22), Brian (20) and Katie (1) named for me. Our younger son, Matt, and his wife, Claire, moved from Chicago, IL, to Asheville, NC, this summer - much to our delight. Phil and I look forward to celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary and my 45th Wesleyan reunion next year!”
Julianne Bray Earwood ’66 of Dallas, GA, retired from teaching a second time (in 2005), after 34 years of teaching Honors and AP History courses. She also received a Goethe Grant in 2000 to study German history/politics in various German cities.
Susan Glover Logan ’66 of Hendersonville, NC, is an RNC working on psychiatric cases and is manager at The Free Clinic of Henderson County. She saw Jenny Glover Lee ’66 at Camp Greystone in May. They also went by to visit Casey Thurman ’65 at Camp Glen Arden.
Betty Westmoreland Shuster ’66 is thrilled to add two new grandchildren to her family. “Son Steven and Heather had a second boy, Matthew, now age 1. His brother, Ryan, is 3. Daughter Susan and Chris have adopted a beautiful baby girl, Elisa Grace, born on November 23, 2008, in Texas. Three grandchildren keep us busy - lots of trips to our 2nd home in Hilton Head, SC. David and I take frequent cruises - he scuba dives!” writes Betty.
Flo Williams Douglas ’67 of Milledgeville, GA, and husband Curt spent the summer in Teton National Forest serving as hosts at Lizard Creek Campground.
Lynn Hays Davis ’68 of Macon will retire at the end of 2009, after working as a computer programmer for 40+ years. “I will be grieving for some time over the loss of my mother, Susanna Hays, on March 28, 2009. My two sons live close by and each has two children. I’m looking forward to being available to attend their many programs, sporting events, etc. My daughter, Jody, lives in Statesboro, GA, and has two children. She owns Josephine’s, a gift and monogramming shop. I do some sewing for the shop now, and plan to help more after my retirement.” (See Sympathy.)
Cheryl Maund Page ’68 of Cleveland, GA, is celebrating the birth of her first grandchild, born to daughter Christy Page Mettler. Ava Lyanne Mettler was born in September 2008.
Alice Peninger Beasley ’69 lives in Mooresville, NC. She enjoyed reading and looking through the summer 2009 Wesleyan Magazine. “I saw the photo of Wesleyannes who traveled to Italy. I loved the art study and cities visited on the trip.”
Ann Reaves Burr ’69 reports, “In June ’09 Susan Rogers Mills ’69 was ‘in town’ (Yes, here in the little town of Buckhannon, West-by-God Virginia!) and we got together for a quick chat over coffee. I will look forward to hearing from anyone else that may be passing through!” writes Ann.
Maconite Susan Ewing Maddox ’69 still leads the CFS/CFIDS/FM (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia) Support Group of Macon that she founded in 1990. She has been a volunteer at the Medical Center since 1994 and volunteers with her church and for Wesleyan.
In Columbus, OH, Pat Ondo Snyder ’69 stays busy speaking on life balance in connection with the release of her first book, The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life. See details at www.PatSnyderOnline.com.
1970s
Catherine Gibbons Jost ’70 of White Sulphur Springs, WV, represented Wesleyan College as a delegate at the inauguration of Sweet Briar College’s new president in September 2009.
Dr. Martha “Jane” Thompson ’70 of Darien, GA, has been busy since retiring from her position as vice president for student services at Clayton State University. She is teaching part time for Troy University but focuses most of her attention on her granddaughter, Olivia Jane Thompson.
Susan Woodward Walker ’70 of Franklin, TN, is proud of her daughter, Margaret, who appeared in the August 2009 issue of Marie Claire. Margaret is a senior at Princeton and was interviewed by the magazine’s staff that ultimately chose her photo and interview for inclusion in the August edition.
Mother of the groom, Joyce Rice Ellison ’72 of Macon, had a busy summer. Son William married Emily Joyce Meadows on June 20, 2009, at Wesley United Methodist Church on St. Simons Island, GA. William also received a graduate assistantship at Mercer where he is working on his MBA.
Another mother of the groom, Mary Catherine “MC” Collins O’Kelley ’72 reports, “Our son, Will, married Sandy Stellmacher, on May 16th. Will is a corporate chef in Atlanta. Our daughter, Catherine O’Kelley Fore ’02, and her husband, Brooke, love living on Signal Mountain, TN. She is a publisher with True North Publishing in Chattanooga, TN.”
Jane “Janie” Shirah Stump ’72 and Robert have a new grandson, John Wyatt, who was born May 29, 2009. They also have a new daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jane Martin Stump, who married their son, Robert Davis Stump, on March 7, 2009, in Valdosta.
Hale Coble Edwards ’73 is a first time grandmother! Melanie Hale “Lanie” Houston was born March 24, 2009, to daughter Katie and Mark Houston in Mooresville, NC.
Beverly Harris Papera ’73 lives in Alpharetta, GA. She retired from teaching in 2002, after 30 years of service (Gwinnett County Public Schools). Beverly has always been proud of her Wesleyan heritage. “I was teacher of the year, and I give credit to my wonderful training at Wesleyan. As I’ve shared my educational background on so many parent nights, many parents came to me afterwards saying that they were impressed that I was a Wesleyan grad. I’ve even discovered a parent or two who were Wesleyan alumnae! My husband is a retired Delta Airlines pilot, and my two children are now adults. My daughter and her husband are FBI special agents. My son manages a Home Depot store. I am also the grandmother of two little girls, ages 2 and 5!” writes Beverly.
Laura Hunt Edenfield ’74 of St. Simons Island, GA, was sorry she had to miss the April 2009 reunion. “I had to direct a Saturday morning art event for children. I would love to hear any news from reunion at lheden@bellsouth.net.”
“Still loving my teaching career,” says Martha Townsend Dyal ’75 from West Palm Beach, FL. “My son, Michael, married Andrea Lopez in November ’07, and he graduated from Univ. of Miami Medical School in May ’08. He’s a resident at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL.”
Millie Parrish Hudson ’75 is excited to be back at Wesleyan in an official capacity as campaign coordinator. She joined the advancement team in August and is on campus four days a week and works from her home in Atlanta on Fridays. One of the perks of her new job is that she gets an occasional visit from daughter Sarah Hudson, Golden Heart, ’11!
Rita Parker McGarity ’75 and her husband celebrated the marriage of their oldest daughter, Julia Lindsey McGarity, to Gregory Littleton Carpenter of Dallas, TX, on February 27, 2009. Wesleyannes attending the wedding on St. Simons Island, GA, included her sisters, Trudie Parker Sessions ’61 and Dale Parker Craig ’65; Patricia Hammond Klefeker ’53 (who is actually the groom’s grandmother), Kirsten Johansen Welch ’71, Ruth A. Knox ’75, Betsy Wakeford Thompson ’75, and Millie Parrish Hudson ’75. Rita’s younger daughter, Caroline, became engaged on Feb. 18th to Mark Hendrik Wilde of Smyrna, GA, and married on July 11, 2009, at The Ritz Carlton Lodge at Lake Oconee. Rita is looking forward to her 35th class reunion next April. “Let’s show support for Wesleyan as well as our dear friend, Ruthie, who is our President!” writes Rita. Sadly, in September, Rita’s mother passed away. (See Sympathy.)
“I cannot express how proud I am to be a Wesleyanne,” says Sally Moffett McKenna ’75. “I thoroughly enjoyed the evening at the home of Deidra West Smith ’96, as well as hearing the Atlanta Club’s guest speaker at the May luncheon. Speaking as an alumna, the college sounds ready to look this economy straight in the eye! Go for it, Girl!”
Arthur and Jane Spier Brook ’76 enjoy visiting their home in North Georgia. Hiawassee is a retreat from the busy days in Macon. “Our home is a few miles from many attractions in North Georgia and North Carolina including waterfalls, mountain trails, mountain overlooks and craft shops,” writes Jane.
Cynthia McMullen ’76 of Richmond, VA, reports, “My mother, who just turned 80, is doing remarkably well. My new job in public relations at Virginia Commonwealth University is good. It’s funny; the School of Pharmacy is just about Wesleyan’s size, so that’s nice. We just graduated 122 Pharm. D.’s and 12 graduate students. The holidays and vacations here are much better than at the newspaper!”
“I’m still living in Massachusetts where I’ve lived since 1987- now in a town called Stow, about 30 miles outside of Boston,” writes Sharon Webb ’76. “I’m a guidance counselor/social worker in a public middle school. I also dabble in various visual arts and musical endeavors. Greetings to everyone who was at Wesleyan from the early to mid-70s!” (See Sympathy.)
Dr. Lucy Lee ’78 is completing her 24th year as professor of Spanish at Truman State University with her home “base” in Columbia, MO. Her daughter, Elizabeth Bonanno, who graduated from Truman this past spring with degrees in Spanish and political science, began law school this fall at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Her son, Giovanni Bonanno, will study economics and history at Truman this fall. “The nest is now empty and a new life awaits!” says Lucy. Many thanks to Lucy for representing Wesleyan College as a delegate at the presidential inauguration held at Stephens College in October.
Trustee Bryndis Roberts ’78 lives in Atlanta and represented Wesleyan College as an inaugural delegate at the presidential inaugural held at Georgia State University in October.
“Loved seeing everyone at the reunion - hoping to reconnect before five more years!” says Jacqueline “Jackie” Webb Bullard ’79 of Flowery Branch, GA.
Linda Young ’79 of Bedford, MA, writes, “My son and daughter have both graduated from college last year and this year, respectively. I was a system/programmer analyst for more than 7 years, and an IT specialist working for DG/EMC for more than 13 years. I’m currently caring for my mom, who is 91.”
Trustee Hannah Allen ’80 of Macon, represented Wesleyan College as a delegate at the presidential inaugural held at Middle Georgia College in Cochran, GA, this fall.
In Warner Robins, GA, Deena Harrell Cherry ’80 misses her mother-in-law, Sandra M. Holton of Macon, who passed away on May 5, 2009. (See Sympathy.)
Eloise Terrell Gray ’80 of Midwest City, OK, took her fifth trip to Kenya in August. She has a ministry, Touching the Heart of God, which works with needy children. They’ve sponsored 33 children in Kenya with school and food.
Dr. Mary Stephens Malone ’80 writes, “Temple Wilson Ellis ’58 and I attend the same church in Covington, GA, and she introduced me to Louie Woodward Marshall, MD ’42, who lives at Riverside Nursing Home in Covington, GA. Dr. Marshall and I both did our pre-med biology courses at Wesleyan, and then received our MD at the Medical College of GA. Dr. Marshall has been a great inspiration and source of history for me in exploring the challenges women faced in medicine in the 1940s.”
Wende Sanderson Meyer von Bremen ’80 of Macon is happily serving on the Board of Managers of the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association as vice president for publications and public relations. “My main duty is to edit all the class notes so I want to hear more from all my classmates! I had a nice visit this summer in Highlands, NC, with my “roomie” Shannon Lindsey Hudson ’80 and we met up with another classmate, Annie Laurie Brennan Wynn ’80, at her cabin in Cashiers, NC. I’m also now a mother-in-law! Son Ryan married Sarah LaPiana of Martha’s Vineyard, MA, on Memorial Day weekend. They are both teachers at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham,VA.”
“I recently had a great deal of fun going back to Decatur, GA, to take part in my 50th high school reunion! I enjoy home schooling one of my granddaughters, who is in the 6th grade,” reports Elizabeth Reed Puckett ’81 from Macon. Elizabeth still enjoys substituting in several schools.
The art work of acrylic artist Carol Fullerton Samsel ’82 has been selected for inclusion in the 15th Annual Artists of Northwest Arkansas show. Carol has two pictures on exhibit in El Dorado at the South Arkansas Arts Center National Competition’s annual juried competition. She is a signature member of the International Society of Acrylic Painters and has had works published in International Artist magazine. Herzfeld Memorial Library featured her in its 2009 Arkansas Artists Engagement Calendar as a representative of Saline County and Arkansas.
Lili Huskey Trudeau ’82 was promoted to director of UBS Financial Services Inc. She celebrated 20 years of marriage on June 24, 2009.
Beth Parker Davis ’83 has been teaching second grade for 25 years and is currently teaching at Springdale Elementary in Macon. She and husband Burr just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They have one daughter, Mary Parker Davis, who is attending the University of Georgia.
After moving recently, Mary Shippen “Peg” Atkisson ’84 found some old Wesleyan papers. “A certain English professor told me I’d never be a good writer. Guess what I do for a living?” writes Peg, who now lives in Millis, MA.
Actress and private dialect coach Page Clements ’84 of Unionville, NY, served as an associate professor of voice and speech at AADA for nine years and has appeared in more than 40 productions throughout the country, including those at The Roundabout Theatre, The Northeast Theatre, The Metropolitan Playhouse, and Huckleberry Productions. Page is a founding member of Highwire, Inc., an educational and theatrical touring company currently in its third season. Page was named the Backstage Readers Choice 2009 Favorite Dialect Coach and Favorite Vocal Coach.
Dr. Thelma Wilson Sexton ’84, formerly assistant professor of education at Wesleyan, is the new director of institutional research at the College. Thelma will continue to teach in the education department as an adjunct.
“The Telling My Story writing program that we piloted in Milton, WI, was modeled on the Imaginative Writing Program sponsored through Wesleyan,” says Dr. Michele Arduengo ’88. “The program was a tremendous success, and I am already busy writing grants to fund round two. We have a couple of other school systems up here inquiring about doing a similar program for their students. It looks like Wesleyan may have ‘started something’ with the Imaginative Writing Program. Thanks for the idea.”
According to Maconite Stephanie Hooks Tinkey ’88, her children, Grace, Faith, and Christian are doing great (9th grade, 7th grade, and 3rd grade, respectively). All are also avid runners.
1990s
Congratulations to Pam Sailors, Ph.D. ’90, of Springfield, MO, who was named associate dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs at Missouri State University.
Congratulations to Lizella, GA, resident Christy Simmons ’90, who was selected 2009 Teacher of the Year at Porter Elementary by the Bibb County Public School System Board in October.
Beth Kargel ’91 of Atlanta, is now development director of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP), founded by Jane Fonda.
“I live in Arlington, MA (nestled beside Cambridge, Lexington, Belmont and Winchester),” writes Katie Garrett ’92, and I’m an attorney (in-house counsel) in Waltham, MA. Regards to all.”
“We timed the California housing market just right and got a beautiful new home,” reports Margaret “Mollie” Bell Smith ’92. “We are so happy being homeowners again. Our lovely, little Preston will be 3 this fall... a true joy & pleasure! He has discovered the wonder of trains, thanks to his mom. We are fine way out here in Dixon, CA, but I will always be a Georgia Peach! Take care y’all!”
Kelley Southerland ’92 is celebrating her first anniversary in the solo practice of law in Denver, CO! She sends congratulations to classmate Janet Wilson Haynet ’92 and Stephen on their marriage in December 2008.
Charlotte Gray Vasquez ’92 writes, “After many years, husband Paul is graduating from the University of Notre Dame with his Ph.D. in political science. He is finishing his second year teaching at Wabash College (an all male college) in Crawfordsville, IN. We are all enjoying living in a small town.”
Gulfshore Business Magazine named Alison Charney Hussey ’93 of Fort Myers, FL, to its 2009 list of “Forty under Forty.” An attorney by trade, Alison is a certified family mediator and works to solve legal problems hampering families. She volunteers with the local Pilot Club, Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League, and with her church. When she’s off the clock, Alison and her husband can be found on the golf course. Their son, Alex, is 9.
Cathy Lee Taylor ’93 and her family have moved to McLean, VA.
Atlanta resident Christina McMahan Bevill ’95 represented Wesleyan College at the Women’s College Forum held in Atlanta on September 15, 2009.
“Just a quick Wesleyan ‘small world’ story,” writes Betty Lo ’95. “We were at the Manchester, UK, airport waiting for a flight back to Atlanta when we ran into Judy Woodward Gregory ’63 and Scott. It turns out they were on the same flight and we had a great chat about Wesleyan during the 8 hour flight. At the airport, another lady came up and spoke to Ms. Judy and she was also a Wesleyanne! Small Wesleyan world, isn’t it?” Betty is also grateful for her service on the Alumnae Association’s Board of Managers. “Thanks for allowing me to serve on the board with a group of extraordinary women devoted to the advancement of education for women and to Wesleyan.”
“I enjoyed a GK ’96 Girls Weekend at Jacksonville Beach, FL, with classmates Katherine Worley Hammes, Heather Preuss Kent, Patrenice Guthrie Thomas, Stephanie Miller Kitelyn and Aimee Morris Lashley,” writes Kristin Conley Lamble ’96 from Walton, KY. “It was wonderful to catch up and spend some time together relaxing at the beach. I can’t wait till next year’s get together!” Aimee adds, “We reminisced and laughed until we cried. I love my girls!”
Fort Valley State University’s nominations are in for this year’s Georgia Trend magazine’s “40 under 40” selections. Best wishes for success to Joy Moten-Thomas ’96. We think her contributions to community residents, students, and to her profession help make the Peach State great.
Rachel Viets Fortuna ’97 loves being home full-time with daughter, Bethany, although she spends time volunteering in leadership roles with various groups to keep her mind sharp! She and her husband, Ken, are expecting their 2nd child in December.
2000s
“Hello, everybody! I just wanted to let you all know I’ve changed jobs. I am the new patron development officer at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra,” writes Andrea Morgan Mendez ’01 from Covington, GA.
Chenny Gan ’02 just graduated with her doctoral degree in music from the University of Southern California. She has moved to Bavaria, Germany, to live with her husband and open her own music school.
Successfully defending her dissertation at Purdue University in August 2009, Beth Williford ’02 is now an assistant professor of sociology at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY!
Rachel Garcia ’03 lives in Chicago, where she is doing her last year of rotations as a med student. She’s working at St. Anthony’s Hospital and Cook County.
Arizona Williams White ’03, Bibb County’s Kids Vote representative and Julie Jones ’03, Tattnall Square Academy’s art teacher, worked together on the recent presidential election. Two of Julie’s students placed, winning prizes from Kids Vote USA.
Stefanie Bethel ’04 says there is quite the GK contingency living in the Boston area. She moved to MA after graduating from Wesleyan to get her master’s degree in social work from Boston College. Stefanie lives in Jamaica Plain, just outside of Boston.
From Tucker, GA, Emily Dukes ’04 writes, “Thanks for everything you all do. I greatly honor and appreciate all that Wesleyan has given me.”
Heather Hughes ’05 graduated from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts School of Film and Television. She recently recorded a voice over for Saks Fifth Ave., and hopes to join a theatre company soon.
Ashling Thurmond Osborne ’05 resides in Arlington, VA, and works as a scheduler in the office of Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado.
Congratulations to Christine Saunders ’05, who is now serving as secretary of the Wesleyan Alumnae Association’s Board of Managers. Christine is working as an attorney in Atlanta after graduating from UGA School of Law in May ’09.
At a Bibb County Public School System Board Meeting in October, the school system recognized the 2009 Teachers of the Year for each school in the system. Of the 44 teachers recognized, five were Wesleyan College graduates, including Lane Elementary School math and science teacher Olena Stadnik ’05 of Macon. Olena also was selected as one of five finalists for Bibb Teacher of the Year, which was awarded in November.
Good news! Lauren Hamblin ’06 is a new development officer in the advancement office at Wesleyan College, and is taking on the responsibilities of grant writing, endowment fund reporting, scholarship stewardship, and much more.
Congratulations to Rachel Martin ’06 of Macon, who was selected 2009 Teacher of the Year at Neel Academy by the Bibb County Public School System Board in October.
Spring Hill, FL, local artist and volleyball coach Christine Morana ’06, has joined the Catholic National Evangelization Teams (NET) Ministries, where she will work as a missionary netter in Minnesota until August 2010. NETters challenge young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church, host retreats for young people, and do street evangelization where they form long-term relationships with teens in local communities. "Ultimately, we’ll be touching lives one-on-one with the Gospel message,” says Christine.
Congratulations to Chantelle Duncan ’07 of Macon, who was selected 2009 Teacher of the Year at Union Elementary by the Bibb County Public School System Board in October.
“I recently graduated from a two month therapeutic riding instructor course at Equest in Dallas, TX, to become a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) certified horseback riding instructor,” writes Stephanie Hood ’08. While in Dallas, I was able to spend a lot of time with Dani Sawtell ’08, who also volunteers at Equest. This fall, I started working on my master’s degree in special education at the University of West Georgia.”
Congratulations to Sandra Willis Gordon ’09 MA of Macon, who was selected 2009 Teacher of the Year at Barden Elementary by the Bibb County Public School System Board in October.
Wesleyan welcomes Tarshekia Owens ’09 to the admission’s office staff. She is now recruiting for the College’s EMBA program and coordinating the transfer student program. |
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