James D. Wyckoff, 1984 See alumni profile on page 69. Hello, again, ISU Jl MC alumni. It’s now been 25 years since I left the halls of the Press building. I continue to benefit professionally from my very sound education in journalism from ISU. On the career front, not much is new. I still operate my own financial writing and publishing business from my home in Cedar Falls. On the personal front, three major events occurred in the span of just a few months’ time in 2009: I turned 50. I became a grandfather. I celebrated my 30-year wedding anniversary. All three pretty cool stuff. Interestingly, turning the big “5-0” and becoming a grandfather have given me some fresh (and better) perspective on work and living life. Instead of burning the candle at both ends to advance my career, I now look forward to the day when I can back off on the career throttle to better enjoy the real fruits of life. I hope that day comes soon, but those bills just keep showing up in the mailbox. I would really enjoy hearing from fellow ISU J-grads. That means you! Until next year... 3221 Cobblestone Court, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. jim@jimwyckoff.com Valerie (Terpstra) Van Kooten, 1985 This year saw quite a few changes for the Van Kootens. Our oldest son, Colin, graduated from
college, got married, and landed a good job--all within three weeks of each other; middle son Cameron entered Central College as a freshman; and youngest son Ethan is in his junior year of high school. Kent and I are starting to see the beginning of this “empty nest” thing. I’m continuing to teach and write, though things dried up like the Sahara at the beginning of the year in this economic downturn. Just now starting to see work coming back. We’re thankful for our growing family, good health, jobs, and the love of friends. Was sad to hear of John McPoland’s death at the age of 47. Great memories of working on the Daily together. 2051 Old Hwy. 163, Pella, IA 50219. vankootenv@central.edu Jeff Cue, 1986 Crazy year for me professionally: After having a “real” job for 13 years, I’ve spent the past one back out on the production street as a freelancer, my first since my initial shot at self-employment in the early ‘90s. Not especially good timing with the economy as it’s been, but then I didn’t get a say in the whole thing! Fortunately, things have been pretty good, as I’ve been in the Des Moines area long enough to have cultivated some good, longtime contacts in the film and video production community. Don’t know how long being a contractor will last, but the second time around is putting
knowledge gained the first time around to good use! 14403 Bryn Mawr Drive, Urbandale, IA 50323. j.cue@mchsi.com William “Pat” Judge, 1986 Practicing law in Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1989. 1321 Pinehurst Ave., St. Paul, MN 55116. Lynn Nelson, 1986 Still working as an RN at Covenant Medical Center’s rehabilitation unit in Waterloo (spinal cord and head injuries, strokes, burns, etc.). Love it and learning all the time. Diagnosed with breast cancer May 2008, underwent surgery twice, chemo and radiation. As far as we know, I’m cancer free. Son Michael, 19, is a freshman at Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, in criminal justice. 1109 Lantern Sq. Apt. 3, Waterloo, IA 50701.
2009 • Greenlee Glimpse
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