Class Notes

Abbott Society (1957–72)

1958

Ed Dinwiddie

dinwiddiee@embarqmail.com

The Class of ’58 is excited to celebrate their 65th Darden Reunion in Charlottesville on 28–30 April 2023. We hope you are making plans to come back to Darden for the celebrations. Check out the list of reunion hotel blocks and book early as hotels tend to fill up fast! Reunion registration will launch in February so be sure to look out for updates. We look forward to seeing you all this Spring at Darden!

1959

Conley Ricker conleyricker@yahoo.com

As mentioned in previous Class Notes, I am writing a memoir which includes “Chapter 8: My MBA Experience.” The memoir has been printed and is entitled A Memoir: Grandeur Unexpected, and is dedicated to my three grandchildren, two of whom are twins, a boy and a girl, age 4, and their older sister, age 8.

The memoir features, in large part, our iconic professor John D. Forbes, and three of our distinguished alumni: Bill Marburg, a future inductee into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame; George Kaufman, who made a multimillion-dollar donation to the Cleveland Clinic; and Wally Stettinius, who was an awardee of Darden’s prestigious Charles C. Abbott Award.

In preparing the chapter, I had the good fortune of editing assistance from three of our fellow graduates: Jim Daniel, Bob Blanchard and Wally Stettinius. In ad- dition, Mrs. M. E. Forbes and Mrs. Linda Kaufman reviewed and contributed to the chapter. For example, Mrs. Forbes permitted the publication of a personal ad that Professor Forbes ran in the National Review, seeking a correspondent, whom he found and later married.

The entire MBA chapter of my memoir is available online (https://image.mc.virginia. edu/lib/fe311570756405747c1777/m/2/ ba64f1ae-5174-450e-8782-a59d7b96e954. pdf) or by emailing me at conleyricker@ yahoo.com.

Attention: Our 65th reunion in April 2024 is less than two years away!

1963

Bob Gaines Rgaines379@gmail.com

I received a wonderful phone call from Walt King while I was traveling, without having the benefit of pencil and paper. Here is, as I recall, an update on Walt and Diane.

Last spring they traveled to South Carolina for a family reunion. They also traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana, and by ship to Hawaii. Walt has a pacemaker from issues last year, so he spends a lot of time reading while Diane works on puzzles. They do get to the gym, participate in the SilverSneakers program and walk a mile every day — which is more strenuous where they live in Centennial, Colorado, at 6,000 feet above sea level. I gather their walking is prompted by Gracey, their 15-pound dog, who Walt says is almost human but with big ears and a fur coat.

Good news from Chris Collins and Luanne, who live on Anna Maria Island on the west coast of Florida. Although they were evacuated, the storm Ian came ashore just far enough south of them to spare them any

Call for Abbott Award Nominations

The Charles C. Abbott Award is named in honor of the first dean of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. The award is presented annually to a graduate of the Darden School or The Executive Program whose contributions of time, energy and talent are outstanding.

The Alumni Association recognizes the recipient as an individual who:

• Demonstrates a strong level of interest in and concern for Darden’s mission

• Commits a generous amount of time, energy and funds to Darden

• Brings initiative and persistence to projects and responsibilities

• Is regarded by other stakeholders as an outstanding contributor

Please nominate a fellow alumna or alumnus at alumni.darden.edu/ abbottnomination. You will be asked to provide the nominee’s name and an explanation of why you identify this person as a strong candidate for the award. The Abbott Award will be presented to the recipient during Darden Reunion Weekend. Please direct questions to the Office of Engagement at +1-434-243-8977 or alumni@darden.virginia.edu.

Someday Farm offers a main residence constructed to the highest standards in 2006 and sited to overlook the estate’s 287 beautifully rolling acres + lake and pond. The privacy and tranquility of this offering are unsurpassed yet a 20 minute drive to Charlottesville and 15 minutes to the CHO airport. The main residence is enhanced by an attached, conditioned 5 bay garage with apartment above, 1 level living, elevator, geothermal heating and cooling, remarkable imported and on-site harvested flooring, 6 fireplaces and sweeping bucolic and water views from most rooms. The 3 bed, 2.5 bath guest or farm manager’s house is charming and enjoys incredible mountain views. The acreage is about 100 acres of open fields + 187 wooded acres on the perimeter of the farm to ensure continued privacy. Full complement of farm improvements. Well priced for today’s market.

1500 LONDON ROAD • $1,825,000

An $800K, comprehensive, dramatic and intelligent renovation by Alexander Nicholson enhance this already remarkable home and its incredible setting. With 825 ft of Ivy Creek frontage and 107 acres of woods across the creek permanently protected from development, ‘Mill House’ is for nature lovers who also appreciate a 5 minute drive to everything Charlottesville. The 5 acre parcel provides privacy and direct access to miles of lovely trails yet in a neighborhood setting. 3+ acres of level play area! Most furnishings available. Turn-key and absolutely immaculate with high speed internet.

Located in the heart of Ivy, this stately 6 bedroom offers a home in immaculate condition on 4 acres w/ excellent views of the Ragged & Blue Ridge Mountains. Mountain views visible from the kitchen, family room, master suite & office. Screened, brick floored porch off the kitchen provides the best views of all. Special features incl’ in-home theater room, large gym, 3 wood burning fireplaces & 1 gas, electric vehicle charger in 3-car garage, builtin speaker system, & ideal room for parking & storing other lawn items. One of the 4 beds upstairs incl’ living space w/separate staircase. In the Rosemont neighborhood & Murray school district. Easy, quick access to UVA, Charlottesville & the Shenandoah Valley.

1920 Thomson Road

• $1,799,000

Situated in the middle of a private half acre park only steps from The Dell, Scott Stadium & Memorial Gym. Built in 1939 w/ generous proportions & versatile floorplan. Serpentine walls frame the front yard creating an oasis for terraced lawn w/ stone retaining walls, and exceptional screened 3 season pavilion & soapstone patios. 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, formal living & dining rms, study, den, & garret billiard room w/ pine ceiling. The terrace level apartment is separately metered. Abundance of storage & whole house generator. Private driveway & off-street parking. Punkie Feil (434) 962-5222 or Elizabeth Feil Matthews (434) 284-2105. MLS# 636159

2787 TYE RIVER ROAD • $1,700,000

Stunning and magnificent property, untouched with gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views, approximately 2,670 feet of pristine Tye River frontage, approximately three quarters of the property is lush woodlands, miles of trails and beautiful rolling pastural views. There is a new hay barn and storage shed, offering ample space. Property has been owned by the same family for three generations dating back to 1911. It has been well maintained and meticulously cared for. Ideal home site in one of the pastures is sure to wow! This unique property will make an incredible home, getaway, or investment. Meredith Wynne (434) 444-2048. MLS# 636054 real damage. They did bundle up their cats and drive to Tampa, where they spent some time with their son before returning home to find only some leaves and branches blown around. The real devastation was about 100 miles south near Fort Myers, where the bridge to Sanibel was wiped out and a friend of your secretary lost her home and all her belongings on Captiva Island.

We gathered secondhand that Huck Heinz and Marsha hope to join us for our 60th reunion on 28–30 April 2023. Apparently in April 2021 Huck experienced a detached retina in his left eye. He wrote, “… which began a long series of shots in the eye and eventually a cryo procedure (which was supposed to cause the left eye to go blind.) The idea behind this procedure was to empower my right eye to take dominance. Fortunately, or not, the operation was unsuccessful and the left eye has blurred vision — a big surprise to the surgeon. As such, the left eye is trying to assert or regain its traditional dominant role, which it cannot do. All of this is unexpected and rare.”

Wow, doesn’t that put some of our ailments into perspective? Huck also said he has discontinued farming but is still logging the dead ash trees, killed by emerald ash borers, which he uses to heat their home. When they built the house, they spared no effort in insulating exterior and interior walls and ceilings, so now they can keep the house at 72–75 degrees Fahrenheit with a modest wood stove. We need to remember they live in upstate New York where the winter temperatures often run below freezing.

Your secretary, Bob Gaines, went to England in October, as part of an eight-man backgammon team from the University Club of New York, to play the Royal Automobile Club of London in their annual challenge for the coveted Marmite Trophy. Since I believe backgammon is a silly dice game, albeit taken very seriously, it is only appropriate to have a trophy of equal stature. Marmite was developed during the Second World War when there was no butter, sugar or jam to spread on your morning toast. The stuff looks much like axle grease and tastes about the same. It is either hated or loved and is still found on food market shelves in England.

Finally, John Wright and Trula have graciously offered to host the Friday night dinner at our reunion and are including returnees from all classes who have graduated more than 50 years ago. So, we may see a few friends from classes on either side of ours. Watch the mail for more details and places to stay, but plan now to be in Charlottesville for the 60th reunion of the great Class of ’63, 28–30 April 2023.

1964

alumni@darden.virginia.edu

Darden received news in the fall that Class Secretary Dick Tatlow passed away peacefully in Scottsdale, Arizona, following what his obituary called “a wonderful 83year adventure.” Darden thanks Dick for his many years of service to the School as a dedicated volunteer and class secretary. We will seek to collect memories of Dick and share them in the next edition of Class Notes. His obituary is available online at https://www. azcentral.com/obituaries/par064387.

1965

Frank

Ellett

ftellett@exceltg.com

For our class, which is getting “longer and longer in the tooth” and staying hunkered down to avoid COVID-19, hurricanes and snowstorms, there is little exciting news to report.

Gordon Sidford has “had all our shots and boosters and have dodged COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian.”

Had Talbot reports the same thing and invites any classmate heading south for the winter to “stop by Charleston, South Carolina, for lunch”.

Lucien Bass has also avoided COVID-19 by having “every shot possible.” He and Mary ventured as far as Sandbridge, Virginia (Virginia Beach), for their 46th year-in-arow beach vacation.

Bruce Macalister headed north to his old hometown of Raymond, Maine, and reports: “After a very hot summer, we arrived in August to really pleasant weather. The lake was still warm enough from the summer heat so it was great for swimming. Unfortunately, my sister and my cousins — all old people like us — were in poor health and could not join us. It was a little more isolated togetherness than we like. But the neighbors are friendly, the lake beautiful, just enough wind for sailing, not too much wind for kayaking and comfortable temperatures for hiking.”

Walter Witschey writes: “We are emerging from our COVID-19 cocoon just a little. Getting a fifth COVID-19 shot with Omicron 4 and 5 variants in it was simple. Our program to visit the grandchildren at their colleges before their graduation is working well so far. We have been to LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Georgia Tech, VMI, Auburn and Suwanee, Georgia, with visits this school year planned for Ohio State and north Georgia. We have four more entering college ‘soon’ and two more grands who have yet to enter first grade. The book I am trying to publish with Cliff Brown, the 160-page, large format, full color volume Atlas of the Ancient Maya World, is close, we think, to entering peer review in the hands of a publisher in the Netherlands. If the manuscript passes muster, a contract will be in the offing. More anon. We enjoy good health and have no complaints that aren’t accounted for by old age or stupidity.”

Lastly, Ensign Cowell reports on his close brush with Ian: “Our winter condo in Fort Myers, Florida, on the 16th floor escaped damage while the property below was smashed with yachts washed up on it. We are right near downtown where they got about 4–6 feet of flood water. We plan to head south in early November if utilities are restored and all else is okay. Anything near the water and the barrier islands got creamed, so we feel lucky. Insurance is going way up or won’t be available in the future, perhaps. We may have to pay off our mortgage.”

1968

Greg Kilduff hgkilduff@gmail.com

Well, friends, it appears things have been exceedingly slow for our class these last few months. As you will observe, the response to my most recent appeal for content has been limited, leading me to all manner of hypotheses, none of which are likely. Consequently, there may be more accounts of Rebecca’s (MBA ’93) children (our remaining younger grandchildren) who live nearby and provide plenty of things to do when I get bored. Please, no letters to the editor. Warnings as to the need to fill space were previously issued, and these grandchildren are talented at filling space, time and my attention span quite readily.

On the very sad side, if you did not receive a copy of the Darden notice, Billy Cannon died recently at his home in Cape Coral, Florida. While I have not seen or spoken to Billy very often since we left Darden, he is certainly a person I have never forgotten, and I’m sorry to know that we can no longer just pick up the phone and call him (which I did once or twice over the years when I needed information about someone or something happening in his neighborhood of northern Virginia). I always got a good answer, and we will certainly miss him.

Going back a few months to the material for the spring version of this column, I found a note from Durant Vick, which arrived a few days after the copy went in to Darden. Among other things he noted that the recent average signing bonus for last year’s class exceeded the average starting salary for the Class of ’68. I’m certain he’s correct. Perhaps that’s just an inflationary adjustment; obviously, it could have nothing to do with talent, quality or any other such matters. On a far more serious note, Durant mentioned that his former wife, Cornelia, “passed away last October in Raleigh, North Carolina, after a short cancer illness.”

Googan Bunn has a very special report: “Our daughter (EMBA ’17) just delivered our third grandson John ‘Jack’ Conway, who is vectored for the Darden Class of 2048 … . With his Irish red hair, he may follow you with a stop in South Bend, Indiana, beforehand.” (Editorial note: I certainly hope he does!)

Finally, I had a kind note from Barry Harper promising “… a short note next time, if I promise to put the polishing touches on it.” Barry, I promise. But I doubt any polishing will be necessary; everything this group sends in is always in good form.

Please note at this point I’m inserting a bit of personal, although Darden-related, news. Our daughter, Rebecca (MBA ’93), lives near us in Smithfield, Virginia. Some of you may recall her as a very young child, born literally at 7:30 a.m. the morning we began classes in 1966 and always around Darden events when we could bring her and avoid a babysitter fee. Over time, she has followed a Darden marketing pattern: from product management in several places to now owning a children’s boutique in Norfolk, Virginia. More recently she has joined the adjunct faculty at Old Dominion University (part of the UVA state system) in Norfolk, Virginia, teaching a couple of broad marketing courses. She even brought in one of her twins, age 9, to deliver the customer point of view on the subject of cheapening the cost of a toy they might offer the market. Apparently, the class discovered that a 9-year-old’s viewpoint on toys that look good but break easily is surprisingly disdainful. An early experience with case method, which I understand was not coached, just his natural reaction to a very sensitive subject in his world.

So much for this time. Please keep in touch and give us a call if you find yourselves near Smithfield, Virginia.

1969

Howard Heller

Hnheller43@gmail.com

I heard from Dave Morine, who passed on a gem. Dave finished another book, this one entitled Rise of the Dolphins. It centered around friend and fraternity brother, Dolphin Doug Swift.

Many of you will recall the years that the Dolphins ruled the NFL in the early ’70s. Doug was a key member as a linebacker and certainly the best and one of the brightest parts of Dolphin history. He was there (in the “no-name defense”) for three Super Bowl wins.

Dave played football at Amherst with Swift and was able to put this book together as though he were looking through Swift’s eyes.

Although only part way through the book, I see a winner! It’s in Dave’s easy reading style, as if he’s telling the fascinating story right in your living room.

Thanks for sharing this, Dave. Next, we need to see Swift write a biography about Dave.

You can find the book by going to sabrinapress.com. Enjoy!

1970

Jack Young jacksonmyoung3@gmail.com

Leaves are falling, the wood stove is warming, Thanksgiving is coming … fall is in the air. Time to relax by the stove and think of warmer days last May when the class celebrated its 50th reunion … two years late!

Following our 50th reunion, Jack Cann contacted a friend recently appointed to the Virginia Board of Visitors to seek his awareness of our class’s concern for the recent changes to the Honor Code.

In an effort to better understand factors affecting the change to the UVA Honor Code, Greg Robertson and Terry Daniels contacted the two Darden representatives to the Honor Code Committee, the chair of the Committee, the head of the Alumni Association and the chair of the Board of Managers of the Alumni Foundation. An update was sent to the class.

Turning to a warmer climate, John Hausmann has had his share of medical issues with three operations, including two recent knee replacements. He has ushered for the Durham Bulls AAA baseball team for several years but is moving to football as an usher for the Duke games at Cameron Stadium, a facility that has sold out for the past 23 years. It was even sold out for the Virginia game this year!

John left his part-time job handling security for weekly convocation events for 15,000 students at Liberty University. The reason? Virginia is an “open-carry” state and covering security “ain’t what it used to be!”

While recovering from a fall, Max McFarlin is hosting friends from South Dakota in Charleston, South Carolina. Contrary to a false Northeastern belief, there really is a South Dakota! Max has visited 48 states with only Oregon and North Dakota left on his bucket list.

Beaufort, South Carolina, is still a good place to live according to Carl Howk. Like many of the class, he is not pleased with the direction UVA and Darden have chosen to go with respect to the Honor Code. “Honor was an important part of my Navy OCS training.”

From videos he has seen, John Barbieri believes his house on Sanibel Island (off the coast of Florida) “seems to have survived Hurricane Ian with limited damage.” What he can’t tell is what has happened at “ground” level. The house is a “stilt house,” so all services and his car were under the house.

“I don’t know when anyone will be able to inspect the place, as the causeway to the island has been washed away in several places.” In any case, he will not be going to survey the damage unless absolutely necessary until sometime next year. And then there are the snakes and alligators!

John will start a six-month chemo program in the U.K. in October, so he wants to be close to the hospital and the National Health Service. I’m sure he would appreciate an email as he begins his chemo journey. (john.barbieri44@gmail.com)

I called Bill Schiffers to find out if he had spent any time in Camp Lejeune, thereby eligible for compensation because of water contamination on the marine base. (He had not.) I spent two nights playing basketball there against the post team in the early ’60s. We made the mistake of beating them at home; they beat us up mentally and physically when they came to Baltimore, Maryland, to play us later in the season!

Bill still suffers from his days in Vietnam and the effects of Agent Orange. He is compensated for his prostate cancer, had pancreatic cancer and is now equipped with a pacemaker. More recently, he has experienced severe back pain and was just diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

After living in Tacoma, Washington, Bill has lived in Henderson, Nevada, for the past 22 years. He joined Price Waterhouse after Darden, followed by many key managerial positions in the United States and Canada. From running a logging equipment company in British Columbia to owning his own furniture building company in Tacoma, Bill has certainly served honorably, fulfilling his commitment to Semper Fi.

“Playing farmer” on the eastern shore of Virginia has entertained Roger Davis and Gigi throughout the pandemic. Little known fact: Cape Charles, Virginia, has one of the largest concentrations of turn-of-the-century buildings on the East Coast. “Come on down to see us!”

Attending bluegrass festivals, riding his bike (he was in a Philadelphia bicycle shop when I called), cutting down cherry trees (à la G. Washington), splitting wood from those trees and building a fireplace have occupied his time.

Lou Siegel is the executive director for Valley Supportive Housing (VSH) in Staunton, Virginia. Supportive housing helps individuals who face complex challenges to obtain stable housing. These are people who struggle with homelessness, very low incomes and serious, persistent health issues. Before joining VSH, Lou was a leader in regional charities, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Given the diverse socio- and economic backgrounds of students arriving at UVA today, he suggested that “educating students about honor and the benefits of a student-run honor system should be essential to a positive outcome … a perfect case study!”

The Young family is well and preparing to burn many cords of wood this winter. It looks like we’ll be in the U.K. for Christmas with our older daughter Margaret’s family and her Hoo sister’s family.

If you’re interested in helping with our Honor Code efforts within the UVA community, please let me know. Don’t forget: less than three years until our next reunion!

1972

Clint Bolte; Ned Haley cbolte3@comcast.net

nedhaley@gmail.com

50th Reunion Giving Summary: I am sharing the fiscal year 2022 50th reunion final giving numbers for the Class of ’72. In total, our class achieved $481,295 in gifts and commitments with 38 percent participation. Beyond these top-line totals, and more importantly, our class successfully upgraded the Class of 1972 Scholarship to a full award ($1.5 million) by raising more than $191,000 towards that fund!

Greg Coward shared in learning of classmate Kelly Beeman’s passing: “Sad news for sure.

“I liked him for all the characteristics one might assume a person would be advised to have to be successful in New Zealand. … New Zealanders don’t much like foreigners except as tourists. Try to become a citizen — Kelly did. They had to like him.

“After graduation I visited him in Idaho. Met his mother, as I recall, and we went to her cabin in the woods. I didn’t get the impression then that he had any particular focus on settling in Idaho. He spoke highly of the state for good and valid reasons.”

Because of Kelly Beeman, Greg bought “a first quality Pentax camera, not the version normally found in stores. When people would see it and mistake me for someone who knows anything about photography, I would say, ‘No, not something I know much about, but I do know a guy who does and would make a good friend if you ever meet him. Plus, he owns a Saab and says that having the ignition on the floor between the front seats is rarely a problem.’ For me, that was the one silly thing he said, for while it may be true that spilling coffee into the ignition is a rare event (or was, before Starbucks), it is also true that that one rare event will cause you all kinds of trouble and require you to find the bus schedule … . RIP, Kelly.”

Marvin Quin recalls Kelly Beeman quite fondly: “It is hard to think of Kelly as being deceased. With his amazing energy and optimism, he was the personification of life.

“While I suspect most of us have a multitude of Kelly stories, I will relay my last meeting with Kelly, which occurred the week before graduation. It so reflects his entrepreneurial orientation.

“As Kelly and I passed in a hallway, he stopped me and asked how many ‘Don’t Californicate Idaho’ bumper stickers I wanted. He seemed to have a large inventory but perhaps few orders. I explained that, as a Mississippian, I really was not so concerned about the migration of Californians to Idaho.

“I then asked him about his post-graduation plans. He said he was going to Idaho to sell bumper stickers. He thought there might be more demand there. He said he enjoyed the entrepreneurial lifestyle too much to work for a corporation. As he spotted another potential customer, off he went. I remember thinking how interesting his life would likely be, hoping I might run into him at a future reunion.”

Clint Bolte and wife Mary continue to be involved with the Refugee Resettlement Program in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. A third Syrian family arrived in early August and is getting settled in their permanent home. This family is sponsored by the local Presbyterian church, which has an active welcoming committee of some 15 parishioners.

1973

Howard Wilkinson hpandcw@yahoo.com

There is a little news to report this issue. First of all, I heard from David Reynolds for the first time in many years (if ever). He reports that, since leaving Darden, family matters have kept him close to home in Stephenson, Virginia, where he is still working and spends most of his time teaching automation technology to his adopted son, age 24. He plans to wind down his business around 2030.

Bill Hanzlik emailed me an update on his status and he tells it better than I can: “I’m not believing that we finished up at UVA 50 years ago. It seems like yesterday. I’ve been trying to simplify my life over the past few years but have been only marginally successful. After living and working in Houston and Austin, Texas, forever, I’m now a legal resident of Florida, spending winters in Sarasota and spending summers and shoulder months in Boulder and Keystone, Colorado, near my younger daughter and her family. I’ve traded an airplane for a Mercedes Sprinter van converted for camping, and am enjoying wandering with my white Swiss shepherd dog. Although when traveling, most nights are spent in a hotel.

“I’m still serving on the board of a Dutch charitable foundation and on several church-related boards. Most recently I have joined the board and invested in a new deal in the recycled foam industry. Check out www.blumaka.com and @Blumaka on Instagram. It’s a fascinating new enterprise that is working to clean up a massive problem of foam waste in the footwear industry. Blumaka has a factory in China and is building one in El Salvador to clean up foam waste and provide products to leading global footwear manufacturers. My kids and grandchildren are thrilled that I’m finally doing something positive for the planet.

“It is always fun to read about classmates and their life stories. Wishing you all well.”

Finally, you all received a class roster a little while ago with addresses and contact info as best we know. That was the brainchild of Vince Derr, George Groves and L.F. Payne, who thought that providing us with the means to contact each other would help us to generate some enthusiasm for our upcoming 50th Reunion. So, please use the roster to get in touch with friends (some maybe long lost), study group members, etc., and let’s have a big turn out! See you in C’ville next April.

1974

Mike Mayer mike.mayer@cox.net

One of the great things about our class, at least from the point of view of the class secretary, is that you never stand still. This is particularly noteworthy as classmates complete careers and move on to new challenges or simply find new places to visit and enjoy. Several examples of this stand out in your updates for this issue of Darden Notes.

Stan Maupin wrote that, “I have always owned cameras with plenty of capabilities, but I had always used the ‘auto’ setting, promising myself that I would eventually learn how to use the other settings ‘soon.’

When I started spending more time at home because of COVID-19, I decided to finally keep that promise and I have become an avid, if not obsessed, photography enthusiast. I like to tackle things that most people never see, and I have developed two unusual specialties. First, I take a unique view of a hummingbird that uses the sun and the bird’s wings to create a prism-like effect. For some reason, very few people have done this, so I have had two articles written about it recently in online photo magazines. The second subject I have tackled is kind of the opposite of the tiny hummingbird — the Milky Way. One shot finished third in the annual Washington Post Travel photo contest this year.”

You’ll recall that, a few issues ago, Jerry Phelan told us about his entry into competitive swimming. Jerry says he was watching the U.S. Open Tennis tournament on television recently and noted that the commentators were talking about the world rankings for tennis players. He knew the International Swimming Federation (FINA) compiled world rankings for master swimmers and was curious to see the times that good swimmers in his age group (70-74) were posting. To his complete shock, for 2021 he was ranked fourth in the world in the 1,500 m freestyle and ninth in the world in the 400 m freestyle. Jerry and his wife, Anne, are planning to be at our 50th reunion next year and have extended an open invitation to classmates to visit if you are ever in Portland, Maine.

For those looking for new sights, Don Wheeler recommends the Rocky Mountaineer. Don and Julie took this deluxe train from Vancouver to Banff, Canada, and included side trips to Lake Louise and Jasper, Canada. After breakfast, hey hiked on an active glacier, dodged wildlife like black bears, grizzlies, mountain goats and elk, and generally had a great time. Don is absolutely right. This is one of the great sightseeing trips of all time. Deni and I took the train, same route, with friends a few years ago and everything about the trip was first rate. For those who might be interested, Rocky Mountaineer now offers a U.S. trip from Denver, Colorado, through Colorado and Utah, which I’m sure they do equally as well as the Canadian Rockies.

Rob Hamilton and his wife flew to Switzerland last summer and visited with their son and daughter-in-law, who have moved to Switzerland after four years in the Congo. Their daughter-in-law is working for the World Health Organization in the area of vaccines. Their son is the CMO of a startup firm in micro-finance/impact investing. The Hamiltons spent about eight days in Lucerne and Geneva, Switzerland, then took the TGV train to Marseille, France, and rented a car to drive to a villa in Provence, France. Rob says it was extremely hot (high 90s in Fahrenheit), but they managed it with a pool and chilled rosé.

Also traveling in the Mediterranean last summer were Shannon Burns and her husband, Charlie. Shannon wrote: “I am sitting on a balcony in Dubrovnik, Croatia, looking at an almost impossibly blue sea. Croatia is as beautiful as advertised! Charlie and I are on the last leg of our 40th anniversary trip — delayed two years by COVID-19. We were joined here for a few days by our youngest son and earlier in northern Italy by our second son. They both live in New York City and it was wonderful to have the time with them. Our daughter and our oldest son, who has three children, the youngest just 10 months old, couldn’t make the trip.

“Charlie and I moved from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Florida about ten years ago. We live at Sailfish Point, a wonderful golf and beach community of about 500 ‘doors’ (houses and condos) on Hutchinson Island, the barrier island off of Stuart. It is a great compromise between his interest in golf and my desire to be on the ocean. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for that lifestyle.”

Shannon’s home on Hutchinson Island, Florida, was spared the worst of Hurricane Ian in late September and early October. The storm also passed well east of our home on Amelia Island, Florida. Sadly, we have classmates who live in southwest Florida who were not so fortunate. Here is Frank Genovese’s report on the impact of the storm in his area: “Susan and I live, during the winter, on the 10th floor of a high-rise condominium building in Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs, Florida. We are halfway between Fort Myers and Naples, Florida. Our 26-sto- ry condo building had five feet of water in its underground garage and storage rooms. Anything down there is a total loss. Our staff was able to remove 50 of the 62 cars in the garage before the flood water rose too high. We have some roof damage and our cooling towers are making noises we do not like. None of the 77 units had any water in them. Our building manager and one staff member stayed in the building throughout the hurricane’s 120–140 miles per hour winds. We were at our beach house in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the time and watched the hurricane coming our way. Getting hit by the same hurricane on two different locations was a possibility but, luckily, this did not happen. But we did have 70–80 miles per hour winds on Figure Eight Island and we lost 12 feet of our dune protection. Not a good situation.

“Our Florida condo had power restored after six days and the cleanup of the underground garage and storage areas involves toxic waste, mold and other debris. Not a nice situation for our building staff. But no loss of life.”

On a happier note, Frank also reported that the Genovese Fellowship Endowment awarded four full-tuition fellowships to rising Second Year Darden students this past April. These awards mark the 84th full-tuition fellowship awarded over the past 29 years. The winners of these awards must show a strong desire to be a general manager/business owner. So far, Frank says, 90 per- cent of the awardees who are out of school are already GMs of some sort.

Bob Pride wrote to remind us that you’re never too old to get appendicitis. Bob says everything was going fine until a surprise bout resulted in an appendectomy on 24 June. He says, “I was discharged the next day and back at work the day after that! Pat has been healthy and our grandson/adopted son, Che, is now age 13.

“I’ve gradually been equipping a woodworking shop. Most projects to date have been for shop storage and work surfaces, but I have some other things in mind for the house, for friends and for sale. We are trying to get back into vacationing after the hiatus caused by COVID-19. We did not make it this summer, but hope to make a trip during the year-end holidays. It’s hard to decide where to go that is actually worth the travel hassles. To all, be safe and I hope to see you in 2024!”

Jim Noeldner responded to my alert that our 50th reunion will only be a bit more than a year away by the time this is published. He thoughtfully suggested that classmates might exchange what he termed “deeper retrospective thoughts.” He even offered to start the ball rolling with some thoughts of his own about Darden’s impact on his life. Here’s Jim’s contribution: “Darden’s commitment to a general management holistic approach to problem solving meant a lot to me, positively impacting not just two distinct careers (business and education), but how I’ve lived my life in general. A number of years after graduation, I came upon one way to describe my Darden experience (since popularized by John C. Maxwell in his leadership training). At Darden, we studied and applied through many business case experiences the concept that ‘Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.’ That is the first bit of wisdom I’ve had each of my children and grandchildren memorize. Then I get to tell them about where I learned how to think — and live — that way.”

In closing, the Class of ’74 had a shock with the untimely passing of Ed Williams. Brad Armstrong and Russ Rogge, both in Ed’s study group, shared their thoughts with us.

From Brad: “Ed was in our study group, and probably the smartest one, particularly for finance and accounting. He was from Covington, Virginia, where his dad was the head of the Westvaco plant there, and a larger-than-life institution in town. ‘Fast’ Ed had a great, infectious sense of humor and always seemed to have a lit cigarette during waking hours and a stiff drink during evening hours. He was loyal and devoted and generous with his friends, and when he laughed it seemed that everyone around him laughed, too.

“I remember when he invited me to come to Covington for a big cocktail party at his dad’s house, where the glitterati of Covington gathered. A great deal of fine whiskey was poured that evening, and we felt very grown-up talking politics and business with the older folks. He was better at it than me, though.

“Fast knew how to push the envelope a bit, which he did with joy and abandon. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not (like the oil business he went into), but there was always that laugh … .”

And from Russ: “As many others, so sorry to hear of the passing of Ed Williams. Ed and I both came to Darden straight out of the Navy, so we had much in common other than being in the same study group. As Brad said, he was the go-to guy in anything involving numbers and, of course, manufacturing. Socially, we shared many good times with Ed and his wife, Doris.

“So many vivid memories and stories … many of which will remain untold. He was always there for you, whether it be academically or out of the classroom. His laugh, smile and personality remain engraved in my mind all these years later.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family. He was a good man and friend. Rest in peace, Ed.”

1975

Mark Howell, mwhowell@msn.com, mark.howell@pp-s.com

Classmates, thanks for updating me/ us with your news. Send me any notes or thoughts anytime that suits your schedule as I always enjoy hearing from you.

Bruce Bowers is always good to respond to my plea for class notes. Bruce and Suzanne have been dealing with some health issues this summer (sounds familiar), but all are doing very well now. Bruce comments that the technology available in medicine these days is utterly amazing. Perhaps that technology may be applied to improve our golf games. Fun things to report to the Class are on the horizon … . Looking forward to it, Bruce!

Jim Farkas continues to work implementing Microsoft ERP for a company located nearby in southern California. That implementation took most of Jim’s summer, including weekends. However, Jim, Cheryl and their grandson, age 8, were able to make a couple of trips to San Diego, California, despite work. One trip was to Sea World, and the second trip was to attend the Air Show. Jim really enjoyed watching the Blue Angels do their famous stunts. “Always amazing,” he says. The Farkases have another great adventure planned for 2024 when they will again host their grandson on a trip to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Until then, Jim plans to continue his software implementation and integration activities. It’s his way of staying grounded … unlike his favored Blue Angels.

After nine years of “renting” housing around the world, Rick Garnett and Karen finally moved into their “new to them” home in western Albemarle County, Virginia. Located near Beaver Creek Reservoir and on eight acres of pastures with lovely views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the setting inspired Rick to acquire new toys. Included in the toy box were a kayak, a paddle board, a pickup truck and a tractor. What a great blend of tools for fun and chores! The deer and the bears are certainly enjoying the sights as Rick pursues his new projects about the property … Beware the man!

Speaking of moving, Ed Hawfield and Nancy recently completed their move to Trinity Landing in Wilmington, North Carolina. The “active seniors” have nestled into a community located on the intra-coastal waterway only five miles from their previous home in Wilmington. Yet, the move did not go without an adventure, of course. On 1 September, the Hawfields’ furniture moved to Trinity Landing, but the Hawfields and Wally the Cat went to the local Homewood Suites. This detour was due to their new home not yet acquiring its occupancy certificate — no A/C, no washer/dryer — just a few missing necessities. The good news is that all problems were resolved, and the Hawfields and Wally settled into their new “digs” on 9 September. Ed and Nance are looking forward to the “joyful” hours of unpacking and seeing if everything fits into the new place. Did someone say “yard sale”?

David Schein spent three weeks in Alaska at the end of this summer. He posted many photos on his LinkedIn feed, if you have access to that. One highlight for Dave was landing in a small plane at the base camp on Mt. McKinley, which is 7,000 feet above sea level. Another highlight was encountering five bears eating salmon in a stream as Dave, et al., looked on from about 50 feet away. Dave will be traveling to Bakerfield, California, over Columbus Day to talk about his current book, Bad Deal for America. Dave continues to teach at the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

Following a pandemic time out, Dick Sienkiewicz reports that he tried to resume his cruises. They intended to take the new Viking Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Duluth, Minnesota. Viking built a new vessel for this voyage.

However, two weeks prior to departure, Viking cancelled the trip. So, Dick has scheduled an alternate adventure around Christmas 2022. As it turns out, Dick may need the time to nurse a bad knee back to health. The rehabilitation time should prepare him for the high seas/rivers once again … God speed, Captain Sienkiewicz!

Fred Siller was also heading out of the country for a river cruise. Fred was scurrying about to prepare for the trip, so he was not exceedingly long on the details. He promised more stories for the next edition of Class Notes. It all sounds very “007-ish” to me, but I am optimistic the Class of ’75 will gain clearance for some information.

Stacy Brown Vermylen continues with her jewelry design business. This entails not only the creative process, but also website management and fulfillment. I am not sure if Stacy is using drones to deliver her designs, but I bet it’s coming. When away from her jewelry, Stacy is involved with the League of Women Voters to promote voter registration, informing voters and encouraging actual voting. Stacy’s volunteer work also includes two organizations that provide grants and scholarships. Stacy’s 10 grandchildren are also an important pastime for her. When they visit her in Naples, Florida, she says it is riotous, but lovely. The lovely part is that she knows the grandkids will return to their home in Chicago, Illinois! Once departed, it is time for Stacy to get her golf game back in shape.

My best wishes to the Darden Class of ’75 for your continued safety and good health! I am looking forward to seeing all of you at Reunion 2025! It is not too soon to mark your calendars.

1976

Dana Quillen painterdana21@gmail.com

Hello All, Thanks for sending in updates.

Jim Spearman writes from Georgia: “At the end of April, Di and I went to Key West, Florida, for a week with her siblings and their spouses. We went to an Adam Lambert concert while there. The end of July found us on the Outer Banks, North Carolina, for Di’s extended family reunion. There were 29 of us in a mansion on the beach. Sleep nearly nonexistent as the nine children under the age of 10 were up at the crack of dawn, and the younger nieces and nephews partied most of the night. Georgia has been open for more than a year and we have been attending concerts and plays and visiting many of the north Georgia wineries and microbreweries.”

Sandy Harris sent an update from Norfolk, Virginia. “Every Thursday night, Glenn Ferraro and I play tennis with a group of fellows called the Agincourt. No serious reason for the name; it just sounded good and appealed to the military historians among us.”

Tom Parker writes: “No big changes for Betsy and me. I’m still doing my executive coaching and sales training. But that leaves plenty of time for travel and visiting our seven grandchildren. We are both in good health and enjoying this point in our lives. I hope that you and the rest of our class are doing great!”

And all the way from Paris, Henri de Montebello writes: “My recent story is sweet and sour. My eldest son and his children have moved to Maui where they have a fantastic life. They work in the morning and are on the water in the afternoon. Tough life! It’s a bit far for us but we’ll certainly go next year. My other children and grandchildren are in great shape in Paris and Bordeaux, France. My wife has participated in the creation of an association who built a center to receive women living on the streets where they can shower, eat, clean their clothes and rest. It’s a great thing and takes up a lot of her time.

“As for me, it is less positive but I’m still able to keep my morale up. I’ve had four operations in the last two years and now I am having another two. The first is quite difficult and rare. My foot vault has collapsed, the arthritis eaten away the bones, etc. The best outcome is less pain. Painless is not an option, sadly. Then I’ll have a new knee put into the same leg. The good stuff is spending time in Corsica, France, spending time with my grandkids and having a great family. We all managed to get together this summer in Corsica and we had a great trip to Venice, Italy. I also continue to work the equivalent of two days a week speaking to clients of Russell Reynolds. So, life ain’t so bad. All my best to you and all our class.”

Glenn Ferraro writes: “Life is good for me. I am widowed and living in Norfolk, Virginia. I keep busy with grandkids, travel, exercise of one sort or another and socializing … nothing that interesting, to be honest, but health is good and I am happy. My real purpose in writing is that on 15 May 2022, Mike Modeen became the oldest West Point grad (maybe for Darden also) to get married for the first time. Mike met the beautiful Elaine Reiferson Morris a few years ago, when he relocated to the Villages near Orlando, Florida. From childhood through middle age, Mike was widely acknowledged to be a procrastinator, but his deliberate decision-making style prompted him to ‘hit a home run’ when they finally exchanged vows. They are a wonderful, happy couple.”

Congratulations, Mike!

An update from me, Dana Quillen: my husband, Paul, bought a new truck and we took it on a road trip for three weeks out west this past December. We toured the national parks of Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest. In April, we cruised around the Netherlands on a Viking Cruise and just returned from another Viking Cruise that began in Paris, France, and ended in Geneva, Switzerland. As you can tell, we were making up for cancelled cruises during COVID-19.

I am still oil painting, pickling jalapeño peppers and, this year, making fig preserves from our fig tree’s output. Being Grandma Dana to 10 grandchildren has been great fun.

Thanks again everyone for sending in updates. Hope you all stay well and happy.

1977

Paul Nelson lpaulnelson@mindspring.com

Late fall greetings to the Great Class of ’77!

It is that time of the year when the air turns brisk, the leaves start to turn, football season is in full swing and it is easy to imagine as you read these notes: First Coffee just ended, a Darden first-year student is sitting in the last row of the classroom in Section C, trying to blend in to the wall while quietly finishing his coffee — then it happens! He gets cold-called on the Marketing case he was sure he could skip preparing for the night before! Some of us have been there before, and we are pretty sure it will not go well. But many of your classmates were prepared this fall and have answered our coldcall for an update … and it has gone well. They have some interesting and fun news to share.

First up, we hear from Charlie Scarlett who writes to say: “It’s been a fun year. Lori and I are both business brokers now, but for different companies. Lori’s been doing it for three years and is having a phenomenal year. She just passed her Missouri real estate license, which isn’t yet a requirement, but it’s headed that way. I started in January after selling my homecare business, and I am also off to a great start. I have 15 listings, have sold two businesses, have five more under contract and two more close to contract. It is great to help people achieve their business entry/exit dreams. It’s a lot more fun (and lucrative) than three cases a day, but darned if those cases aren’t still helping me every day.

“Kids are doing well too. Lori’s kids are raising our five grandkids. They live about an hour away. We don’t see them enough but love every minute when we do. My boys are working on school. Will is working on his anthropology Ph.D. dissertation and teaching at the New School in Manhattan, New York. Jes is just starting his MFA program at the Maryland Institute College of Art. They are working hard and loving life. I am also working with my nieces, nephews, and son Jes in our family foundation: the Brandywine Foundation (thebrandywinefoundation.org). We are working with the National Park Service to turn our historic property in Annapolis, Maryland, into a national park. That is an interesting exercise. Cheers to all!”

(Wow Charlie! What you have and are accomplishing is impressive. And your work on your family’s historic Whitehall architectural restoration project is inspirational. To all my fellow classmates — check out the Brandywine Foundation website and watch the video. I think you too will find this project and Charlie’s efforts are truly amazing. And you may want to participate as well. Thanks so much, Charlie, for sharing this wonderful story.)

We have many classmates living full- or part-time in Florida, and we hope all were spared the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. One of those classmates is Dennis Malloy who reported: “I finally retired on 1 September, and Kathy and I decided to head down to our place in Venice, Florida, for a few months. Hurricane Ian was our welcoming committee! It was one helluva storm. We were very fortunate and came out with very limited damage. I have to say it brought out the best in people, everyone helping each other! I hope our classmates down here were all safe. With that behind us — I hope golf, boating, playing with granddaughters and fishing are in our future. Cold beer and bad golf are always available — everyone is welcome! Best to all.”

(Dennis — so you are saying a major hurricane is not quite the retirement party you expected! Seriously, we are so glad to hear that you and Kathy came through Ian safely and with little damage. And you have clearly retained your characteristic sense of humor. So we may have to take you up on the “cold beer and bad golf” invitation, as we are eminently qualified to handle both!)

Speaking of dealing with disasters … many of us are still continuing to deal with COVID-19 and its unintended consequences. Carolyn and Don Heim write to say: “We are calling 2022 the Year of Travel. All of our trips that were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 got moved to this year, along with a couple of others that we scheduled. Our suitcases got a lot of use, and I think I figured out that we were on about 15 airplane flights. We were totally blessed to see so many places and that our health held out during all the trips. Fortunately, we weren’t barred from traveling due to COVID-19. Among our travels, we visited Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru (including Machu Picchu), Austria, Germany (where we saw the Oberammergau Passion Play), Israel, Iceland, Greece, Malta and Spain. We also snuck in our usual trips with the grandchildren to Capon Springs, West Virginia, and to Ocean City, Maryland.

“I must admit that it is good to be back in our house, and we don’t have any major travel planned for the next several months. It was also the year of the house renovation. We have been in our house for 35 years and, as you can imagine, things needed to be updated. We had all three bathrooms redone and are just finishing up having hardwood floors put in our master bedroom, sitting room, hallway and stairs. We are hopeful that by November we will have our house together in one piece — until the next project! Don is teaching his last semester at Catholic University and then will be retiring from teaching. I plan our travel, coordinate all the house projects and book cruise travel on the side. We would love to see any of you that come to the Baltimore/Annapolis, Maryland, area.”

(Wow Carolyn! Your 2022 travel schedule was amazing! And your passports must have had more pages inserted to handle all the country stamps. We would love to visit and see the pics — but that may take a month to see them all. So glad to hear that Don is retiring. Life is good!)

And our final update is from Bob Dykes who says: “Not sure if I mentioned it before, but my wife Virginia and I moved our residence from Florida back to Worthington, Ohio, during the COVID-19 onset in 2020. Our Ohio residence is seasonal. We depart to the Riviera Maya in Mexico on Halloween and will return in early April. Sorry to have missed the 45th reunion this year. Hope all my classmates are well. Best to all!”

(Thanks for the update, Bob. I have to say that your departing on Halloween for the Riviera Maya is quite a Trick-or-Treat. And mostly Treat! Congratulations! Gracias y vaya con Dios, mi amigo!)

Life is good for Lee and me. Our annual trip to Maine this summer was a bit different as we spent most of our time working on a major renovation to our family cottage on Lake Damariscotta, which is in the midcoast area. That was followed by our annual trip to Camp Greenbrier (a real camp: tents, chow hall, etc. — nothing at all like The Greenbrier!). But that trip resulted in us getting COVID-19. Fortunately, it was a mild case for both of us … more like a cold or flu for a few days. In October, Lee hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain with a few of her hiking friends, and I just finished two incredible golf trips with our classmate, Ted Gary. We spent a week at Bandon Dunes on the beautiful Oregon coast with friends and we just got back from our bi-annual golf trip to Figure Eight Island, North Carolina, hosted by our friend and generous fellow Darden ’74 alumnus, Frank Genovese (MBA ’74). All in all, we feel blessed and very grateful.

Well, that’s about it for these notes. It would be good to hear from many more of you next time. So, if the spirit (or spirits) moves you, please feel free to send me your updates anytime. If either Richmond or Charlottesville is your destination or is simply on your way to somewhere else … let me know and I will get Ted and we can meet for coffee, drinks or dinner. My treat! And for those of you who like to plan ahead: mark your calendars for our 50th reunion in April 2027! It will be a blast!

1978

Margot Bearden

jmbearden@gmail.com

Margot Bearden: “All I can say is it’s been a heck of a ride this year. I’m not much on New Year’s resolutions, but I recall saying to some friends in January that 2022 was going to be a year of change for me. Naively, I had no idea how true that was going to turn out to be. I’ve shared some of the more personal challenges I’ve faced with the class via email, so I won’t clutter up the Darden Report further. But I’m happy to report my cancer looks to be under control and both girls are continuing to do well, personally and professionally. I’m really looking forward to our 45th reunion in May and hope to see a sizable turnout … and I’m already planning my outfits for the weekend. Our class has been wonderful in recent years with corresponding and contributing to Class Notes, and the reunion is a natural next step in catching up with old friends. So please consider putting it on your calendar. Charlottesville in the spring is the best, whether you’re here for the reunion or the wineries. I’ve not thought of myself as a reunion kind of person and didn’t go to reunions of any kind for many years. But I’ve now been, I believe, to the last three if not four that we’ve had at Darden and wouldn’t miss it for the world. Hope to see you there!”

Dave Braden: “Still in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, area, the Bradens are enjoying our 10th year of retirement. Working was great; retirement is better! We keep busy with our local daughter’s family, volunteer- ing, puttering at our Wisconsin cabin, travel and many dear friends. Not an uncommon refrain, but one we quite enjoy. My blues band is still going strong after 13 years. We recently played for a meeting of global bankers at Cargill, my career employer. Blues, bankers — that sounds about right … A slight change from those Darden days when Steve Gillispie and I sat around with our guitars ripping through our folk and old-timey repertoire! My best to the Class of ’78!”

Betsy Bruce: “I had quite a spring thanks primarily to Cynthia and Byron Grant Kicked it off with an always wonderful stay at their very special house in Ojai, California. I then separated from them temporarily and went to Portugal with other friends. We toured most of Portugal for two weeks and loved every bit of it — I highly recommend it.

“In May/June I headed to Venice, Italy, with Missie Ludlow for a week, which I loved. We met a young couple, he a Dartmouth student, on their honeymoon. Then I returned to the welcoming arms of the Grants, this time in Tuscany, Italy. They rented a beautiful villa and invited 12 friends for a week-long celebration of their 43rd anniversary. I reconnected with Anne and Kevin Ramundo there, which was fun.

“Only a few weeks after I got back, I got a call from, yes, Cynthia. Byron had had rotator cuff surgery and couldn’t go on their heli-hiking trip in the Canadian Bugaboos. Did I want to go in his place? Huh? Hell yes! Spectacular.

“So, you can understand my severe withdrawals from the Grants. Missie and Cynthia each visited Portland, Maine, this summer. I am loving living in Maine. Come visit!”

Anne Bryant: “Judy Glazier, Brewer Doran and I had our annual visit this summer, congregating at Brewer’s for much rest and relaxation.

“I am leaving on 18 October for nine days in Israel. Excited for my first trip out of the country (Canada and Mexico don’t really count) and to walk where Jesus likely walked. Praying to experience the full joy of this trip. Details for next time.”

Mark Johnson: “In October, Ginny and I took a trip to Florence and Rome, Italy, to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We saw innumerable art works of incalculable value, loved the history, food and wine. A wine and olive oil tour and a cooking class were highlights.

“I continue to work (no interest in retirement) selling Predictive Index, the leading platform for helping companies manage human capital. If you know businesses who are struggling with people issues, I can help.

“In March 2022, we were blessed with our first grandchild. He seems to have picked up my affinity for The Wall Street Journal.”

Cynthia Grant: “You mention that our news doesn’t have to be all about fun and travel. Nonetheless, mine is!

“As with many people, our post-worst-ofCOVID-19 pent-up demand to get out and about has been a powerful impetus to travel, so in June we got together in Tuscany, Italy, for a week with 12 close friends, including our classmates Betsy Bruce, Kevin Ramundo and his wife Anne D’Ignazio. Byron was unable to come on my next adventure due to shoulder surgery, so Betsy joined me for some hiking in Canada. The highpoint of the trip was three days of heli-hiking, which involves riding a helicopter from the lodge to a mountaintop and then hiking across ridges above the tree line. Great views of (receding) glaciers and multiple mountain ranges. Fast forward to October when Byron and I traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the wedding of Kevin and Anne’s son, Ben, and got to catch up with another classmate, Sean Healy

“Overall, we are thankful to be in good health and active. We’re ‘saving’ cruise travel for the time when we are no longer as nimble. I’m sending a photo in another e-mail.

“On a more serious side, I have served on the national board of a wonderful nonprofit called Friends of the Children for the past six years. Friends pairs paid professional mentors to shepherd and support children who have experienced the worst kinds of trauma at a very early age. Children are selected at kindergarten and mentoring continues through age 18. Friends was recently rewarded a $44 million grant from MacKenzie Scott.”

Bob Guttman shared some of his work with horses: “Maxima, a speedy, high goal polo pony, was trained within the Stage Hill polo club and school with barns owned by the Peter Poor family in Florida and Newbury, Massachusetts. I also call her Malomar. She likes that sweet alter ego to her official, seemingly fire-breathing, name. I am writing from rehab, as a knee was replaced recently. I have been associated with Stage Hill as a licensed riding instructor for most of the last 40 years. Until the last few weeks, I had never really played full field and only had my debut at Myopia Polo Club’s Gibney Field in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, at my age of 71. I grabbed this opportunity to play the end of season, when we tend to be short on players. The horse herself needed to be reworked and had already been in the process of being reworked in the polo school on less than full field (full field is an area said to be the equivalent of nine football fields).

“Two Sundays before this writing, Maxima and I had just finished our typical lazy moseying behind a speedy pack, looking for plays to support and errors to unwind, which we could then exploit by acceleration and maneuver. Effectively, this kind of cool slow down and accelerate play means the horse now also has the mischievous inclination to relax and play and toy with her friends as opposed to racing with them.

“I want everyone to know that I did not achieve this by financial success practicing law. Exactly the opposite. I found practicing law was nearly terminally toxic decades ago and made the decision then not to double down on investing even more boy scout values in days obviously gone-by. As I see it, what makes our country the envy of the world now, more than ever, is the better side of righteousness within all of us everywhere which is virtually impossible to extinguish. And the kind behavior of all that definitively is justice that all seek here on our watch.

“So, I was offered the opportunity to teach riding and polo some 40 years ago at Stage Hill because, as a lawyer I would know something about avoiding risks, which of course are always inherent. But for that opportunity to work with horses, the door was now open to engage in other modest local oversight work which I did over the years.

“I want to point out the Darden School would teach anyone that the opportunity to show a young child, or anyone, really, how to feed a horse a carrot is really an opportunity to show love and peace. But a lawyer!? Meanwhile, a number of deserving students who would not otherwise have had the chance will get to become friends with this great and kind, powerful, skillful beast, all thanks to one and all our circle of friends.”

Lilla Johnson: “News to report? That always throws me for a loop. Who the heck in our class would be interested in the stuff that fills my life? Children, grandchildren’s arrival, part-time work, it’s all pretty ‘vanilla,’ and thankfully, happy.

“The most exciting thing on our horizon is a European trip in the fall of 2023 because one of our young friends is getting married in Tuscany, Italy. (The bride-to-be is an event planner, so the wedding is at a vineyard in September … how could we miss that?). My husband will be fully retired by then so we are planning to make the most of the event, attaching a sojourn in northwestern Spain. If anyone has tips on travel to that part of Spain, we would love to hear them.

“Reunion? That’s an interesting thought. I haven’t been back to Darden since we graduated. There was never much of a compelling reason. I didn’t have close female friends in our class. There weren’t many of us, and even fewer straight out of undergrad. Right or wrong, I assumed that a get-together would be not much more than comparing who had made the greatest financial score. Not being motivated by obtaining wealth, I wouldn’t have much to add to the conversation. Now that our class is pretty much retired in some form or another, and more interested in quality of life than objects of life, it sounds more interesting. We have old Minnesota friends who have retired in Charlottesville, and perhaps we can see them and drop into the reunion at the same time. I’m assuming you will be there?”

Kevin Ramundo: “This year has been one of the busiest and certainly the happiest since Anne and I got married and started to have children. Our oldest daughter, Anna, got married on our small farm in Upperville, Virginia, in May, and our son, Ben, tied the knot in Washington, D.C., in October. We couldn’t be happier with our new family members, and both celebrations were amazing, including the opportunity to spend time with a few friends from Darden.

“Speaking of friends from Darden, we had a marvelous vacation in Tuscany with the Grants and Betsy Bruce. Seven wonderful days with about 12 folks in a lovely villa doing the usual things folks do in Italy — drinking wine, eating wonderful food and sightseeing. I’m happy to report that Anne and I made the cut for future group vacations. Actually, as I was reminded, Anne made the cut, and I was included as a courtesy to her. By the way, next year will be our 35th wedding anniversary.

“All is wonderful in the Virginia Hunt Country. We ride horses regularly (mostly fox hunting, or more accurately fox chasing), and enjoy the many activities in the area, including winery visits, watching equestrian events and jumping over to Washington, D.C. We get to see our three ‘kids’ regularly, including our youngest, Kate, who is halfway through her periodontal residency program after graduating from dental school in 2021.

“Apart from all the fun and family, I am involved in conservation and preservation efforts to protect Virginia’s history and countryside. I am the president of one nonprofit and on the board of another, and I write opinion pieces in some of our local publications.

“It was great to see Sean, Sandy and Cynthia and reminisce about all the wonderful times we had at Darden. Best to everyone!”

Ray Ruelens: “On this side things are not always as wonderful as one would like it to be. But we are coping.

“Three sons wedded to women that not only get on well with their husbands and with their eight kids (in total,) ranging from 19 to 6 years, but equally important they are like sisters to one another. In about three years we hope to move to France. The house is being renovated. A ‘total reno’ they call it.

“Health of all family is reasonably well. One kid has been attacked by cancer and has fully recovered. But the uncertainty remains. Please do remember that mind is stronger than matter.”

Jim Reynolds: “Judy and I have been spending a few months at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and I have been reading the biographies of Ben Franklin and Francis Marion: The Swamp Fox. I am amazed and inspired by the vision, bravery and total commitment our founders had in securing our freedom and creating this nation that we have the privilege of living in today. Best wishes to all our classmates!”

Bucky Rulon-Miller forwarded the following data that seems relevant to today’s fascination with inflation:

1974 — Killington, Vermont, mid-week, student discount, full-day lift ticket — $0.50 2022 — Deer Valley, Utah, full-day lift ticket — $249.00

Carol Schroeder: “I’m enjoying retirement, focusing much time and energy on my family, at the moment. My four far-flung children and 11 young grandchildren appreciate visits (and extra hands) at this stage of life. My mother turns 100 next year and lives near me in southeast Florida. I spend summers north of Chicago, relishing friends, music and all that beautiful Lake Michigan has to offer.”

Bruce Schall: “In late September, Nancy and I flew to New England and spent a week in ‘down-East’ Maine. Based out of Boothbay Harbor, we visited the seacoast towns from Camden to Bath. Good weather with great seafood!

“Looking forward to seeing you and our classmates next spring. Take good care of yourself.”

Rob Austin took time to send some personal reflections and we hope to see and hear more of him soon. He and Elizabeth started their family while we were at Darden and have lived in Richmond, Virginia, for some time. Tragically, Elizabeth lost her five-year battle with ovarian cancer recently. Our hearts go out to Rob and his family in this very difficult time.

Tory Blackford: “I had a wonderful river cruise to Portugal last July, leaving from Porto and sailing east on the Duaro Rriver. I travelled AmaWaterways — great cruise line — and had a wonderful time.

“I am loving living in a smaller place here in Charlottesville. Less inside and outside to take care of. Look forward to seeing you all

next year.”

Lynn MacMillan: “I broke out of COVID-19 isolation in early February, traveling to Medellín, Colombia, to be with my daughter following the birth of my first grandson, Asher Bryan. I had been learning Spanish in anticipation of my trip, only to find that I sucked … standing there tonguetied as I watched in amazement at the speed with which they can speak, and as likely to blurt out French as Spanish … much more work is required. But I digress. I spent two weeks with Emily and her new family in February, and two in July. It’s hard to have them so far away, but that’s what comes with encouraging your child to reach for her dreams!

“2022 travel included my family home at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, Darrell’s house on the Outer Banks, North Carolina, weekend trips in eastern Virginia (Williamsburg and Virginia Beach), and an August cruise through Maritime Canada, the coast of Maine and along Arcadia National Park. The latter was terrific!

“I continue the activities shared in earlier editions — singing in the chorale, international Latin dancing, and focusing on the things that keep me healthy. Speaking of which, life came full circle this summer when my Darden study group partner, Steve Gillispie, became my accountability partner in resistance training. We have embarked upon a series of Monkii workouts (not to be confused with monkeying around). Steve has already lost 20 pounds … me, not so much! Steve and his wife Beth have teamed up on the dance floor at my studio, as well … but I’ll let him share his experiences there.

“Life is speeding up or I’ve lost all sense of time: I’m not sure which. But I can always make time for old friends (in both senses of the word). Let me know if you get close to Richmond, Virginia.”

Karen Juul-Nielsen and husband, Rick (’75), finally bought a house — with a view — in western Albemarle County, Virginia. “Having a great time fixing it up and making it ours! Kids and grands are wonderful! Beaver Creek is gorgeous, and leaves are turning lovely colors.”

Karen is poll watching and training to be an election official. “…just trying to ensure elections are fair for all! We are so blessed to live in the United States — with all our challenges, it’s nothing compared to many in the places in the world. God bless America! Best to you and yours.”

Kathy Keyes Hart: “My life has been kind of boring during the pandemic. We just hunkered down after our vaccinations and tried to stay safe. We did a lot of car trips around California: to view the scenery along the coast in Big Sur, or head to the beach down in the San Diego area, or go to the national parks, like Sequoia, Channel Islands, Joshua Tree, etc. In fact, one of my daughters and I are going to Redwoods National Park next week. And, my husband, Matt, and I just came back from a week in Hawaii to celebrate our 40th anniversary. OK, that was all a lot of fun!”

Andrew Long: “I’ve never posted to a Darden request, but your year inspired me.

“I’ve been married to the same woman for 40 years. Not many classmates have met her, but I’m sure that they would all agree that I’m punching way, way above my weight with her.

“Professionally, I spent most of my life in the entrepreneurial space — first as an investor, then as a founder/C-level officer of a series of what I refer to as unintentionally not-for-profit companies. I was lucky enough on the last one to make a little money, so that helps.

“I took a flier and answered a want ad (remember those?) and started teaching. First at NYU and later at Stevens Institute, an engineering school in New Jersey. Teaching entrepreneurship — sort of a ‘do as I say, not as I did’ sort of thing. I did that for almost 25 years and decided in 2020 that I hated teaching on Zoom. It turns out that I’m a performer at heart and Zoom is no fun. So, I retired.

“We moved into a loft in a part of Brooklyn called Dumbo in 1990 when it was actually dangerous. By 2020, it had totally lost its edge, overrun with young families and tourists. We decided to pull the plug. We couldn’t find what we wanted (for a price we were willing to pay) in New York so we moved to Boston, Massachusetts. We now live in the Leather District in downtown Boston — not named for a club scene but for the factories that used to be here — and so far so good.

“The only other thing of any note is that I’ve become a serious cyclist. I was into squash for 30 years, but the second time you tear an Achilles tendon, you come to believe that the universe has other plans for you. So, I ride 180–200 miles a week (in the summer anyway) and do biking events. I’ve done a charity ride from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska, three Étapes du Tour (runs along the route of a mountain stage of the Tour de France), a ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats (most southeast point of England to most northeast point of Scotland), the Alps to Ocean trail in New Zealand and numerous bike tours. For example, we’ll be doing a ride along the canals from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C., next spring. My problem is that my ride bucket list keeps getting longer and my time is getting shorter — I turn 70 next year and don’t have that many more years where I’m going to be able to climb Mont Ventoux.”

Madeleine Ludlow: “As an update, I have been traveling post-COVID-19. Egypt; Zion and Bryce, Utah;, Venice and Verona, Italy; and just recently Portugal. And a visit to see Betsy Bruce in Portland, Maine. Might slow down the travel until the markets recover a bit. I still serve on a public company board and a mutual fund board, so it’s not quite work, but keeps the brain working.

“Ben is still in Las Vegas, playing poker for a living. Not necessarily what Mom wished for, but he is happy and paying his bills. Otherwise, I’m spending my time doing lots of walking and starting to entertain again. Can’t complain.”

Bahns Stanley: “It’s been a relatively quiet year for me and my family. Grandsons just turned 6, 3 and 1. Daughter (architect, ’07) and her husband (doctor) are doing well and live near us in Atlanta, Georgia. Son is doing well, living as independently as possible, and is close by in Kennesaw, Georgia. Judi has finished her first novel and is searching for an agent and publisher. If anyone has connections in that world, please reach out. I finished my last for-profit board role, with a successful sale of the company. I’ve been writing a book, working title No Fear of Failure, not sure if that will generate any interest. We had some nice travel (Mexico, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Italy and domestic), working off that same pentup demand as others. Best of all, everyone is healthy.”

Mark Templeton: “The Templeton family has been growing! Our daughter, Pinckney, married in mid-August 2020 after reconnecting with a friend she graduated RIT with. So, we have a new son-in-law — Pari — who is Greek, but grew up in Istanbul, Turkey. He’s brought lots of joy to our daughter and entire family. Our son, Warren, and his wife, Kate, (who met at Darden) delivered our first grandbaby — William ‘Liam’ Pinckney Templeton — on 6 September 2021. In keeping with the grandbaby theme, Pinck just delivered their first — a granddaughter named Minoa Pierce Dukovic on 5 October 2022. So, while supply chains around the world are tangled, our children seem to have no issues in that department! Yvonne and I are loving the promotion to ‘grand parents’ and far exceeding expectations!

“Yvonne and I are still enjoying life in Gulf Stream, Florida, (since 1995) and spending time seeing our children and grandchildren in San Francisco, California, and Montclair, New Jersey. Yvonne and I have two toy Pomeranians — Speedy and Heidi — who go everywhere with us. In December 2021, I gave the commencement speech at my ‘other alma mater,’ North Carolina State University. What a surreal and privileged experience! It’s such a joy to pass along just a little bit of wisdom, encouragement and optimism to graduates facing the most complex world ever known.

“I continue to serve on public and private boards, keeping me in touch within the tech industry, helping to mentor startup software CEOs and learning from the wisdom of other directors. My car obsession has subsided, but I did acquiesce and acquire a Lucid Air Dream Edition, which is the most advanced EV in the world right now (1,111 horse power and 0–60 in 2.9 seconds!). I ordered early and got serial number 3. So, I’m definitely the first kid on MY block to have one!

“The 40th was so great, we’re definitely looking forward to the next reunion! Wishing everyone peace, love and health. With warmest and kindest regards, Mark and Yvonne.”

Kris Wright: “For Peter and me, it has been a year of watching our new house slowly, slowly being built. We move in next week, but that is because we are willing to go in before the counter tops are on and a few other details. We have a place to stay if we decide we need to wait a bit longer, but at least the furniture and ‘stuff’ is going in. Now, the siding is up and finish-work is virtually complete in both the house and garage. We ran into labor shortages, stuff shortages and, as our builder was fond of saying, ‘in stock’ became one of our favorite phrases. The house really is lovely and while it has been very hard to wait, we think it has been worth it.

“We have made some trips to California to see our son and his growing family. He and his wife have two children and they have custody of his wife’s youngest half-sister. They are busy, busy, busy with gymnastics, soccer, water polo, archery, volleyball, hiking and, oh — did I forget to mention? — school.

“We are thrilled to be living within walking distance of our daughter. She has a group of friends who have sort of adopted us as extra parents. We feel very lucky to be involved with the Rockland, Maine, community on many levels. It is beautiful here almost all the time, the big exception being when the Nor’easters are blowing, but the weather is much nicer than Minnesota. We enjoy sailing on the schooners, hiking, rowing in the harbor, the art scene and the new friends we have made.”

Linda Fisher took a moment from a very busy work schedule to send in a brief update.

She has been president of Communications Corporation of America (CCA) in northern Virginia for some time. Many of you may know CCA experienced a catastrophic fire several years ago, and Linda has been very heavily involved in a complex corporate and facilities rebuilding effort since … and did I mention that much of it occurred during the pandemic? In very late-breaking news, CCA recently announced their acquisition by Moore, a large provider of marketing and fundraising services. I’m guessing Linda is looking forward to a bit slower pace (at some point in time!).

Mike Ganey: “In July, Judith and I toured parts Norway and Iceland, and were not disappointed. The vistas, people, stable governments, strong economies and cool temps were a welcome departure from the mosh-pit we call the United States... If anyone needs tips pronouncing the Icelandic city ‘Seydisfjordur,’ give me a call. While the locals seemed to appreciate my linguistic efforts, I suspect they were laughing like hell behind my back. Our next adventure is a cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Barcelona, Spain, in March 2023, just before our 45th reunion. Perhaps rather than wearing name tags for the get-together, we could have a Name-That-Classmate pageant. Any takers? Hope to see everyone this spring.”

David Charlton: “Our year started with a trip to Costa Rica to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We loved the country and the people. We will return again and bring our kids next time. We returned in time to take our granddaughter on a trip to Florida on the AMTRAK Car Train. We visited the hurricane area pre-Ian and we’re glad to have done so. The train trip has lost some of its charm, but saved us a long drive.

“In May, we set out for Tromsø, Norway. Our son lives there, 325 miles above the Arctic Circle. He works for Microsoft as a developer. He is also deeply in love with the outdoors. Norwegians refer to this as ‘friluftsliv’ (open air living). We stayed for a bit more than two full months in an apartment we rented across town from our son. I gladly recommend the area as a tourist destination but also as a sabbatical locale.

“We returned to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, via a week stop in London, U.K., to visit our daughter and her husband. She continues to advance her artwork. This February she was selected as one of the top five craft artists in the U.K. Just after we left, she had three of her works installed in the lobby of the new student center of the London School of Economics. Darden School, pay attention!

“September found us at home. October took us to the Chesapeake Bay area for a week to see friends and attend a football game. I had forgotten how beautiful the bay area can be.

“Laurie and I continue our own Great Simplification. Our lives have become much streamlined since COVID-19, and we plan to stay that way. We have a list of unrequited friends and family that need attention, starting with the reunion next April. We look forward to seeing everyone there!”

John Biseda: “As for news, Bobbie and I reached our 50th wedding anniversary. We arrived at Darden four years post-wedding and college graduation. For me, Darden socialization was with a small number of mates, and with Bobbie’s teacher friends living in the ‘real’ world. Interestingly, all my Darden friends were single, derived from study group and section classes.”

Mike Sullivan: “Two days ago, I sent the following note to friends, reflecting on my birthday: Every day is a blessing! I love the Tim McGraw song, ‘Live Like You Were Dying.’ The relevance increases every year! Today, serendipitously, we received a call from our son in port at Manila, Philippines, deployed on the USS Ronald Reagan, and tomorrow, with our daughter’s family, we will celebrate our granddaughter’s 7th birthday! Joy is being healthy, living a productive life, being with family and friends and appreciating that we most likely will see a course correction on 8 November. My birthday wish for all people is to have the freedom to live life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness … and don’t sweat the small stuff.

“Yes, there is the economic reward of our Darden experience, however we choose to enjoy our pursuits. Yet, having done a lot of PT over the last three years, first for an ACL repair, and a year later for an Achilles tendon repair, (good that it happened during COVID-19), walking brings lots of joy. Okay, I am a simple person! Noanie and I are well, and I look forward to the reunion.”

Editor: I also heard from a number of classmates who wrote in wishing personal or general best wishes including Brewer Doran, Nick Fina, Paul Shipman, Dave LaCross, Jim Gallagher, Herb Martens, Steve Reinemund and Dave Eckert. We hope to hear more from them soon and — even better — see them at the reunion in April!

1979

alumni@darden.virginia.edu

John Camp shares: “Had lunch with Hacker and Kitty Caldwell in North Carolina mountains in July. They are well, Hacker still active with hedge fund and funds management, but turning over much of leadership to others.

“Mike Baskauskas had a big birthday recently, and I sent a message, and of course got a caustic reply from Mike who has retired to Napa, California, where he has built a house and is enjoying many grandchildren.

“Went hunting with Bob Innamorati in North Dakota last year, great fun. Bob’s retired, but serving on some boards and travelling.

“Kirby Adams and I talk and text. He lives in Incline Village, Nevada, fabulous house/location/views. Had a scare with some heart issues last year, but recovered.

“Bill Creason and I speak from time-totime. He’s retired but consults in the liquor business occasionally, golfs and travels.

“All well with Caren and me. Both of us still working. She, in the meeting planning business. Me, still working at Arbor Investments in private equity, doing food and beverage investments. I still travel to meet with I-Bankers and brokers, trying to keep deal flow coming to Arbor for acquisitions.

“Trying to maintain body and soul gets harder each year, but I’d rather wear out than rust out.

“Hope this finds all three of you well and happy.”

Frederic R. Guyonneau sends this in: “Since 2020, I have stepped into new territories. The first major one was to retire. At the time that I made the decision and started to plan, there were many travel plans on the horizon. COVID-19 did obviously throw a curve on these plans, but Laura and I manage to make the best of it. The second is to literally explore new territories, and I am hard at work on that.

“In late 2020, Laura and I did a stint out West in the Four Corners region and visited eight national parks whose beauty was only enhanced by the absence of people. That gave us a taste for the adventure and in the summer of 2021, we repeated the national park journey as lodges were reopening and crowds were still thin. Hiked a lot at Bryce, North Rim, South Rim and ventured on the mule ride to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Great fun, in spite of 130 degrees Fahrenheit by mid-day and 98 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

“In early spring, I also visited my niece in Wrangell, Alaska (best crab cakes ever eaten — from pulling the pod out of the Pacific early afternoon with 11 large male Dungeness crabs, to dinner that night after plenty of work to pull the meat out and prepare the cakes — best farm-to-table quality ever), before heading out to the Big Island in Hawaii, and then to Florida for a family gathering, including the 2-month-old granddaughter, the first, born February 2021! Quick jump to France for my cousin’s wedding and some trekking in the Alps, and then Laura and

I capped off the year with a wonderful trip to Ireland where we surprisingly stayed dry with no rain but for one day. In retrospect, the only downside to all this travel is the insane money and aggravation spent on PCR tests. But there were many upsides with fewer crowds and fantastic sceneries and adventures.

“No slowing down in 2022. Started with a bike ride in France along the Atlantic Coast from Bordeaux to the south (so impressed by the infrastructure available that allows us to ride on multiuse trails without the annoyance of vehicles — the network of trails is amazing), then a few days drinking wine around Margaux and Saint-Émilion. Met up with daughter and her husband for a jaunt in Paris, France, and London, U.K. Went back to Burgundy, France, to meet with the other daughter and her family, to then travel east into the Alsace region. Very impressed by the visit of Verdun, which put into perspective the journal that my grandfather wrote during his 1914 to 1919 service from conscription to civilian life again, a journal that I am now compiling into a digital book. I am amazed that, considering that 16 percent of French soldiers died during the Great War, he fought for four years serving as an artillery sub-officer and lived to tell his story, often harrowing, all the while 10 million people died during this conflict.

“Now working on the next bike trek in France for May next year … and looking for a mate to ride along if anyone is interested; likely along the Loire valley.

“Still living in Atlanta, Georgia, where one daughter resides with her husband. The other daughter lives in northern Virginia, and the granddaughter is too cute to stay away from for too long. We went to babysit a fortnight ago while the parents went to a wedding in Charlottesville, and that went very well. Changing diapers is like riding a bicycle … you never forget how!

“Too busy on the road to focus on community initiatives, in which I plan to get involved as soon as I can slow down.

“Retirement is great!”

1980

Claire

MacMillan Terry

cterry66@gmail.com

Marcia Pontius is the lone responder from our class this quarter. She writes: “I have been back in the Philadelphia area, where I grew up, for 15 years now — hard to believe. I am involved with a number of organizations, including one called Work to Ride. It is an amazing organization that has literally saved the lives of youth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I highly recommend the book Crossing the Line written by one of the program’s success stories. It was a book club choice at a club I belong to and everyone was amazed by it. I was glad that I could have the author come to give a talk. I am working part time as a bookkeeper/office manager at a high-end gift/home decor store and loving it — a total change from what I have done before. Due to COVID-19 my sister and I have not done our usual traveling to far flung places. Our last trip was to Egypt — in August pre-COVID-19. Not the best time to go, but no crowds! Bob Henderson has been working with a company that is based near me, and we have had dinner several times — what a treat after 40-plus years!”

1981

Fenton Priest fentonpriest@iCloud.com

Thanks to Lou LeGuyader for this update: “I am pleased to share the news that my wife, Lee, and I are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary Sunday, 28 September 2022. Lee is a UVA alumna (Comm School) and Hollins ’79. We were introduced by Bob Purcell during our second year at Darden.”

Tom Richards sent us this great report: “I hope everyone in our class is doing well. As the pandemic eased, I did a lot of business travel this year. My favorite business trip was four days in Selma, Alabama, where I met some amazing people who are doing some great things for the city. I very much enjoyed BBQ at Lannie’s and fried chicken with my high school friend at Martin’s in Montgomery, Alabama.

“In August, I was invited to co-speak with DataStax at the Annual Gartner Conference on Data and Analytics in Orlando, Florida. Preparation was a ton of work but I had a lot of fun speaking. In September, the presentation was published as an article in CIO magazine.

“For family, I spent six days with my daughter in Madison, Wisconsin. She absolutely loves Madison. She likes hiking and rock climbing. She’s an MD and assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin. We did a tour of the capital, a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s estate and hiking at Devil’s Lake. My son was accepted in the Oratorio Society of New York, which sings at Carnegie Hall. I am looking forward to his concerts — especially Handel’s Messiah.

“My best to all.”

And from Bob Brockman and Nancy: “Nothing special to report. Happily retired in Hilton Head, South Carolina, after General Electric, Lockheed Martin and our own small business. Hard to believe it’s almost 40 years since Darden.”

From your secretary, Fenton Priest: “As I previously reported, I am now serving on the USO Virginia Board of Advisors supporting the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia. In June, I had the opportunity to participate in a special event honoring our fallen military heroes. It was called ‘Jump for a Purpose,’ and I went skydiving for the first time over Virginia Beach, Virginia, in honor of a SEAL Team member who died in Afghanistan. It was a thrilling experience for a good cause! It was also a special way for me to celebrate turning 70!

“I am excited that we had a very successful 2022 sailboat racing season. As a crew member aboard the 37-foot cruising sailboat, Coeur d’Alene, we took first place overall for the season of 25 races in the lower Chesapeake Bay.

“Also, I am blessed to have some exciting family news: I’m a new grandfather! Sophia Grace Priest was born in August to Guy and Jessica Priest of Arlington, Virginia. It has been an exciting year!

“Again, many thanks. I greatly appreciate hearing from you all. Take care and stay in touch!”

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1982

Michael Diefenbach mike.diefenbach@gmail.com

Bill Huyett reports “Lauren and I spent a fun week at Denali National Park, Alaska, in late June in conjunction with a meeting of the National Parks Conservation Association board. It’s a place we’ve always wanted to visit. We were lucky enough to take a bunch of our kids and their spouses. It’s an astonishing place that is, sadly, being destroyed by climate change. Also got a chance to hike a stretch of the Trans Caucasus trail in the Svaneti region of the Republic of Georgia. Incredibly scenic and remote, on the border with Russia. The border is mountain ridges at about 14,000 feet with no passes, so quite safe.

“My middle son, Peter, is in his second year of the Darden Executive MBA. He’s enjoyed the program. He even signed up for the elective I teach in the spring semester.”

Frank Couch says 2022 has been “a big year for the Couches. Son no. 1, Kevin, was married to Cori Dymond in Winter Park, Florida, in May. Quite a big event. Very excited to have a new daughter and to be able to start nagging for a grandchild. We spent 10 days in Maine with stops at Lake Damariscotta, breakfast at Moody’s Diner (a must stop), e-biked in Acadia (the only way to go), played golf at the Algonquin resort in Saint Andrews by-the-Sea in Canada (spectacular!), and finished up with a day sail on the Anjacaa in Camden (our favorite stop). We will finish the year with a short trip to Fernandina beach, Florida, to make up for the trip we had to cancel when I got COVID-19 at the wedding… . When we get home from that trip, I go under the knife to have a new knee installed! Yep, being an old fart has its price. The parts are wearing out.”

John “Chip” Guinee reports on a busy couple of years that included two grandchildren, a relocation to Delray Beach, Florida, for six months each year, house renovations there, joining two boards of directors and swimming a mile every day. Everyone is healthy and happy!

Harry Travis spent the week of this writing helping his sister-in-law recover from Ian in Fort Myers, Florida. (In Orlando, Harry was spared.)

Mark Kerback says, “I’d like to acknowledge the generous contributions of our classmates who donated a total of $3,375 to the Concert for Ukraine project, which to date has raised over $72,000 for the people of Ukraine. It was inspired by my wife Vera who is from Kyiv, her family and all the people of her homeland. Thanks to David Blair, Marianne-Bokan Blair, John Powell, David Kelso, Steve Bright, John Reilly, Steve

Durham and Dave Tew. What a terrific class we have!”

Mike Schozer is fully retired now, and happily so. “We are now snowbirds — summer in Vermont, winter in Sarasota, Florida.

“Jon Rubin and I spent three weeks wandering through Mongolia this summer. What a cool place — totally different than anywhere you’ve ever been. Great and welcoming people; nomad lifestyle is so interesting.

“Both kids doing well. I am playing golf, skiing and following my wife around the world running marathons. This year was Eugene, Oregon; London, U.K. and Chicago, Illinois.”

Dave Harrison would be more than happy to tell you all about The Villages in Florida. Live concerts, happy hours and no charge — seven nights a week. Heaven! Over 50 golf courses, 200-plus restaurants and a huge assortment of stores he heads to in his golf cart (that goes 25 miles per hour).

Dave acknowledges that he’s flunked retirement. He’s teaching full time at one university, part time at another. He also does philanthropy coaching through SCORE. 11,000-plus retired senior executives mentoring small businesses and start-ups; very rewarding.

Dave shares: “Patrick Partridge is doing awesome out in Salt Lake City, Utah. Recently retired from a not-for-profit online university he helped create that has become the sixth largest university in all of North America. Pat continues to publish books and does philanthropy for the Utah Museum of Natural History. He’s married to an exceptional artist and author who is one of the few that can keep up with Pat’s unique intellect, curiosity and charm.”

Says Dave: “Curt Mildner is also doing awesome up in Kennebunkport, Maine. After retiring from Market Decisions, a successful family-owned health care market research company, he started a not-forprofit that gives scholarships to high school students based on their unique service and inspiration to others. We see Curt, his wife Loralee and their children and grandchildren as often as we can. One of the highlights was a trip together on the Legendary Blues Cruise, which was a week with over 30 of the top blues bands in the world.”

Steve Wright recently retired, and instead of moving somewhere warm in the south like most folks, he moved closer to their daughters … in Minneapolis, Minnesota! Stay safe and warm this winter, all!

1983

Mitch Bland mitch.bland@cox.net

Our classmates continue to have children that have ended up at Darden. The latest to report in was Paul Milone who wrote: “Thanks to a strong recommendation by our favorite OB expert, my son Oliver is now a member of the new Darden Part-Time MBA program!” Paul further commented that the new part-time program is “a great addition to the Darden portfolio of programs.”

Another alumnus from our class with a child at Darden (now a graduate) is Karl Koenig. “I’m very happy to report that my youngest daughter, Carolyn, graduated from Darden in May as a member of the Class of ’22. Her graduation was on Sunday, 22 May — 39 years to the day after we graduated. It was a very happy weekend celebration in Charlottesville for our family. Both of our sons attended along with us; our oldest daughter, Mary, and her husband Jud have three small children, and were unable to come up from Atlanta, Georgia.

“Carolyn has accepted a position with Bain Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia; she interned there last summer. She and Rita took a post-graduation mom-daughter trip to Austria and Switzerland in June. Carolyn will start work at Bain on 8 August. Our two daughters and two sons are all grown and off on their own now, and all are living in At- lanta. All are doing well, too. We’re glad that they’re all so close to us.

“Carolyn’s graduation was an unusually hot day in Charlottesville for mid-May. The graduation ceremony for the entire University was held on the lawn that morning, as scheduled, but Darden’s ceremony that afternoon was moved indoors due to the heat. (The individual ceremonies for all of the other schools in the University were moved indoors that afternoon as well.)”

Meanwhile Susan Waxter also touched base. “I’m still in Baltimore, Maryland, coming upon nine years retired. For those recent couple of years, I had some good adventures in the United States and researched family history. Now it’s back to international travel. Trips in 2022: returns to Costa Rica, France, Scotland and New Zealand. Much more to come!”

Increasing numbers of us have reached retirement age and are enjoying life without work hassles. One of the lucky ones is Kim Labuschagne. “I am pretty much retired now and living at the beach on the east coast of South Africa. We have a family hotel in the mountains which is keeping me busy and out of trouble. I got married a short while back, which is also keeping me out of trouble. We are doing quite a bit of travelling and look forward to seeing lots of our classmates next April. Paul Gilbert and I also attended a football game in London, U.K., earlier this year.”

Another recent retiree is Ned Spangler “All is good. I have been retired for 13 months from International Paper and so far, no complaints. Mary is still working three days a week as a nurse practitioner with no plans to stop. She enjoys it. I am keeping busy with the four grandkids up the street, my own three kids living in Memphis, Tennessee, numerous house chores and some tennis and golf.

“No firm travel plans upcoming, except I did purchase Bruce Springsteen tickets for Mary and me for his Atlanta, Georgia, concert in February. I saw my only Springsteen concert at the Capital Centre two weeks before we started at Darden. 42 years between concerts! Also, my new email is egs22457@ aol.com.”

Julie Andrews Fairchild now has a sixth grandchild. I think that is the record so far for our class. Her oldest grandchild is only 5, so Julie reports that family get togethers are “wonderful chaos and fun.” Julie just retired in April while her husband Andy retired in 2020.

1984

Debbie McPhillips dashmcp@gmail.com

Thanks to Brian Schiff and Bob Peery for keeping me in the (minimal) good graces of Alumni Engagement with their notes’ submissions, but come on, Class of ’84, we are known for our multi-column updates! Don’t force me to revert to Creative Writing for the next issue! I have been planning to author a murder-mystery…

Brian (bschiff7@gmail.com) wrote: “I’m living in Dallas, Texas, but not a Texan! 10 years ago, I got remarried and expanded the family to include two more kids who are now age 14 and 16 (older girls are now age 30 and 34). Continue to do consulting in senior living — 35 years in that world now, which certainly isn’t what I thought I would do coming out of Darden, but I love the people I get to work with and the work they do with seniors!

“I’m not sure I wrote you, though, that my first wife, Terry (Early) passed away from cancer in January. She fought the disease for about six months, and my wife and I were able to spend a lot of time in Atlanta, Georgia, supporting her and the older girls. Terry was a part of our class, as you’ll recall, but expanded to get the JD/MBA. Then she clerked for a federal judge, taught law school at the University of Toledo and was extraordinarily involved in our children’s activities from band to soccer to theatre. Later she became an active voter’s rights advocate in Georgia. She had a great journey.

“We are fortunate that the older girls, Laura and Mandy, have a strong relationship with my wife Marcia as well as our younger children, which we hope helps support them through this tough loss.”

The other Notes submission came from someone I hadn’t heard from in a while, my favorite Richmond pizza magnate, Bob Peery (peerybob@gmail.com). He wrote: “Haven’t sent in any news for a while, so here’s the update! Sold the pizza business in 2019; spending a lot of time in Florida while Deb and I are building a house in Isles of Capri near Naples, Italy. Playing a lot of tennis and golf — managed to shoot my age last year — 64 — ha! Two kids (Camp and Madelyn) are in Richmond, Virginia; one (Liza) is in Denver, Colorado. All gainfully employed and single. Who knew they were listening way back when I told them not to get married before 30! So just one grand dog. Still have a condo in Richmond, so I try to get to a football game or two each fall. Looking forward to our 40th. Oh my, does time fly!”

As Bob reminded me, our 40th reunion (t-minus 10 years from orange stoles) approaches! It’s not too early to start planning your triumphant return to Charlottesville in 2024! In the meantime, you know the drill, please send me notes for inclusion in the next Class Notes.

Your humble secretary.

1985

Tom Taylor tomtaylornj@gmail.com

Adele and David Stotler enjoyed two weeks in the relative cool of the Great Lakes this summer: “The visit began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a visit to Scott Kammeraad at the 1910 home from the studio of Frank Lloyd Wright that Scott self-renovated in recent years. Scott’s historic home includes an Airbnb unit, so we recommend a visit! Scott always seems to have a home renovation project underway, as you’ll recall from his Charlottesville farmhouse project during our Darden years. Later in the trip we visited the weekend home on Torch Lake which is his current work in progress. Our Great Lakes travels ended with a visit to Tom Seay in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Tom is doing great and it was wonderful to catch up after 15 years!

“The past year has provided several great visits with Darden friends including Lee Bandlow and Sherrill Perkins in Nashville, Tennessee; Tim Ghriskey in Westchester County, New York; and Madison Riley and Robert ‘Memphis’ King in Boston, Massachusetts, while we celebrated our (McIntire ’13) daughter Julia’s graduation from Harvard Business School in May. Meeting her classmates was a vivid reminder that today’s MBA buzzwords have been drastically updated since 1985, and an eyeopener that virtually no one in her class pursued traditional investment banking anymore — it’s all tech or private equity these days.”

Curious, I asked David for a sampling of those buzzwords. He came back with “virtual,” “gaming,” “token” and “NFT.” Sounds like today’s generation is harnessing an organic process to hit the ground running with plain speak. That would hit the nail on the head. I guess it’s good to see we’ve moved on from the likes of “synergy,” “bottom line,” “globalization” and “rightsizing.”

Hearing that Scott Kammeraad has an Airbnb offering, I wanted to see how that was going so I reached out: “Yes, the Airbnb is great. We meet lots of interesting people. I’m working on a second home in northern Michigan that we will list on Airbnb next year.”

Nice update from my old roommate, Laurey Millspaugh: “I just had my second knee replaced and got the green light to start tennis after a 30-year hiatus. I am looking forward to a sport other than biking (which I love as well). It is unlikely I’ll beat my wife Jinks, though, as I never did before with good knees. During the week, I still work in Bethesda, Maryland, investing on behalf of Dutch partners in real estate developments as we expand into senior care facilities. As I write this, Hurricane Ian is bearing down on two buildings we have in Orlando, Florida. Fingers crossed. Weekends we find ourselves traveling south to Richmond, Virginia, where our oldest son, Martin, is a teacher at St. Christopher’s, and north to Brooklyn, New York, where our younger son works for a start-up helping those with low credit to establish it. But best fun is a little bit of teaching in ULI’s UrbanPlan course for high school kids. I go to an inner-city Washington, D.C., school where, in a project base module, students assume all roles of community building including development. This generation is smarter than ever!”

Hurricane Ian was a big concern for many as class updates were coming in, including James Totten. “Jody and I have been spending the winters in Florida at our house on Gasparilla Island (Boca Grande) since 2014. We’re a little concerned about Hurricane Ian which, as we speak, seems to be about to make landfall in our back yard. On a less troubling note, we are relocating from Nashville, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama, to be closer to children and grandchildren. I hope I live long enough to shoot my age in golf, only 20 years to go, and I continue to bust clays on the skeet field.” I sure hope that the impact to Jamie and other classmates with interests in the southeast was minimal.

Martin McCoy contributed an update that might win this edition’s long-distance award considering his location. “I’m currently volunteering in Malawi and driving a Land Cruiser off-road, installing protected water sources with African partners. It’s hard but rewarding work. I married, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the beautiful and brilliant Andrea Durkin (Columbia MBA). She and I trekked for two weeks last month in Bolivia. We live in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, and Beaufort, South Carolina. She has her own marketing consulting business and I’m still doing real estate in- vestment. I’m sorry to say opportunities are so poor now that my most recent acquisition is a chicken farm in the North Carolina mountains.” Congrats to Martin on the wedding, great news.

Bob Reeve was far from Martin McCoy, but he was in the same continent recently. “All good here: golf, dogs and dog club projects and shows keep us very busy. We were able to get away for a two-week trip to South Africa in April with three other couples. A fabulous time with planes, trains and automobiles across South Africa from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Golf, safari and fabulous dining in some of the best hotels and restaurants we have ever experienced. The wines of South Africa are amazing. Three days on Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Cape Town was a wonderful sightseeing experience with a couple of excursions including a diamond mine. Trip of a lifetime for sure.”

Duane Stevens shared that “The passage of time has brought changes and surprises to the Stevens family. My parents passed away last year, and both lived a long and meaningful life. My wife Valentyna and I live in Plano, Texas, a Dallas suburb. I recently retired from Lumen Technologies where I was a large-account fiber network sales representative. Life has treated me well and I continue to appreciate my Darden memories and friendships.”

Celia Martin noted that she “…had a great reunion with the Taylor family and their new addition — a puppy!” Yes, the pup is now 8 months old and has been a great addition. Back to Celia’s news: “I’m heading out the door to Maryland and then on to Las Vegas, Nevada; San Jose and Monterey, California; and Portland and Hood River, Oregon.” She was planning to come north for a visit in September to see my band play, but the gig was rescheduled to February, when it’s lovely here in New Jersey.

There’s relief and pride in the update from Jimmy Rose: “I have written my last Darden tuition check. My younger daughter Molly graduated as a proud member of the Darden Class of ’22. She followed her older sister Caroline at Darden who graduated in 2019. Both are doing well, with Caroline working in the tech industry on the west coast and Molly working in consulting in Washington, D.C. In other news, Megan and I attended Arthur ‘Brink’ Brinkley’s oldest daughters’ wedding in Richmond, Virginia, this summer and John McLean and I were part of a group that traveled to Ireland this summer for a golf trip. I am still doing a little consulting and some for profit and not-for-profit board work. I see Scott Cardozo (MBAJD ’86), Brink and his wife Stacy, and Larry Lynne regularly and am looking forward to our next reunion.” Cheers to that.

Great to hear from Janet Weiss. Here’s her news: “My husband retired four years ago after spending 37 years as an investment banker and a portfolio manager. We have lived in Larchmont, New York, for almost 30 years, where we raised our two sons. For the past 15 or so years, I’ve been a jewelry designer and fabricator, and I have a full studio in my house. It’s a far cry from the corporate world, but infinitely more satisfying. My older son is a data visualization specialist working for BCG, and my younger son has worked for a number of start-ups. We’re looking forward to more travel as we relax our COVID-19 restrictions!” Cheers to that as well!

Also great to hear from Sam Yates: “Not big on submitting updates, but the industry I’m in now is rocking and rolling! As career no. 2, started a full service, turnkey, solar energy contracting company in 2016. We’re licensed across five states: Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, with three offices in the Southeast. We’re commercial/industrial focused, with some residential and energy storage. Currently 40 full-time employees including engineering, installation, master electrician and long-term customer service focus. Passage of the IRA bill recently is a game changer for our industry. Exciting stuff! Just replaced the website (www.eaglesolarandlight.com), so it may still be under construction edits when you get this.”

Betsy Griffith wrote: “It’s been a rough year. My younger brother Paul lost an eightyear battle with cancer in June. I visited him in April, went to his London funeral, caught COVID-19 and hosted his Washington, D.C., memorial event, attended by many Darden and other friends. He was a oneoff, much loved and leaves long legacy. Don and I have continued to do our cruise ship lecturing, most recently in the Baltic, where I (in the words of my great nephew) went ‘blah blah blah’ about Northern Renaissance art and Don about world affairs. Spent a day in lovely Rostock, Germany, with his former research assistant and her husband and son.”

Madison Riley confirmed that he indeed spent time with the Stotlers and other classmates. Here are his words on the rendezvous: “David and Adele Stotler, Robert ‘Memphis’ King and I gathered for dinner in late May to celebrate the Stotler daughter’s (Julia) graduation from Harvard Business School. We had a terrific time thanks to the Stotler’s (we were their guests)! Congrats to Julia and the Stotlers! Robert and I have also gotten together since that dinner. It has been fun to be with all of them!”

As for yours truly, I’m approaching the one-year anniversary of my retirement. I really wanted to thoughtfully raise a dog, and while that’s been even more consuming than I expected, it’s been well worth it. Golf has taken a back seat. No regrets, it will be there later when this pooch is a bit older. Flying is still a fun leisure activity for me … the most exciting recent trip was flying into Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the annual aviation event held there in July.

Best wishes to all as we continue to emerge from the confines of COVID-19. Enjoy the holiday season!

1986

Teresa Green Cooper tcooper59@gmail.com

Greetings, classmates! We’re having a glorious fall in central Virginia with beautiful leaves, chilly evenings and sunny days. And as a Philadelphia sports fan, I’m really enjoying post-season baseball and the NFL. (We, beleaguered Philadelphia sports fans, have to enjoy the wins while we have them, am I right, Peter Intermaggio?)

I had the pleasure of joining Mary Buckle Searle to interview Peter Neihaus Scholarship finalists last August. The students were beyond impressive, and it was fun to hear about their Darden experience. While we did recommend one student for the scholarship, any of them would have been a great choice. I left feeling sentimental — thinking about Peter, all of our classmates and some of the crazy times we shared — and also proud of the way Darden has evolved.

Pat O’Shea writes: “Hope all is well with you. We’re doing fine here in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where we spend most of our time.

“I’m busy as ever, working on digital health startup ICmed (www.icmedonline. com), serving as CEO of a broker-dealer that has gone through regulatory approvals, and doing capital markets expert witness consulting. Every day is different. In addition, I have the pleasure of serving as chairman of the Darden Alumni Board. The family is doing well, especially after the 20-somethings bounced back home during COVID-19 and have since discovered that independence has its benefits!

“Maria and I were with family at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, in September, where I had the honor of seeing Pearl Jam for the first time. If you’re into their music at all and haven’t had the opportunity to see them, put it on your bucket list! Back at the beach, I had a mini-reunion with Lynne Azamar Watson as she visited family and her old summer job stomping grounds. Lynne has moved back east to Annapolis, Maryland, after a long stint on the left coast. We had LOTS to talk about, and next time, everyone’s invited!

“Beyond that, I’m always just a text away from Dan Kipp, Michael Gangemi and Christopher Morrissey, which reminds me that we’re long overdue for a golf reunion!”

On the heels of Pat’s email, I heard from

Lynne, who shared this: “Dave and I are back on the East Coast! We landed in Annapolis, Maryland, mid-June and have been busy connecting with East Coast family and friends ever since. In fact, I met Pat O’Shea last week while I was at the beach visiting family. We had a blast catching up! It’s nice to be ‘home’ after 12 years out West. After we sold our house in the San Francisco, California, area, we were lucky enough to take two-plus months traveling east, camping in our Airstream to see the sights and dear friends along the way. Such a fun adventure — lots of unplugged time in stunning places.”

So glad you two got to hang out! I’m hoping to connect with Lynne on her next visit to C’ville.

Jeff Griffin wrote to share sad news: “My wife Melanie passed away in March at the age of 61 after a 10-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. There are neither words nor space to sufficiently describe the pain and anguish that has lived unwelcome in our family over the past 10 years and that no doubt will accompany me to the end of my days. Life must move forward, however, and towards that end I am in the process of wrapping up the affairs of Griffin Moran, the luxury homebuilding company I started in northern Virginia back in 2011, to figure out what is next. I retired from my career in commercial real estate in 2015.

“I have purchased a home in Raleigh, North Carolina, to be close to my two oldest daughters and four grandchildren. I now split time between Raleigh, an apartment in McLean, Virginia, and my place on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. In late September, I am headed out on a cycling trip in Croatia (Dubrovnik to Split) with Kit Baker (Darden ’87) and his wife. Will send along a pic for the next issue. My best to everyone.”

Finally, a request from Charlottesville homeboy Scott Williams, one that I think would be most enjoyable to fill: “No class note from me today. I inflicted an update not long ago. Instead, what I would like to make is an appeal: C. Ray Smith (MBA ’58) now lives at the Martha Jefferson House in Charlottesville (behind the Gordon Avenue Library). I visited him last fall when I was back in C’ville seeing my mother. He mentioned that he loves seeing Darden folks. If people are in town, it would be nice if they could swing by and check in on him. Although he is not as mobile as in the past (nor am I), he is as engaging and funny as ever.”

Until next time, sending you all my best wishes. Teresa

1987

Chris Padgett padgett60@gmail.com

Hello Class of ’87! I write this in October, with the seasons starting to change here in St Louis, Missouri, … leaves beginning to turn, cooler during my morning walks with the dog, and Cardinal baseball over (a bit prematurely this year). I don’t know about you, but time seems to be going by faster and faster — wasn’t it just a couple months ago we were in Charlottesville for Reunion? What, more like six months? The way time flies, our next (40th?!) Reunion in 2027 will sneak up on us, for sure. I’m not sorry for the first shameless plug! Anyway, thanks to everyone contributing to this edition of the Class Notes, and let’s get to them!

Late summer and fall in the southeast, in particular, means hurricane season, and this year’s big one (so far) was Ian, hitting Florida in late September. With over a dozen classmates living there, we hope everyone made it through safely. John Hodgson shares his experience:

“It’s been an interesting week. Flew down to Sarasota, Florida, with Blythe on Saturday, 24 September, and spent the next day — our 29th wedding anniversary — doing hurricane prep. We put plastic sheeting, water dams and about 60 sandbags around our vulnerable spots; raised all our furniture and secured all our outdoor stuff. We flew home on Monday, and spent the week tracking Ian. Thankfully we — and Nancy McLean and her husband Ron — were spared by a scant 20-30 miles.

“The devastation just south of us is national news. I flew back down solo on Sunday, 2 October, and spent Monday stowing the sandbags and getting the house back in order. On Tuesday I participated in Operation Airdrop to deliver disaster relief supplies to barrier islands cut off due to destroyed bridges and causeways. I was able to deliver 750 pounds of supplies into a small grass strip on the north end of Pine Island. It was a perfect mission for my Skywagon. I wasn’t sure how necessary the effort was until I learned today that Pine Island’s bridge won’t be restored for another 3 days. Feeling very blessed right now.”

While I try to not spend a lot of time on LinkedIn, being semi-retired, I do enjoy reading Bubba Fortner’s newsletters about career exploration; his latest “Quietly Quitting or Quietly Being Fired” is a quick, good read I’ve shared with a few people I’ve worked with. Bubba, or as he’s known professionally, Everette, is now a full-time career coach — you may not need his wise counsel, but you probably know someone who does. In his own words:

“After 20 years at Darden and UVA, I’ve started my own career coaching business. What a fun, inspiring business! While I haven’t had the opportunity to coach any Darden classmates yet, I have coached one of your daughters and one of your grandsons. Keep them coming! I love helping early and mid-career professionals figure out what’s next and then helping them tap ‘our’ network to get there. everette@everettefortnercoaching.com.”

“Beyond coaching, Bubba also writes: “Just purchased a bottle of Elvelo — while I love tequila, I have a friend who I am visiting for Thanksgiving who really loves tequila, so I purchased it to bring him a gift to share and enjoy together. Thanks for the inspiration.” For the uninitiated, Elvelo is one of the liquors offered by Lyons Brown’s Altamar Brands … taste tested and highly recommended!”

Marian Hewitt writes: “We have purchased a house in the town of Pound Ridge, New York. It is not exactly in the country, and not exactly in the suburbs. I call it the suburbs with large lot sizes. For the moment, at least, we still have our place in New York City. I have one foot in each place, and it is confusing at times. What things are where? As previously reported, I declared myself retired in 2020, so I am devoting a lot of time to gardening, trying to root out invasive plants, of which we have a fair number, all in abundance, of course.”

Marian is also looking for nearby classmates: “Does anyone else in the Class of ’87 live in northern Westchester County, New York? If so, we should be in touch.” (And send news of any joint activities!)

We received this update from Werner Stahlecker: “Well, after a long time of low-travel activities, I had to look after my business in Atlanta, Georgia. Guess who I met almost coincidently: Steve Powell! See the pic to witness our great get together in one of these great Marriot in the suburb of

Atlanta. Cheer with a good sip of Elvelo tequila.” I’ll also post the picture on the Class Facebook page — and let me know if you are not a member of the page and I’ll add you.

One of the fun conversations I had while at our Reunion this past Spring was with Brad Colton, who shared with me his experience leading tours at the Washington, D.C., Temple of the Church of Latter-day Saints. While enjoying retirement just outside Park City, Utah, Brad and Melanie continue their volunteering, having been asked “to help with the Tabernacle Choir … for those that know me well can be assured they have not asked me to join them in singing, but more in a support role. I am also on several nonprofit boards trying to make our community a little better.”

Jim Sowers writes with some “it’s a small world” news, and a party invitation: “I have a Moffett on my mother’s side that always made John Moffett curious. John did some research, and going back 10 generations we have a common ancestor born in 1590. Cousins ninth removed or something like that. So, we are planning a family reunion at the UVA Parent’s Weekend on 30 October — any excuse for a Bloody Mary. Please join us in the West Lot, spot 234.” Please forward pictures of the extended family for the

next Class Notes!

Sharing that he had the most recent Class Notes solicitation email open on his computer for two weeks, Matt Aaron called me at-deadline with work and family updates (calling, texting … I’ll take updates in any format). Matt’s insurance app business takes him to numerous insurance conventions and conferences (yes, there really are such things), most recently to Insurance Tech Connect in Las Vegas, Nevada (over 30,000 attended, according to their website). He says the industry moves at the speed of glaciers, but it has finally caught up to the technology Matt’s company has developed. We also talked about the crazy cost of college (Matt’s two boys are still in the thick of it) and how great it is to have a distributed, lean company workforce (in Matt’s case, including the United States, India and the Philippines).

Speaking of apps and software, Bill Tonetti writes: “We sold our software company Demand Works to Netstock, owned by Strattam Capital, last December.” Demand Works focuses on the areas of forecasting, demand management, inventory planning and optimization, and capacity planning. “Working hard and loving it, splitting our time between southeastern Pennsylvania