Class Notes

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Class Notes is one of the most popular and well-read sections of the CA Journal. It provides a forum for alumni to share their news, from professional accomplishments and accolades, to marriages, births, and anything else fellow alumni might find interesting. Thank you for sharing your updates. We love hearing from you!

Don’t See Your Class Year?

If your year doesn’t appear in the Class Notes, it means we didn’t receive any notes from your class. We really (really!) want to hear from you. Your news and photos are always welcome.

1961

60th Reunion September 17-18, 2021

Don’t miss this Reunion!

The Class of 1961 held a Zoom class meeting in January 2021 to discuss their 60th Reunion. Joining them was Garry Mitchell ’60. Hope to see you all in September! 1962

60-Year Reunion May 20-21, 2022

John Ragsdale ’62

John Ragsdale continues as a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School and is about to start his 50th year. “Time, like money, flies and says good-bye!” he reports. “It’s still great fun, and the year of online was interesting, and necessary, as I had a rigorous case of COVID-19. With plenty of whining and the aid of two subsequent doses of Pfizer vaccine, I feel fine now, though I missed the ski season. I’m still playing tennis, golf, and looking forward to hiking and kayaking in Colorado this summer. My lovely wife Lisa and luminous daughter Sydney are both attorneys and committed to the Innocence Project and civil justice in general. They will be out west this summer, too. Hope to see you all!”

Top Row (L to R) Bobby Sahlen ’61, Sue Burleigh, Rory Donaldson ’61. Second Row: Kent Drummond ’61, Len Aitken ’61, Garry Mitchell ’60. Bottom Row: Chum Howe ’61, Michael Piel ’61.

1963

Michael Underwood is awaiting the ability to travel, after 15 months of quarantine and two vaccinations. He writes, “Quiet here in Hobe Sound, Fla. Thankful there is a return to normalcy in the governing structure, but am concerned about the divisions that have been exposed. I hope to get out to Colorado this summer/fall. I recently, through social media, have connected with some old classmates, which is a treat after all this time.”

1965

David Abbott says he followed CDC advice and basically stayed home for the past 12-plus months. “My social activity has been via Zoom meetings. Being able to see people, as well as hear them, is pleasant. Matt Wells ’64 recently got me reconnected with members of our old Boy Scout Troop. Reconnecting with these guys after 60 years is a new experience. Our discussions are focused on what we’re doing now. I continue to write on geoscience professional ethics issues.” Joel Schulman, MD, who is nationally recognized in his field of Retinal Ophthalmology, has written three books, including a 1,000-page examination of Vitreo Retinal Surgery. While on staff at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center of Ophthalmology, Joel was on the LSU admissions committee for 15 years. He was the co-founder of the American Society of Retinal Specialists, which currently has more than 4,000 members internationally. Greg Lewis has published a new novel in verse for young readers, Chasing Wonder. A labor of love taking seven years to complete, the book is an aquatic life lesson, written in six-line

rhyming stanzas, that follows the journey of a loveable oyster named Wonder who is thrown out of his oyster bed. Wonder lives in the land of “Curiosity” and meets and confronts new challenges and learns the meaning of friendship and community. Greg has also created a teachers’ guide and narration of the entire book, with an original musical prelude for each chapter, written by Aspen composer David Melton. Take a listen at davidmelton.hearnow.com/. Greg has been writing most of his life and says of his Upper School English teacher, “Mr. Slevin changed my life. He awakened a force within me that has never waned.”

1966

Tim Lappen and his wife Gail are still living in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Their five children all live within twenty minutes of them, so they often see their “kids” and their 12 grandchildren, who range in age from two to 26 years. Tim just celebrated his 45th year of law practice, 35 with the same firm. His peers voted him Lawyer of the Year for trusts and estates and for closely-held and family-owned businesses in Los Angeles in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Tim’s Family Office and Luxury Home Groups continue to be an asset for the firm. His law firm’s website is jmbm.com/timothy-lappen. While at CA, Tim’s love of cars can be attested to by classmates Craig Cropsey, Mike Parmakian, and Paul Whistler. His interest continues unabated, as he also just celebrated his eighth year as an official automotive journalist. As a member of the Autowriters Guild and the Motor Press Guild, he remains the Fine Autos Editor for Haute Living, Haute Time, Haute Residence, and Haute Auto online and in print. Tim recently took on the role of Fine Autos Contributor for the Beverly Hills Courier. His automotive website is LifeInTheFastLane.org.

Tim Lappen ’66

Tim writes, “CA was a special place for me. I joined in the 12th grade and may have been the only ‘new kid’ that year. I had a number of great experiences—learned to ski, was on the football and basketball teams for my first time, and so on.” Check out the website Pop Bop Rock Honor

Legacy Giving

Make an impact that lasts beyond your lifetime. Leave a legacy gift to CA.

Legacy donors are recognized as members of CA’s Musil Society, which was created in 1992 in memory of former CA teacher A.J. Musil, who left his estate to the school. Like Mr. Musil, you can make a gift to CA as part of a will or trust. Other possible legacy giving options include charitable trusts, charitable annuities, and beneficiary designations of IRAs and insurance policies. Blended giving allows you to give now—and be recognized now— but also contribute in the future.

If you are interested in learning more about legacy giving and the Musil Society, please contact Gravely Wilson, Advancement Officer, 303-914-2543.

Colorado Academy Jazz Band, The Preps, in 1965 Randall Smith ’69 during his time as a commercial industrial diver

Roll, kimsloans.wordpress.com/pop-boprock-honor-roll/, for highlights on new Hall of Fame members, Dan Newman, Josh Filley ’65, and Charlie Nicola ’68. The site remembers musicians from Colorado’s early music scene who practiced in garages or basements and played at local clubs, or on high school or college campuses. Also mentioned is the band formed by former Assistant US Principal, Tom Lee, the Colorado Academy Preps. Practicing after school, the swing band recorded a vinyl LP released on the Band Box label. It is difficult to find but is available in the Colorado Academy Archives. Dan recalls, “The recording was done in the library at CA by Allen Banbury, another teacher, with two Shure microphones into an Ampex reel-to-reel two track recorder.” The website chronicles the bands Dan, Josh, and Charlie played for, including The Exists, Finders Keepers, Funk Train, and Bloodstone. Josh Filley, who formed the Kool Kats in 1973, representing Denver radio station KOOL 105 as their house band, is still playing with them, under the name Cruisin’ Cats. 1967

Campbell Dalglish will have his feature documentary Savage Land screened on PBS. Campbell was the co-writer, director, and producer of the film, which reveals 150 years of historical trauma that the descendants of the Sand Creek and Washita Massacres have endured. View the trailer on the D’arc Productions website, darcproductions.net. Jim Guggenheim and his wife Janet sold their home in Denver and moved to Virginia Beach, Va., all of which was accomplished in 30 days, including the purchase of a newly built home. “We made the decision that if you want your grandchildren to know you, you have to move.” 1968

Jeff Baker writes, “Well, it’s been a crazy year for sure. I retired back in September 2020 and have never looked back. I started volunteering at a small horse rescue facility outside of Scottsdale, Ariz. It has been a very rewarding experience. I have now signed up with another horse rescue ranch in the Rio Verde area outside of Scottsdale. The ranch has a herd of 65 horses that came to the ranch by different circumstances. I’m assisting with the supplements team twice a week along with helping around the ranch. Good times! I met up with Jeff Reynolds ’67, a former roommate at CA, in Wickenburg, Ariz. It was great seeing him— many memories.” In January 2021, Jeff had his left hip replaced. He reports he is doing very well. In the past weeks, he has been able to ride his bike again, ride horses on a number of occasions, and hike. Recently he began hitting golf balls at the range. Jeff credits his excellent doctor and the great therapy. 1969

Randall Smith, currently living in Ogden, Utah, wrote to the CA Alumni Association in late 2020. Included with his letter were fascinating photos from his career as a commercial diver. He started in the industry, following one semester at the University of Colorado. Randall also spent a semester at Colorado School of Mines and a summer semester at University of Galveston, where he studied writing. Randall received an associate degree in Applied Science at the Highline Community College as a Diving Technician. He worked as a tender and then as a diver in New Orleans. His jobs included underwater photography, plug and abandons (setting explosive charges in a casing), and laying pipeline underwater. Randall moved back to Colorado and started his own commercial diving company. One of his more interesting jobs was using the underwater robot DART (Deep Access Underwater Television), to successfully locate the intake structure at the Cherry Creek Reservoir. The DART was necessary because of the altitude; at that time, no one knew how long a diver could stay underwater at a mile-high elevation. Underwater Submarine Engineering flew in a prototype of their DART vehicle for him to use, at no cost to Colorado. In the early 1980s, Randall moved to California and obtained his law degree. He started practicing law (criminal, business litigation, personal injury, and wills and trusts) in December 1984. In 2005, Randall retired and moved to Utah to take care of his elderly mother, now 94 years old.

Rod Oram ’70 riding in the Tour of New Zealand Cycle Race

Portuguese Man painted by T. Jacira Paolino, class of ’74

Elizabeth Lippitt ’77 with her horse Skibo. The name means peaceful place in Gaelic! Tim Karstrom writes, “As Mark Twain once said, ‘Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.’ All of us in our immediate Karstrom Clan, even Kevin ’72, are doing very well, or at least hoppin’ along. Two of our three sons, Gabe, Andrew, and Martin, are married. My wife, Luz Maria, has remained curious about what I did at CA and in Colorado during 1968-1970, and actually thru 1974. If the Class of 1970 has a specific plan, I will try to be there on Alumni Weekend.” Rod Oram completed a 6th Tour of New Zealand Cycle Race and reports it was a wonderful adventure. The two teams he organized finished third and fifth in the mixed team category. 1971

50th Reunion September 17-18, 2021

Don’t miss this Reunion!

Erik Steinberg retired and is residing in Taos, N.M. He recently wrapped up a 43-year-long career as an alpine ski coach. Erik coached three Olympic teams, including a Gold Medal winner (Bill Johnson, downhill) in the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics. He was also executive director of Ski Club Vail for many years. Read about Harry Waters, Jr. on page 36. 1972

50-Year Reunion May 20-21, 2022

1974

T. Jacira Paolino is well and surviving the pandemic in Lisbon, Portugal. She admits getting bored watching Netflix, so Jacira taught herself to paint, using YouTube videos. She had never taken a class before. Jacira reports Portugal had a third major wave of COVID-19 in January 2021 and went to strict stay-at-home lockdown until April 2021. She writes, “Although our numbers are better and there are no longer ambulances lined up outside of the ER waiting to drop off patients, the government deems it prudent to continue wearing masks and socially distancing, as well as staying home as much as possible.” 1975

Gary Coombs announced his retirement, effective June 1, 2021, following a year and a half of teaching courses at Ohio University remotely due to COVID-19 protocols. While teaching was going fine, in terms of student satisfaction and learning, Gary did not find it very satisfying personally and professionally. He really missed the direct student interaction and engaging in real in-class discussion, rather than seeing students’ initials or faces on Microsoft Teams. Gary ponders, “Maybe it’s a case of old dogs and new tricks. In any case, Amy and I are looking forward to spending more time with my 91-year-old father, who lives nearby, spending extended time at our vacation home at the Delaware beaches, eventually getting to travel more to see our sons in Portland, Ore. and Cambridge, Mass. (plus elsewhere domestically and abroad), and hopefully the reopening of Broadway in the not-too-distant future. I do have a co-authored book manuscript currently in the editorial/revision process for a series on teaching methods in business, focusing on project-based and problem-based learning techniques. If we get it through the editorial process successfully, it will be published by Edward Elgar press in the UK for international distribution.”

1977

Elizabeth Lippitt is retired from Los Angeles Superior Court and is living in the Roaring Fork Valley. She is occupying her time with horseback riding, golf, and traveling when things open. Elizabeth writes, “It has been a ride....I lost my home in the Woolsey Fire disaster of November 2018. I moved five times before I finally figured out what was most important in life, so retired and moved back to Colorado. I’m now in a place where family and friends can visit. It is very peaceful to be back after 35 years in Los Angeles! I look back and think, how did I survive?!”

40th Reunion May 20-21, 2022

Don’t miss this Reunion!

1982

40-Year Reunion May 20-21, 2022

1983

George Newton retired after 28 years of active duty service in both the Air Force and Navy, comprising five combat deployments and 13 household moves. His wife Lisa and two daughters, Natalie and Ava, settled in Northern Virginia. George is now beginning a new chapter of his career at a local community hospital in their area. George says, “Having left the strict grooming standards of the military, my wife has assured me that a man-bun, earring, and goatee are not in my future. My wife and I spent most of the last nine months apart, as we prepared for our new lives in the civilian world. She diligently settled our family in Virginia, managing all the day-to-day operations of single parenting two kids while moving into a new house, while I stayed behind in San Diego, completing my commitment of service to this great nation. Selected as the Vice Chair of the Anesthesia Department and the COVID-19 policy and procedure subject matter expert for our hospital’s surgical services, the year was quite busy with re-engineering our operating room spaces and securing supply chains to continuously provide the protective equipment for our operating room personnel. Throughout all of 2020, I was one of only two people in our directorate who became infected with COVID-19. This was quite a success, as we continued providing surgical care to our beneficiaries for the better part of 2020. “I continue to see Patrick Friedauer, and the lovely Ron Adams family throughout the years, mostly on the beautiful beaches of Coronado. I’m not quite sure how I am going to lure them to Northern Virginia. Looking forward to a possible on-campus visit for the big 40-year reunion in 2023! Who else is in?” Marc Friedman moved to Colorado from California during the pandemic. He, with his wife Mana and daughter Kyla, are happily living in Parker, Colo. How is Daniel Lopez, former CA faculty member, filling his time while waiting to be deployed by the Peace Corps? Here’s his answer: “Meeting virtually with colleagues in Costa Rica through the CR Corps, costaricacorps.org/. Serving as a Spanish Translator and Cultural Advisor for the Department of Health and Human Services at the Mexican Border through the National Language Service Corps. Mentoring immigrants who have applied for U.S. citizenship through Lutheran Family Services. Reviewing applications for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program. Visiting friends in Bellingham, Wash. and Woodstock, Vt., thanks to the Pfizer vaccine. Planning a sea-kayaking trip to Alaska. Going on lots of hikes in Golden. Subbing whenever needed at CA.” Read more about Daniel on page 68. Read about Lisa Tepper Bates on page 34. 1987

Both Jim Westerberg and Nicole Moore Behrhorst are parents of CA Freshmen, JD Westerberg and Tate Behrhorst. This spring they were frequently seen at JV Lacrosse games. 1988

Gabriela Cowperthwaite Wilbur is the director of Our Friend, her most recent film. It is based on a true story, adapted from freelance journalist Matt Teague’s article “The Friend,” which was originally featured in Esquire and took the National Magazine Award in 2015. The story is of a couple with two young daughters. When the wife is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their best friend puts his own life on hold and moves in with the family to offer help and support. Gabriela says, “This story tells us that, if one day you get back up on your feet after losing someone, you can look back and see that, when you did sink into the abyss, there was someone there to break your fall.”

First Row (L to R): Natalie and Ava Newton. Second Row (L to R): Lisa and George Newton ’83.

Alumni watch spring CA Lacrosse, L to R: Jim Westerberg ’87, Patrick Neely ’88, Nicole Moore Behrhorst ’87

1989

Peter Stout has turned the Houston Forensics Science Center into the premier forensic lab in the nation, as documented by The Christian Science Monitor in a recent article, “CSI Houston: How a Texas Lab has Remade the Science of Forensics.” What is even more remarkable, in 2003, the HPD crime lab was labeled the worst in the country by the New York Times. When

Peter Stout ’89 at a crime scene in Houston

From Top: Locklyn (3) and Hattie (7 mo.), daughters of Colin Gumm ’94

Hudson (L) and Maple, children of John Beich ’95 speaking of the President and CEO of the lab, Dr. Peter Stout, the Monitor reports, “His life has been defined by a quixotic search to bring scientific truth to the justice system, a search that has led him to the cutting edge of criminal justice reform, heading what some call the nation’s most advanced and innovative crime lab, the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC).” Admittedly as the focus of the story, Peter is slightly self-conscious, but the details of investigations, the procedures, and the drive to frequently test the lab’s results by introducing “fake evidence” to blind tests are fascinating. As Peter says, “We have to take the responsibility to produce [forensic evidence] as rigorously as we can. Because the number of trials that swing on one piece of physical evidence is really terrifying.” 1991

30th Reunion May 20-21, 2022

Don’t miss this Reunion!

1992

30-Year Reunion May 20-21, 2022

1994

Colin Gumm and his wife Kimsey welcomed their second daughter on September 15, 2020. Hattie joins big sister Locklyn. Read more about Colin on page 49. John Beich wrote in December, “I was talking to Liston Hills tonight. He really was my first friend in life. We played YMCA soccer before we attended Kindergarten at CA. While we were chatting, I mentioned that we are looking to place our youngest son Hudson in Kindergarten here in New York City. I realized we are really looking for a school that will be as close as we can get to recreating my wonderful 13 years at CA. The conversation with Liston, our search for Hudson’s school, and the CA Journal on my coffee table all reminded me of how formative and special my years at CA were. All of my closest friends are people I met at CA. In most cases, we have been friends for 35+ years. “It occurs to me that I’ve never done anything with the Alumni Association— mostly because I’ve been in NYC for 18 years working at every level of education and starting a family. My wife Elif just had our second baby on October 10, 2020, Maple Beich. She is very sweet. I’m a lucky father and husband. “I am now Deputy Head of School at York Prep, right on Central Park. You will recognize the front of our building in the movie Elf. I’ve been at York Prep for three years. Before that I was a teacher for eight years, and the Middle School Director for seven years, at Stephen Gaynor School. All of this with a specialty in learning disabilities, which is what brought me here originally to get my master’s degree from Columbia Teachers College in Learning Disabilities. It’s been an amazing journey here in NYC. “Anyway, I thought I’d give you a quick update and ask if there is anything I can do for CA. It was a remarkably formative part of my life. I owe so much to the teachers and administrators. I loved every year there. Stay in touch.” 1996

25th Reunion May 20-21, 2022

Don’t miss this Reunion!

James Jackson moved back to the Denver area in 2019 and now lives in Littleton with his husband Brian and their two-

year-old identical twin daughters, Aurora and Brooklyn. James is an emergency physician working with the HealthOne system, though currently spends most of his time in the Swedish Hospital system. In addition to working and entertaining his twin daughters, James is also working on an MBA and currently trying to work off the COVID-19 20 lbs. he gained. 1997

25-Year Reunion May 20-21, 2022

1999

Read about Nat Robinson on page 32. 2000

Travis Dennis is thrilled to report his family purchased land outside of Lyons, Colo., which they are developing into festival grounds for small camping and live music events. It will also include a glamping property with a couple of yurts and large pole tents that they will rent out. He writes, “It has been a dream come true! I studied Concert and Festival promotion in college at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., and this project has been a long time coming. But, the time has come and the time is here! I hunted for property for several years, looking for that right piece of land. In January, I found that right property! It is very exciting. Also, Annabelle (12) is now in the Sixth Grade at CA’s Middle School and Lilah (9) is trucking along at CA in the Third Grade. I am a very proud father to see them learn and grow at CA. They are both goalies on their CA Lacrosse teams, which is awesome. I got to coach both of them in the past few years, which was very, very special. It’s amazing to watch them where I too grew up!” Shane Boris had two new documentary films released in March 2021. Stray, available to view on Netflix, looks at the stray dog population in Istanbul and simultaneously uncovers truths about the human condition, straymovie.com/. The Last Cruise is the true story of the Diamond Princess, the ship which sailed from Yokohama, Japan, on January 20, 2020. The documentary reveals the experiences of the ship’s passengers and crew when the first uncontained COVID-19 outbreak occurs outside of China and exposes the threat of the new virus at the beginning of the world-wide pandemic, hbo.com/documentaries/the-last-cruise. It is with great pleasure that Tess Vigil Goldhamer and her husband Aaron Goldhamer ’99 announce the birth of their daughter, Georgia “Gigi” Elizabeth Vigil Goldhamer. Her Hebrew name is Gal Carmel, Gal to keep the Gs going, and Carmel for Tess’s grandmother Carmen of blessed memory. Gigi was born at Rose Hospital (Aaron’s birthplace) at 37 weeks, tipping the scales at 4 lbs. 12 oz. She had a short NICU stay, but was home soon. Aaron and Tess say, “All in all, we were very grateful for the care we received, especially because we had an over-week-long stay at Hotel Rose at 33 weeks and were looking at a possible lengthy NICU stay at that point. We are bleary-eyed but very happy!” Sarah Holland-Batt’s poem “The Gift” was published in the New Yorker magazine in February 2021.

Stray, produced by Shane Boris ’00

From Left: James Jackson ’96, Brooklyn, Brian, Aurora

Front: Lilah Dennis. Second Row (L to R): Lisa, Annabelle, and Travis Dennis ’00.

Georgia “Gigi” Elizabeth, daughter of Tess Vigil Goldhamer ’00 and Aaron Goldhamer ’99

The Last Cruise, produced by Shane Boris ’00

From Left: Whitney, Zach ’00, Emily, and Micah Tucker Phoebe Coleman ’03 (R) with Carla Hayden, President of the Library of Congress

2001

20th Reunion May 20-21, 2022

Don’t miss this Reunion!

Lisa Blattner is an attorney and fiduciary at the Blattner Law Firm, LLC in Colorado Springs. She is the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Lisa won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2016 and was nominated as the Small Business Person of the Year with the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. After spending more than a decade as a professional dancer, teaching and touring around the globe, Jon Sloven retired from the stage and began his career in accounting. After working alongside his father for four years, Jon recently received his CPA designation. He lives in Chicago with his partner of seven years, Sidney, and started a new job at an accounting firm this past fall. Zach Tucker and his wife Emily are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Micah. He was born on the 21st minute of the 21st hour of the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century, 9:21 p.m. on January 21, 2021! He arrived just in time to meet his grandfather, Zach’s father Rob, before his passing. 2002

20-Year Reunion May 20-21, 2022

Read about Sarah Brill on page 30. 2003

Phoebe Coleman completed a 15-month Leadership Development Program at the Library of Congress. Katie Cordes is now fully vaccinated and looking forward to hanging out with more than just her dog, Bleecker. Katie has been back in the saddle more, riding her horse again. She is also acting as social media manager for Erika Mori. Erika Mori performs the body capture, facial capture, and voice of the playable lead character and protagonist Alex in the new video game Life is Strange—True Colors. It is the most recent game in the popular series by Square Enix and Deck Nine that mixes coming-of-age stories with the supernatural. According to the Washington Post, “All characters have been fully animated with motion capture technology, a first for the franchise. True Colors is described as the most visually advanced game yet in the series. Fans can also expect a wide array of licensed and original music, much like previous entries.” Taylor Ross’s classmates will appreciate and enjoy the way he proposed to Elizabeth Polsin of Bremerton, Wash. on New Year’s Eve 2020, with a RingPop. Because Taylor is a dentist and Elizabeth is a general surgeon, and because of COVID-19 uncertainty, they must schedule their ceremony far in advance. The couple will wed in Parker, Colo. in 2022.

Life is Strange—True Colors, starring Erika Mori ’03

2004

Joe Kaptur took every Computer Science class offered at CA with Ms. Jans, which propelled him into a career in technology. To show his appreciation, Joe visited her classes for an entire day in February (via Zoom) and

Joe Kaptur ’04

answered students’ questions about paths to careers in the technology sector. After pursuing a Computer Science degree at Columbia University in New York City, Joe first worked at Merrill Lynch, before securing a job at Google as a software engineer. During the past 10 years at Google, Joe has worked on several collaborative teams, including software development of Google Sheets and Google Search. His current focus is creating a new programming language for use in Google Search. Joe had some specific advice for the students: “Pay attention to how you spend your early college summers—tech companies have internships available.” Austin Nunn and his wife Candace McLellan welcomed Freya Nunn into the world on November 16, 2020. Freya is enjoying life in Vancouver, B.C. and looking forward to her first trip to Colorado. Read about Marcus King-Stockton on page 30. 2005

Aaron Green and his wife Traci happily announced the birth of their second son Elijah, born in January 2020. Big brother Aaron Jr. is thrilled to have a brother. Aaron is the Founder and CEO of Aaron Ross Green Sr., LLC (aaronrossgreen.com), which is a consulting firm dedicated to elevate the antiracist footprint of organizations worldwide. He facilitates and trains small, medium, and large agencies and institutions in how to create and become spaces that champion equity and inclusion for all, especially Black and Indigenous People of Color. Aaron is the author of two books, The Color Code and Invisible: The Black and Blues of Child Welfare. Both books are resources to support and complement efforts toward social and racial justice and healing and to undo the harm of racism in America. Aaron is also on the Cherry Creek School Foundation Board of Directors, where he is committed to inclusive excellence for students, teachers, parents, and community members. In addition, Aaron is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Elena Harman has been named to the Board of Directors of AfricAid. She first became involved with AfricAid as part of the AfricAid Club at Colorado Academy, where she attended school with AfricAid founder Ashley Shuyler Carter ’03. The year 2021 marks AfricAid’s 20th anniversary. Elena credits her participation in this service-learning club with igniting her passion for girls’ education. This, and her work advising organizations on how to use evaluation as a way to maximize their impact, inspired her to join the Board. Currently, Elena serves as the Manager of Strategy at SonderMind. She is also the former CEO and founder of Vantage Evaluation, Colorado’s leading partner, resource, and voice for evaluation. Elena is the author of The Great Nonprofit Evaluation Reboot: A New Approach Every Staff Member Can Understand, an active member of the American Evaluation Association, and the 2019 President of the Colorado Evaluators Network. She holds a BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from MIT and both an MA and PhD in Evaluation and

From Left: Candace and Austin Nunn ’04 with baby Freya

From Left: Aaron Jr., Traci, Aaron ’05, and Elijah Green

From Left: Brett Hite and James Sunderland ’05 of the band Frenship

Georgia Grey ’08

Dori Wey ’08 (R) with baby William, and husband Alex with Kennedy Ann Murphy McGinnis (post carrots), son of Myles McGinnis ’08 Jake Sally ’08

Applied Research Methods from Claremont Graduate University. Jordan Sedlacek recently started a new job as a regulatory medical writer for a company called Synterex Inc., based in Boston. She works remotely from her home in Fort Collins, Colo. In addition, Jordan is still working as an emergency veterinarian while finishing her residency in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. To complete the residency, she is finishing two studies on rehabilitation of back injuries in dachshunds and the mobilization of stem cells with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. James Sunderland and his pop duo partner in the band Frenship, Brett Hite, were featured in a New York Times article, “Musicians Say Streaming Doesn’t Pay. Can the Industry Change?” in May 2021. Frenship’s first hit, “Capsize,” had huge success on Spotify. They signed briefly with Columbia but are preparing their next release independently. Read about Austin Carpenter on page 49. 2006

Aimée Nieuwenhuizen was recently promoted to clinical lead therapist of the inpatient therapy department at the psychiatric hospital where she works. In addition to carrying her own caseload of patients, Aimée provides support and guidance to the inpatient team, including training interns and new therapists. She helps with staffing, caseload assignments, projects, and coordination amongst departments and disciplines to aid in crisis management across the hospital. Nominated by her peers, she has received several awards for her passion and dedication to the field, organization and caseload management, and provision of quality care to patients and their families. Murphy Robinson III was named one of Denver Business Journal’s 2021 “40 under 40.” He is the Deputy Mayor and Public Safety Director of the City and County of Denver. 2008

Georgia Grey runs a holistic nutrition practice, Whole Body Healing Nutrition Co., out of Nurture, a “wellcare” marketplace in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver. She helps people feel well through food and self-care, specializing in autoimmune disorders. www.wbhnutritionco.com Myles McGinnis and his wife Mo were excited to welcome their first child Murphy on September 24, 2020. In addition to working full-time and being a new father, Myles graduated in mid-May with a master’s degree in Real Estate from CU Boulder Leeds School of Business. He reports it was extremely challenging and rewarding. Jake Sally is the COO of Jadu, a software company based in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia and a proprietary web experience management platform used for non-technical management of web-based content, data, and electronic documents. He was the executive producer for Time magazine’s Emmy-nominated virtual reality recreation of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech directed by Viola Davis. Dori Shockley Wey and her husband Alex are thrilled to announce the birth of William Knowles Wey, born on December 21, 2020 at 7lbs. 5oz. and 20 ins. long. Big sister Kennedy Ann loves her new brother.

Will Biche and Julia Newman ’09

2009

Julia Newman finished her Internal Medicine Residency at Boston Medical Center and is starting a fellowship in palliative care at Beth Israel this July. In addition, she is applying for a Pulmonary/ Critical care fellowship. Julia also has plans to marry William Biche next year. Julia writes, “Now that Will and I are vaccinated, we have been spending lots of time with CA alumni Hunter Davis, Katie Ozawa, and Steele Sternberg!” 2011

10th Reunion May 20-21, 2022

Don’t miss this Reunion!

Joel Berdie currently lives in Durango, Colo. He is completing a master’s degree in Social Work with the University of Denver Graduate School of Social WorkFour Corners, while continuing his job in supportive housing. Of course, Joel also takes time to play in the mountains around Southwest Colorado.

2012

10-Year Reunion May 20-21, 2022

A sign of the times at a holiday gathering of 2013 alumni, masked and distanced: Griff O’Brien (yellow hat), hosted Bailey Fritzinger (pink scarf), Ian Peterson (purple hoodie), and Hailey Bittman (bottom left) to catch up in December 2020!

In June 2021, Jed Paul graduated with his MD and MBA from Stanford University and moved to Boston with his new wife Rachel to start his Internal Medicine Residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. 2013

Taylor Rabb graduated from the Sturm College of Law, University of Denver, in May. Her family was in attendance. 2015

In 2017, while still college students, Thomas Brazier and Charlie Naus formed CarsonDoyle (their two middle names), a creative agency that focuses

From Left: Evan Rabb ’15 with his sister Taylor Rabb ’13

Karl Neserke ’17

on social media marketing and helping startups understand branding. Today, their company is a full-blown digital advertising agency, working with clients like direct-toconsumer brand Backcountry Access, active water bottle company Modl Outdoors, and even the dating app Tinder. CarsonDoyle, based in Denver and London, is made up of eight full-time Gen Zers, all under 25 years old. Their success is their ability to connect with younger audiences. They were ahead of the curve with internal infrastructure when the pandemic hit, and consumers’ online shopping habits exploded. That edge over their competitors ultimately won the agency work with Tinder. Currently, the agency focuses on digital, paid media, creative, and of course, offering first-hand research and insights. One day, they hope to be the next Wieden+Kennedy, with an in-house accounts team, planners, and media buyers. 2016

Angelina Leonardi graduated from Skidmore College in 2020 with a BA in Chemistry and a minor in French. She is a research assistant with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder and an affiliate with the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory. Angelina is part of the Atmospheric Composition & Chemical Processes (ACCP) group, where she is a working on the Asian Summer Monsoon Chemical & Climate Impact Project (ACCLIP). ASM is the largest meteorological pattern in the Northern Hemisphere. She will be working with the UASO3 instrument to optimize the measure of ozone in the stratosphere on a mission in South Korea during the summer of 2022. Angelina also performs ozone data processing, using Igor Pro analysis software. This fall, she plans to begin her PhD in Physical Chemistry, with a research focus in Atmospheric Chemistry.

Ji-young Yoo (SunHee Seo) ’17

2017

Karl Neserke won the Computer Accuracy competition at the National Intercollegiate Flight Association (NIFA) National Championships. He also placed fifth in the Aircraft Recognition competition, helping his team the Golden Eagles, Embry Riddle University - Prescott, earn the National Championship. In 2019, Karl also won the Computer Accuracy competition, and since there were no competitions in 2020, he is the three-year reigning champion. SunHee Seo graduated from USC in May and has already begun her acting career in full force. Taking the fall semester off, Ji-young Yoo (her stage name) joined the cast of The Sky is Everywhere from Apple TV and A24. Ji-young also appears in Amy Poehler’s Netflix comedy Moxie and recently starred in the East West Players production of the comedic thriller Man of God at the Union Center for Arts. The artwork of Leilani Abeyta was featured on the PBS documentary, “Mr. Barney Ford,” on Colorado Experience, about an amazing African American entrepreneur. Her work involved 20 visuals. Avery Niles took a gap year from film school at Emerson College to work in Los Angeles as a colorist for music videos, commercials, and short films. She is simultaneously training with artists at Company 3, where projects include Superbowl ads and big Hollywood blockbusters like Marvel, DC, and HBO’s Euphoria. Avery has found many clients of her own and is contemplating a transfer to USC’s cinematic program, which would provide a wide scope of connections and clients. However, she might just continue working at the studio, since it is where she would like to stay after graduation. Stay tuned!

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