Hood Magazine | Fall 2025

HOOD

FALL 2025

Magazine for alumni and friends of

HO OD C OL L E G E

bold Hope | bright future

Inauguration

THE

OF

PRESIDENT DEBBIE RICKER, PH.D.

S AV E T H E

D AT E !

2026 HOOD COLLEGE REUNION WEEKEND Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7, 2026 Hello, Hood Alumni!

Reunion Weekend 2026 will be here before you know it.

This year, we’re spotlighting the classes that end in ’1 and ’6, with a special 50th reunion celebration for the Class of 1976— but remember, Hood Reunions are for everyone.

See you in June!

If you are an alum from a class that ends in ’1 or ’6, you should have received your Reunion 2026 information packet. If you haven’t received yours, please contact the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement at alumoffice@hood.edu.

The event schedule and all other details will be sent in April, so for now, please mark your calendars and call your roommates, teammates and classmates to start planning how you want to celebrate Reunion 2026!

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM REUNION 2025!

hood.edu/REUNION25

CONTENTS

02 SOCIAL SNAPSHOT 03 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 04 NEWS MAKERS

Faculty publications, a new academic minor, student/alumni success stories and more.

10 GIVING BACK

New and expanded student scholarships—made possible by generous alumni.

12 LEARNING CURVE

Researching lobster larvae in Maine.

14 THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

The Skill Accelerator badge program meets evolving workforce needs.

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17 FREDERICK FOCUS

Hood shines at the first Frederick Pride Parade.

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FROM HYPOTHESIS TO PRACTICE TO PUBLICATION

WORTH THE WORK

Student-faculty research in action.

RIC DUGAN/THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

18 STANDOUTS

ALonna Soward-Puryear ’19, M.S.’24, wins Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Celebrating the 2025 Alumni and Faculty Awards.

20 ATHLETICS

New coaches, Athletics Hall of Fame and more.

24 FEATURE BOLD HOPE | BRIGHT FUTURE

Get to know Hood’s 12th president, Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., as she outlines her bold vision for the future of Hood—featuring highlights from her inauguration ceremony.

34 HOOD PROUD

See how Hood celebrated Commencement, Reunion Weekend and Welcome Week.

40 CLASS NEWS 49 POINT OF VIEW

A special letter from President Ricker’s mother.

64 A LOOK BACK

Walk through the years of inaugurations at Hood.

HOOD COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE | FALL 2025 VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Laurie Ward, MFA’26 EDITOR

Meg DePanise ’15, MBA’20 ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

Renee Rohwer Ronda Wolford-Smith COPY EDITOR

Matt Lee ’15

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mason Cavalier ’19, Lead Photographer Crvnka Photography, Craig Chase Photography, Meg DePanise ’15, MBA’20, Derek Knecht, Matt Lee ’15, Laurie Ward, MFA’26 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mary Atwell, Archivist, Collection Development Services Manager Mason Cavalier ’19, News Editor, Media Manager Matthew Gelhard, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications Judy Ricker INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Nancy Gillece ’81, Vice President, Institutional Advancement Michelle Burnett, Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement Jaime Cacciola ’04, Senior Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs Kellye Greenwald ’86, Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement Meg Kula ’01, CFRE, Leadership Gift Officer Emily Wise VanderWoude, CFRE, Senior Director of Advancement Redesigned & Worth the Work. The fresh look of Hood Magazine reflects who we are. Learn more at hood.edu/magazine.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Please report all address changes to the Hood College Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement at 301-696-3900 or alumoffice@hood.edu.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

If you have a letter you would like to send us for possible inclusion in the next issue of Hood Magazine, please email us at marcom@hood.edu.

Hood Magazine is published twice a year for Hood College alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty and staff by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders of any material reprinted in this magazine. Any omissions will be corrected in subsequent issues if notice is given to the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Copyright © 2025 Hood College

SOCIAL SNAPSHOT President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., uses Instagram to spotlight students, faculty, staff and alumni who bring the College’s mission to life. Her posts offer a personal, behind-the-scenes look at campus events, academic milestones and travels around the country. It’s one of the many ways she stays connected to the community she proudly serves.

Follow @debbieathood to see what makes Hood truly worth the work.

It’s a beautiful night for a ride-along with Sgt. Selby. The Hood College Campus Safety team is the BEST .

Thanks Lizzie and Karen for hosting the Equestrian Team Open House! Go Blazers!

Riding a sugar rush from QSU cookie decorating, I crashed the BSU/SPARC skate party in Gambrill gym tonight. Yep those are roller skates!!

Meet the newest recipients of the treasured Hood ring! Wherever you go, Hood goes with you. Congratulations !

It’s the first day of class here at Hood and our students are all smiles. Must be the free t-shirts?!

Thank you Aba Blankson ’99, H’22, for bringing us custom Hood bracelets from Ghana.

this team!! Thanks for delivering my jersey today .

We didn’t let a little rain dampen our Hood spirit at today’s Quad party. Many smiles and good spirits...snow cones and baby goats .

We had such a great Sunday with these wonderful Hood alums, parents and friends. Thanks to trustee Jewel Smith ’96 for hosting us!!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The following letter is adapted from President Debbie Ricker’s inaugural address, delivered on October 18, 2025.

Dear friends, This issue of Hood Magazine is not just about the inauguration of a new president. It’s about the reaffirmation of a shared mission we must all uphold. It’s about our collective commitment to Hood College and the next chapter of a story that has been unfolding for generations.

When I walk across campus, I feel the weight—and wonder—of traditions created by those before us. I see it in our historic buildings that hold decades of scholarship and discovery; in the names of the visionaries and teachers who inspired our students; and in the faces of our alumni, who carry Hood’s spirit into every profession, every community and every corner of the world.

Hood College is a college of legacy. But it is also a college of infinite possibilities. We are at a hinge point in history. The world our students will inherit is complex, fast changing and not without its challenges.Yet I believe the role of higher education remains timeless: to illuminate truth, cultivate wisdom and prepare engaged citizens.

The question before us is not whether this work still matters, but whether we have the bold courage to do it. I believe the answer must be yes—because education is the most powerful tool for building bridges across divides, igniting innovation and unleashing the potential of every human being.

Our tradition gives us roots, but our future gives us wings. And I know Hood College is ready to fly.

Sincerely,

Debbie Ricker, Ph.D. PRESIDENT

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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NEWS MAKERS

Hood College Receives National Science Foundation Grant for Biotechnology Training Program Hood College has been awarded a $999,850 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Experiential Rana Khan, Ph.D. Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program to launch the Innovative, Immersive Training Program in Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing.

The hands-on training will be aligned with and supported by local industry partners, such as the Maryland Tech Council, AstraZeneca, Kite Pharma, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research and Texcell.

Additionally, planned partnerships with Hagerstown Community College and Frederick Community College will reserve spots in the program for community college transfer students.

Hood College is launching a minor in sports entertainment and marketing.

The new academic program will be offered jointly through The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business and the Department of English and Communication Arts.

Led by Rana Khan, Ph.D., director of the Bioscience Research and Education Center (BREC), the three-year project will prepare undergraduate and community college transfer students for high-demand careers in the biotechnology workforce.

This minor will provide students with the knowledge and opportunities necessary to use their passion for sports and entertainment to build a career.

A total of 51 students, 17 annually, will participate in a year-long immersive experience, including specialized coursework, paid summer internships, site visits and site-specific mini-courses.

English Professor Publishes Award-Winning Poetry Collection Dorian Elizabeth Knapp, Ph.D., professor of English and director of the creative writing MFA program, has published her third poetry collection, “Causa Sui.” The collection, released in September

by Three Mile Harbor Press, an independent poetry press based in Stuyvesant, New York, has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the 8th Annual Three Mile Harbor Press Poetry Prize.

“At a time when the arts and humanities are seriously under threat in this country, I’m grateful for small presses like Dorian Elizabeth Three Mile Harbor Knapp, Ph.D. Press and for the wonderful literary community we’ve built here at Hood,” said Knapp.

Winner of the 8th Annual Three Mile Harbor Press Poetry Prize

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Hood College Launches Sports Entertainment and Marketing Minor

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

The interdisciplinary minor is open to students from any undergraduate major but will be especially attractive to those already pursuing degrees in business, finance, integrated marketing communication or communication arts. The 18-credit program also includes the option for students to pursue a hands-on internship with a local sports or entertainment organization.

“Our sports entertainment and marketing minor will provide students with the knowledge and opportunities necessary to use their passion for sports and entertainment to build a career in a rapidly growing industry,” said Marc Dupont, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, who will serve as the inaugural program coordinator for the minor.

NEWS MAKERS

Hood College Faculty Awarded State Grants to Advance Computer Science Education in Early Childhood Classrooms

Jennifer Cuddapah, Ed.D., (left) and Marisel Torres-Crespo, P’18, Ph.D. (right).

Hood College is proud to announce that two faculty members have been awarded grants from the Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE) to develop and implement innovative approaches to computer science education.

Jennifer Cuddapah, Ed.D., professor of education, will lead the grant project, titled “Pre-Service Interns Learning to Enhance Pre-K Student Literacy Development Through Chatbots and Reading Buddies.” The project will train preservice teacher interns to use AI-powered chatbots and reading buddy systems to support literacy development among pre-K students.

Marisel Torres-Crespo, P’18, Ph.D., professor of education, will lead a project titled “Enhancing Pre-K Teachers’ Understanding of Computational Thinking: Through a Flipped Pre-K Teacher

Professional Development Approach.”

This unique program introduces a flipped model of professional development in which pre-K teachers engage directly with adapted computational thinking lessons from the Computational Action Learning Curriculum before receiving formal training.

The initiative—and the projects by Cuddapah and Torres-Crespo—aim to enhance early literacy outcomes and prepare Hood’s education graduates to use innovative tools in Frederick County Public Schools and beyond.

Associate Professor of Journalism Documents Violence Against Journalists in New Book Elizabeth Atwood, Ph.D., associate professor of journalism, is the author of an upcoming book that documents the history of fatal assaults on American journalists.

“Deadline: 200 Years of Violence Against Journalists in the United States” is the first comprehensive history of fatal assaults on journalists in America. It tells the stories of 79 reporters and editors

who were killed because of their work between 1829 and 2023.

Atwood was inspired to write the history following the attack on the Annapolis Capital in 2018, in which five newspaper employees, including a former colleague of Atwood’s, were killed.

“Deadline” will be released in November 2025.

Elizabeth Atwood, Ph.D.

Hood College Campus Featured in “The Conjuring: Last Rites” Hood College made a cameo in the new blockbuster horror film “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” Eagle-eyed moviegoers may have noticed the iconic clustered spire of Coffman Chapel and other Hood buildings surrounding the Quad on display during an early scene in the film.

Frederick-based videographer Michael DeMattia captured the drone footage of Hood’s campus, which was subsequently used by the filmmakers. DeMattia said the production team contacted him after seeing a drone photograph he had taken of Coffman Chapel on a snowy evening, citing the symmetry of Hood’s campus and scenic mountain backdrop.

DeMattia did three follow-up film shoots with his drone, seeking the perfect balance of lighting, framing and timing

before submitting the footage to Warner Bros. The clip of Hood can be seen about 15 minutes after the title card.

“It’s surreal to think this all started from one photo I shared. Now, Frederick and Hood have a permanent spot in the final chapter of a major horror franchise,” said DeMattia.

Follow @mike­—d on Instagram to see more aerial photos of Hood College and Frederick.

Film still courtesy of Michael DeMattia and Warner Bros.

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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NEWS MAKERS

Hood Has It All

C OLBY MC CAR THY ON THE FU T URE OF ADMISSIONS. This summer, Colby McCarthy joined Hood College as vice president for enrollment management. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, she brings deep insight into what today’s students are looking for and how colleges can respond with purpose and creativity. In this conversation, Colby shares how the College is adapting to a changing admissions landscape and why she believes Hood’s blend of academic excellence, opportunity and community makes it a place that’s truly worth the work.

When you think about what makes Hood unique, what stands out to you?

We have a great staff who are wonderful ambassadors for Hood College. We are looking to get them in front of as many prospective students as possible.

Many of our recruitment activities will be centered around building relationships with prospective students and the other influencers in the decision-making process: their families, school counselors and teachers. We are trying to build our social media presence and also be very intentional on where we are placing digital advertisements, so that we are in front of students who will be successful and happy at Hood.

What makes Hood unique for me is that the College integrates a traditional liberal arts education with professional studies.

I am a strong believer in the power of a liberal arts education and the advantages it provides to graduates as they progress through their careers. The ways we integrate programs here at Hood and provide opportunities for students to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in an expedited time period are unique for a small institution.

Add in the supportive community that we have, our amazing location, a ton of experiential learning opportunities and an absolutely beautiful campus, and Hood really has it all.

The college search process has changed a lot in recent years.

How is Hood adapting to meet students where they are, both digitally and personally?

It can be difficult to connect with students during the college search process, as they are receiving information from many different schools and sources. We are trying to diversify the sources from which we develop our pool of interested students, looking beyond the traditional methods that have fed the enrollment funnel in the past. We are also expanding our recruitment travel to personally connect with as many students as possible.

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What advice would you give to a high school student who’s just starting to explore colleges?

Hood’s blend of academic excellence, opportunity and community make it a place that’s truly worth the work.

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

My advice is to keep an open mind and explore all kinds of schools. So many students go into the process thinking they know what type of school they want to attend only to realize when they get there that it wasn’t a good fit. College visits are a great way to get a feel for an institution. Ask a lot of questions, talk to students, staff and faculty, and eat the food. Try to identify what is important to you as a student and a person, and find the best fit for you.

Try not to get overwhelmed. There is so much information out there, but just take it one step at a time.

NEWS MAKERS

What’s your vision for the next generation of Hood students?

Have you had a favorite moment on campus so far, either big or small?

What I have learned is that a Hood education has been transformational for so many students. I want to see students who come with curiosity and excitement and have them continue to be transformed. I want them to be proud of being Hood students. I think Hood has such a rich and diverse community already, and I want to see that community grow.

My favorite moments so far have been the Dinking Ceremony and Convocation for the new students who started at Hood this fall. The start of the academic year is always a favorite time for me, but this year, it is even more special. We are beginning our journey at Hood together, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of us.

As a vice president, what are some of your goals or top priorities for the upcoming year?

My goals are to get Hood out there in front of prospective students as much as possible and to hit our targets for new first-year and transfer enrollments with students who will bring as much to the Hood community as they get out of it.

My top priority is to create and implement a recruitment plan that achieves these goals. Hood College and all those who are part of the Hood community have accomplished so much, but there is such potential to accomplish more. I am so excited to be a part of the realization of that potential and be part of a senior team that stewards Hood forward.

How can alumni and friends support the future of admissions at Hood?

We are beginning our journey at Hood together, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of us.

Alumni and friends are so important to us in admissions. They are the proof of what can be accomplished with a Hood education and are our ambassadors out in the world. Help us get the word out about Hood College, and please stay involved on campus. There are so many ways to support our students and the Hood community. Finally, keep doing great things and letting us know.

SHOW YOUR HOOD PRIDE Shop t-shirts, sweats, athletic gear, totes, hats and more online or in store.

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hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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NEWS MAKERS

WORTH THE WORK. STUDENT AND ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES

After being named the 2025 Frederick County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Hood alumna ALonna SowardPuryear ’19, M.S.’24, was further honored at the state level as the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Soward-Puryear, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary/special education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Hood, currently serves as a fourth-grade

PHOTO COURTESY OF FCPS.

My time at Hood gave me such a foundation to use within my teaching journey. Another huge part of my growth came from the hands-on experiences, such as working in Hood’s preschool and getting into classrooms.

ALonna Soward-Puryear ’19, M.S.’24

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PHOTO COURTESY OF RIC DUGAN/ THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST.

ALonna Soward-Puryear ’19, M.S.’24, Named Maryland Teacher of the Year teacher at Monocacy Elementary, where she completed her teaching internship as a Hood student.

“This recognition is incredibly personal,” said Soward-Puryear. “I’m honored to represent FCPS and uplift the amazing work happening in our schools every day.”

Soward-Puryear points to the strong faculty mentors she had at Hood as a key to her success. Soward-Puryear was also able to build off her undergraduate degree while pursuing a master’s at Hood, which challenged her to think differently—not only in the classroom, but also in the broader school community.

“My time at Hood gave me such a foundation to use within my teaching journey,” said Soward-Puryear. “Another huge part of my growth came from the hands-on experiences, such as working in Hood’s preschool and getting into classrooms. Those moments being mentored by experienced teachers and working directly with students were essential to my program.”

The Teacher of the Year receives a variety of prizes from the State and FCPS, including professional development opportunities and recognition at a state-hosted banquet. The Teacher of the Year’s home school also receives special recognition throughout the year.

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

Soward-Puryear celebrates with students at Monocacy Elementary School.

“ I hope to support fellow educators as we work toward creating spaces where all students can thrive.”

“In this role, I want to advocate for classrooms where every student feels seen, supported and inspired,” said Soward-Puryear. “I hope to support fellow educators as we work toward creating spaces where all students can thrive.”

Read our full Q&A with ALonna Soward-Puryear ’19, M.S.’24. hood.edu/soward-puryear

NEWS MAKERS

WORTH THE THE JOURNEY

Tamsin Moore ’28 Featured in Poetry Magazine Tamsin Moore ’28 is a sophomore English major at Hood College. Her poem “Lana Del Rey on Country Roads” was published in the January issue of Poetry Foundation’s world-renowned Poetry Magazine.

“It feels surreal,” said Moore. “I’ve been a fan of Poetry Magazine for years, so it was thrilling to see my name written on those familiar pages. I’m so grateful Poetry chose to give this platform to my words.”

In writing the poem, Moore was informed by a universal experience, the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Moore experienced this firsthand after moving from rural Pennsylvania to attend Hood College. “‘Country Roads’ was inspired by an experience that all of us here at Hood have

As part of the English major, Moore is pursuing a concentration in literature. In addition to taking courses in American and British literature, Moore has enjoyed extracurricular outlets like The Blue and Grey student newspaper and Wisteria, the student-run literary magazine. And she has every intention of continuing to work on her poetry and creative writing.

Tamsin Moore ’28

known—growing up, moving on and making peace with a new stage of life,” said Moore. “It is grieving for this first of many endings. It is a celebration of everything still to come. Most importantly, this poem is a thank you to a very good friend for the conversations we had then.”

“Knowing that others can take part in this act of creation with me, read this piece of me and form it into a narrative of their own is intimidating and exhilarating all at once!”

Read the full story and watch a video of Moore reading her poem. hood.edu/tamsin-moore

WOR TH THE LAT E NIG HTS

CHAMBERLIN ’25 WINS 1 CASEY PORTZ PRIZE GORHAM ’26 AND ELLA HAMILTON 2 ALISA ’26 COMPLETE REU PROGRAM

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3 EDUCATION MAJORS VISIT NAVAL STEM ACADEMY

4 BLAZERBLOOM BIOLOGY TEAM WINS NATIONAL ALGAE PRIZE

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4

Read these stories and more to learn why a Hood education is worth it. hood.edu/worth-the-work-stories

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G I V I N G BAC K

Outdoor Stage for Early School Honors Alumna Ginny Hecklinger ’56 A fixture at many Hood College alumni events, Virginia “Ginny” Turnbull Hecklinger ’56, P’81, G’08, now has a permanent presence on Hood’s campus at the Onica Prall Laboratory School, home of Georgetown Hill Early School (GHES), in the form of an outdoor stage.

In 2024, friends and family made contributions toward the stage’s construction for Hecklinger’s 90th birthday, celebrating her decades-long commitment to Hood and her passion for early childhood education. Hecklinger was thrilled to see the

new performance venue and was even treated to a premiere of the “Three Little Pigs” this past spring.

“The outdoor theater offers children a unique, enriching environment to explore their creativity, build confidence and connect with others through performance,” said Shelby Monsini, director of GHES at Hood. “This beautiful outdoor setting stimulates imagination and sensory experiences, promoting social development, teamwork and self-expression.”

For her 91st birthday in September 2025, Hecklinger gathered with family and friends on campus, where they enjoyed watching the preschoolers at GHES sing Happy Birthday to Ginny in English and Spanish during playtime at the outdoor theater.

Hood College is grateful for Hecklinger’s generosity across the decades and sends a warm congratulations for her upcoming 70th reunion in June 2026.

From left to right: Ginny Hecklinger ’56, P’81, G’08, (center) with friends, family and Hood staff at the outdoor theater; the plaque honoring Hecklinger; a GHES student presents Hecklinger with flowers.

Bernard Gerrard ’91, M.S.’00, Establishes Pay It Forward Scholarship Alumnus Bernard Gerrard ’91, M.S.’00, has established a scholarship to support students, while also allowing them to pay it forward. Students with demonstrated financial need will be awarded $1,000. The award will then be split up: $900 will be applied to the student’s tuition balance, and the remaining $100 will be given to the student to pass along to the charity of their choice. The College will provide a list of recommended charities.

Gerrard felt Hood was an ideal place for this unique type of scholarship, especially given Hood’s commitment to serving the local community. “I hope this approach will encourage other donors to help hard-working, dedicated students,” said Gerrard.

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New Endowment Supports Study of Visual Poetry Hood College is thrilled to announce the establishment of the janet jai Memorial Fund for Visual Poetry. The fund has been made possible thanks to an endowment from Richard Krepski.

The fund will support students and faculty at Hood working within the field of visual poetry, which combines graphic arts and poetic texts. Students in both Hood’s undergraduate English program and graduate creative writing program will be eligible to receive funding.

“We are grateful to Mr. Krepski for his generous gift, which will enable us to carve our niche in an innovative literary genre,” said Dorian Elizabeth Knapp, Ph.D., professor of English and creative writing MFA program director at Hood College.

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

Krepski established the fund in memory of his late wife, janet jai, a writer, artist and activist who frequently created hybrid works of visual poetry. jai was janet jai an early member of the Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange and presented her work around the world.

At Hood, students have numerous opportunities to engage with poetry.

The new fund will allow for more cross-disciplinary work within the humanities.

G I V I N G BAC K

Donors Expand Patricia Feiser Sanner ’38 Science Scholarship Fund The scholarship was created to assist students who major in the sciences.

It is awarded primarily based on academic merit and residency in Frederick County, Maryland.

Patricia Feiser Sanner ’38

Barbara and Bob Sanner recently made a generous contribution to enhance the Patricia Feiser Sanner ’38 Science Scholarship Fund. The endowed scholarship was established in 2002 by siblings Jane Sanner Hartman, Elizabeth Sanner Williamson and Robert “Bob” Sanner in honor and memory of their mother.

Pat was a lifelong supporter of Frederick, Hood and our students.

Patricia Feiser Sanner ’38 grew up in Woodsboro, Maryland, and had numerous family connections to Hood alumnae, including her sister, aunt and cousin. During her time on campus, she studied home economics and participated actively with The Blue and Grey student newspaper.

Pat was a dedicated and engaged alumna. Both she and her husband Charles Sanner served at different times on the Hood Board of Trustees.

She held several roles, including class reporter and reunion class chair for the Class of 1938. She was also a member of the Alumnae Executive Committee.

She lived much of her life in Frederick, including many years in a home at the corner of Rosemont Ave. and West College Terrace, directly across from the College’s western entrance. She always felt lucky that she earned her degree and Hood remained open during the Great Depression, a time when many small colleges closed.

The named scholarship fund continues to be a testament to her legacy and support of Hood.

Create a Legacy of Worth Your IRA and Donor Advised Fund (DAF) can maximize the impact of your charitable gifts to Hood College now—and in the future.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR HOOD AND OUR STUDENTS:  Use

your IRA rollover or DAF grant recommendation to make a gift today.  Name Hood as the beneficiary of your IRA or DAF to ensure a gift

for tomorrow.

Adding or updating your beneficiary is as easy as requesting a form from your policy administrator.

To learn more, visit hood.giftplans.org or contact Meg Kula ’01, CFRE.

kula@hood.edu | 301-696-3513

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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L E A R N I N G C U RV E

From Hypothesis to Practice to Publication STUDENT-FACULTY RESEARCH IN ACTION

tolerance than the ones in the wild—that difference is the crux of the paper we just published.

Riley Fitz

Riley Fitz ’24, M.S.’25, and Eric Annis, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and director of the environmental biology program.

Riley Fitz ’24, M.S.’25, has a real passion for lab work—one that’s taken her from Hood’s campus to the Gulf of Maine and beyond. A 4PLUS student, Fitz earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy as well as a master’s degree in environmental biology from Hood. She spent a summer at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine, conducting research on lobster larvae alongside Eric Annis, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and director of the environmental biology program.

Their research culminated in a presentation at the Benthic Ecology Meeting and a scholarly article published in “Global Change Biology.”

Fitz was recently involved in a project that discovered a new species of fungi and had the unique opportunity to name it­—Microdochium tavernarelis, a tribute to her grandfather, who gave Fitz her first microscope. We sat down with Fitz

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and Annis to discuss their collaboration, the value of hands-on learning and all things lobster larvae.

What did your research project involve?

Eric Annis

We received National Science Foundation (NSF) funding to do a project looking at what kind of temperatures lobster larvae can tolerate. There’s an important climate change tie-in because as the oceans are getting warmer, we need to know how the species, which is valuable economically, will respond. We dug in on these planktonic larval stages and looked at the temperature range that they can tolerate. People almost always raise larvae in the lab, but what we discovered was that the ones raised in the lab have a very different temperature

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

I wanted to initially look into diet and water temperature to see how that would affect the lobsters and their thermal tolerance. Typically, lobster larvae are raised on a diet of brine shrimp.

Instead, we caught zooplankton from the Gulf of Maine, which would be their natural food in the wild. We fed that to the wild larvae and raised them at a temperature consistent with what labbred larvae experience. The result was that they could tolerate hotter and colder temperatures than the larvae reared on brine shrimp. But when it came to ambient water temperature and trying to simulate the temperature fluctuations in the Gulf of Maine, we were not getting survival of those larvae, so we weren’t able to test that factor.

L E A R N I N G C U RV E

How did your research inform the paper you published?

EA

Riley was at the Bigelow Laboratory in Maine for the summer through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. She did her experiments and analyzed her data, which was a much more independent project. Riley presented her research at Bigelow Laboratory’s summer symposium. We revised that a bit and reanalyzed a few things and then she presented again at the Benthic Ecology Meeting in Miami. The design of the project was so big that we had to work on it for three years before we had all of the numbers we needed to publish the actual paper, but Riley’s work made an important contribution to the story.

What are the benefits— personal, professional, academic—of completing a research project like this?

RF

It definitely helps going into the job market. In terms of what I want to do, which is research, it’s nice to have publications and be able to point to something and say, “I worked on this. I collected this data. I analyzed it.” Academically, it furthers what I potentially want to do in law school or a Ph.D. program. It helps to have multiple publications. Ultimately, I will have material from different areas of expertise, and that shows range.

How will the scientific community be able to use this research?

EA

I think that people in the lobster science community will incorporate this into models used to predict the transport of larvae from one place to another— models that look at how the population is going to shift with climate change.

I’d like to see some reevaluation in the broader field of larval biology. Have lobster biologists been doing it wrong for 100 years, or is this a wider issue?

Why would you encourage other Hood students to pursue student-faculty research?

RF

There are a lot of great opportunities out there, but having a relationship with a faculty member when applying for an internship means that they’re going to look at your application and they’re more likely going to choose you. Being able to foster a relationship makes it simpler to navigate. Applying for internships can be scary, especially for students—it was scary for me! But knowing that Professor Annis was there made it a lot easier in terms of the application process.

EA

One thing that I’ve really enjoyed with this project is having the opportunity to take students through the whole process. It starts with defining the hypothesis that you’re going to test and writing up a proposal for it, then developing how to test the hypothesis. We do the experimental work hands on, analyze the data and present it to the scientific community.

There are cool opportunities to do research in different environments. Finally, we get to the point where the research is actually coming out in publication. We did three summers worth of experiments to get the data for this paper, then it takes another year just to get it written

Copepod (zooplankton), the diet of lobster larvae, are a group of small crustaceans found in the Gulf of Maine.

up and analyzed before starting the publication process and going through peer review.

RF

As a student, figuring out a hypothesis and how you’re going to analyze the data on your own is intimidating. Having a faculty member who’s able to guide you through that process, while also letting you know that you can make it your own, is what I really liked. It gave me a foot in the door in terms of independent research projects, and I’ve been able to expand on that with my Departmental Honors project, other internship opportunities and now my job.

What is the value of conducting real-world, hands-on research in the field and away from campus?

RF

Fieldwork gave me the experience I need to inform my future career decisions and other internships I apply for. Just having an experience to know what you like or don’t like, then being able to add more to your resume, makes it valuable. This internship taught me that I love lab work.

Being able to do your own independent research and show that you were doing a lot of different things is what’s so great about this project. I was working in the lab, but I could also go out on the boat— even though I had to take seasickness medication!

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T H E G R A D U AT E S C H O O L

G O I N G B E YO N D T H E D E G R E E

Hood’s Skill Accelerator Badge Program is Shaping the Future of the Workforce.

By Melissa DiMercurio, Skill Accelerator program coordinator

According to ADP’s HR Trends and Priorities for 2025 report, 94% of employers say skills-based hires outperform those picked for their degrees or years of experience. That’s a clear wake-up call: the workforce is transforming, but Hood College is already leading the charge.

Last year, The Graduate School at Hood College launched its Skill Accelerator badge program, a flexible way for professionals to master the skills that employers demand, which has quickly become a launchpad for success in a skills-first economy.

Stacking Skills and Building Futures The Skill Accelerator program has curated a path to earning targeted, meaningful credentials through badges, a digital stamp of mastery earned by completing graduate-level courses. These badges are awarded through Milestone™, a digital platform that makes it easy to showcase achievements on LinkedIn, resumes or personal portfolios.

Whether diving into leadership, project management, finance, trauma-informed care, education or cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence (AI), Hood’s program grows professionals from foundational knowledge all the way to advanced expertise. And it’s not just

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Hood’s badge program offers professionals a way to build and show mastery in fast-growing fields like AI and data analytics, helping them stay competitive, relevant and ready for whatever the future holds. about what is learned—it’s about what employers actually want.

Here’s what makes these badges stand out: •M icrocredential impact: Badges represent skills vetted and valued by industry leaders.

•D esigned for life: Badges are earned one by one to fit learning around busy schedules.

•S tack to succeed: Badges can be combined or stacked to build toward bigger goals, like advanced certificates or even a master’s degree.

•B uilt for the real world: Curriculums are crafted around practical frameworks employers seek right now.

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Skills-Based Learning Matters More Than Ever The pace of change in today’s workplace is dizzying with AI and new technologies. For example, 85% of workers believe AI will impact their jobs within the next two to three years (ADP). This means the ability to learn new skills continuously isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential.

Many employers are shifting their focus from degrees to demonstrable skills, but making that shift isn’t easy. Most hiring processes still lean heavily on traditional credentials, leaving a gap between what companies want and what job seekers can prove. That’s exactly where Hood’s badge program comes in, offering professionals a way to build and show mastery in fast-growing fields like AI and data analytics, helping them stay competitive, relevant and ready for whatever the future holds.

T H E G R A D U AT E S C H O O L

Badges in Action: Real Stories, Real Impact As a senior analyst with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Anthony Lombardi spends his days supporting high-stakes efforts to identify and rescue child victims of online exploitation.

While pursuing his M.S. in cybersecurity at Hood College, Lombardi said, “Skill Accelerator badges not only help me highlight the skills I’ve gained throughout the cybersecurity M.S. program, but also serve as a tangible reflection of my progress.”

These badges allow professionals like Lombardi to showcase their technical expertise in areas such as digital forensics, network security and data analysis, making their continued value visible far beyond a transcript.

Thanks to the Skill Accelerator program, Joe Hawkins, a social studies teacher at Linganore High School, can more easily navigate complex national certification processes. These micro-courses, which are each tied to a badge in the program, offer targeted instruction, practice and personalized feedback. “If I hadn’t participated in Skill Accelerator, I probably would’ve given up,” Hawkins shared.

Like Lombardi, Hawkins’ story shows the power of this new model: it’s responsive, career-aligned and designed to meet professionals exactly where they are.

TOP FIVE TIPS TO BOOST YOUR CAREER 1. REFRESH YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE. Make sure your profile reflects your current skills, experience and goals.

A strong headline, updated photo and clear summary can make a big difference. Be sure to post your achievements and regularly engage with your network—LinkedIn is a social media platform, after all!

2. TAP INTO YOUR ALUMNI NETWORK. Reaching out to former classmates or attending alumni events can open unexpected doors. Many job opportunities come through personal connections.

3. PERSONALIZE YOUR OUTREACH. When reaching out to a company, tailor your message. A thoughtful, specific note is more likely to get a response than a generic one.

4. INVEST IN ONE NEW SKILL. Consider taking a short course or certification in a tool or topic that’s relevant to your industry. Even small additions to your resume can set you apart.

5. SCHEDULE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS. Short, informal conversations with people in your field can lead to valuable advice and even job leads or referrals. When it comes to landing a new job or enhancing your career, success comes when you invest time and energy into it.

Education Meets Evolution By blending academic rigor with realworld relevance, the Skill Accelerator program is a sign of education evolving to meet the needs of a changing workforce. As employers demand more than a degree, Hood College is helping learners show, not just tell, what they can do. In a world where skills are the new currency, Skill Accelerator offers a clear path to future-ready careers—one badge at a time.

Melissa DiMercurio is Hood’s Skill Accelerator program coordinator.

With more than a decade of experience in corporate communications and as the founder of Avanti Communications, DiMercurio brings a unique blend of agency expertise, entrepreneurial perspective and a deep understanding of employer needs.

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T H E G R A D U AT E S C H O O L

A Life of Learning Q&A WITH JOHN BREWER III, M.S.’85, M.S.’16, M.S.’20, M.S.’25, C’16, C’24 John Brewer III, M.S.’85, M.S.’16, M.S.’20, M.S.’25, C’16, C’24, earned his fourth master’s degree from Hood in September. With no signs of slowing down, the lifelong learner joined us to discuss how his Hood education informed the trajectory of his career and why even in retirement he can’t seem to stay out of the classroom.

What inspired you to pursue your first degree at Hood?

My first degree from Hood was a master’s in administration and management.

I was teaching high school in Montgomery County, and my employer required that all teachers hold a master’s degree.

I decided to pursue this one from Hood, as it was in a similar field as my undergraduate degree in business and finance.

Can you walk us through the timeline of your degrees from Hood and what motivated each one?

Some years after my first Hood graduate degree, I joined the curriculum support office for information technology programs at MCPS. I was starting to miss being on the other side of the classroom. I enrolled in Hood’s master’s in information technology program, and I

was able to dovetail the requirements of that degree with Hood’s cybersecurity certificate.

The cybersecurity courses made me hungry to achieve more in that field. I transferred credits from the certificate into the full cybersecurity master’s program.

I couldn’t help noticing there were still quite a few courses within the computer science department I hadn’t yet taken that looked rather fascinating. By pursuing Hood’s M.S. in management information systems, I could take many of those courses along with some business topics closely aligned with my original degree fields. I was again able to choose my electives so that I could simultaneously complete the requirements for a graduate certificate in project management.

Have your Hood degrees influenced your career trajectory?

Holding that first graduate degree was a prerequisite to applying for a department head position, which I did attain. The second degree in IT helped ensure that I maintained the knowledge and skills needed to effectively perform the job. I don’t think I ever felt out of my league serving in that position, largely because of what I learned at Hood.

Make Your Next Move Matter Graduate programs in nursing, health informatics, computing and more—built for impact and designed for working professionals.

hood.edu/graduate 16

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Can you share a moment when your education from Hood made a real difference in your life or work?

There have continually been occasions when things I learned allowed me to work more efficiently and effectively.

Better understanding of computers and networks allowed me to think through problems and quickly solve them. I took recent courses in artificial intelligence, and it has awakened me to the uses of AI in my personal life. I’m only scratching the surface with all it can do.

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about going back to school—maybe wondering if it’s worth the work?

My advice would be to go for it. You’ll find helpful, caring instructors as well as other students who will help you reorient to going back to school. The work is interesting, and the knowledge gleaned is worth every minute of your time. You’ll probably get an endorphin surge when you complete an assignment that you thought impossible at the start—it might even get you that next promotion.

FREDERICK FOCUS

Hood Shines at Frederick’s Inaugural Pride Parade For the first time in its history, Frederick hosted an official Pride Parade—and Hood College was proud to be a part of it. Organized by The Frederick Center, the inaugural parade brought thousands of people downtown to celebrate and kick off the annual Frederick Pride festival. Hood faculty, staff, students, alumni and family marched under the College’s banner, showing support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. The evening marked a milestone for Frederick and a meaningful moment for Hood, reflecting the College’s commitment to

The evening marked a milestone for Frederick and a meaningful moment for Hood, reflecting the College’s commitment to equity and belonging for all members of our community.

Cassutto ’19 and Martin Scarborough ’17, who continue to lead efforts for advocacy, education and community care in their roles at The Frederick Center and beyond. It is Hood’s goal and promise to ensure that all students and members of our community feel seen, heard and valued.

equity and belonging for all members of our community. Hood is also proud of alumni like Kris Fair ’13, Glorie

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S TA N D O U T S

Work Worth Celebrating.

OUTSTANDING RECENT ALUMNA

2025 Alumni and Faculty Awards

At Hood, we know meaningful work changes lives—on campus, in careers and in communities. During Reunion Weekend, we honored alumni and a faculty member whose dedication, innovation and leadership demonstrate how hard work leads to real-world impact. Their achievements embody exactly why a Hood education is worth the work.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AWARD

DR. KRISTEN ZARFOS ’75 Dr. Kristen Zarfos ’75 is a distinguished breast surgeon who earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Hood College. She earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her general surgery residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and Baystate Medical Center. In 1987, she became the first female general surgeon at Middlesex Hospital in Connecticut. Dr. Zarfos has led breast cancer programs at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center and the Hospital of Central Connecticut. She later returned to Middlesex Hospital to further develop comprehensive breast care services.

Throughout her career, Dr. Zarfos has been committed to advancing breast cancer treatment and advocating for

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patients’ rights and well-being, gaining national recognition for her advocacy. In the 1990s, she challenged health maintenance organizations that discharged patients following mastectomies before they were medically ready. Her efforts culminated in a meeting with President Bill Clinton, who acknowledged her work during a State of the Union address, highlighting her as a voice for women with breast cancer.

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ALYSSA MOORE ’10 Alyssa Moore ’10 earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Hood College. She is a dynamic professional with a unique career that spans both the sports and government sectors. Moore earned a master’s degree in sports industry management from Georgetown University. There, she completed internships with the Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Nationals, ultimately securing a position with the Washington Commanders public relations team. After 14 seasons with the team, Moore now manages the press box and coordinates interns for game days.

While managing her career in sports, Moore also pursued opportunities in conference planning and government. She worked as a conference coordinator for the American Society of Civil Engineers before transitioning into the government sector with Leidos, supporting the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. Moore spent a decade at USAMRDC, and in November 2023, she transitioned to a civilian role with the Defense Health Agency, where she manages the service contract review program across the entire agency.

S TA N D O U T S

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE TO HOOD COLLEGE

ELIZABETH BOND BRENNEN ’85 AND SUSAN BOND KEARNEY ’85 Elizabeth “Betsy” Bond Brennen ’85 earned her bachelor’s degree in law and society from Hood. Before beginning her 40-year career in the financial services industry, she held various sales, marketing and management positions for institutions such as Alex. Brown & Sons, Bankers Trust and Deutsche Bank.

Brennen is currently a principal with A.G. Campbell Advisory, a multi-family office with locations in Baltimore, Maryland, and Naples, Florida. She is a practicing Certified Financial Planner™, Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®).

She has served as chair of the FINRA Small Firm Advisory Board and as treasurer of her church. Brennen has served on both the Hood College Board of

Associates and Board of Trustees, chairing both the Finance Committee and the Investment Committee. Additionally, she has acted as reunion class chair and a hostess at alumni events.

Like her twin sister, Susan Bond Kearney ’85 earned a bachelor’s degree in law and society from Hood. In 2009, she earned her master’s degree in educational technology from Loyola University Maryland and has been an affiliate faculty member at Loyola, teaching undergraduate courses on educational technology.

A distinguished educator and leader in both academic and nonprofit sectors, Kearney now serves as the head of school at Harford Day School in Bel Air, Maryland.

Her service to Hood includes many years as a member of the Board of Associates, a class reunion chair, a mentor with the Career Center, alumni event hostess and a 32-year supporter of the Hood Fund.

Susan Bond Kearney ’85 (left) and Elizabeth Bond Brennen ’85 (right).

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD

JOSEPH E. DAHMS, PH.D., BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF ECONOMICS

From left to right: President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., Joseph E. Dahms, Ph.D., and President Emeritus Ronald Volpe, H’15, Ph.D.

Joseph E. Dahms, Ph.D., is a distinguished educator, mentor and leader whose career at Hood spanned 33 years, including nearly a decade as chair of the Department of Economics and Management. Joe, as he is fondly known, is renowned for his erudition, integrity and unwavering commitment to his students and colleagues. His dedication to the transformative power of education—coupled with his resilience as a legally blind individual—has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of students.

Dahms was a tireless advocate for quality academic programs and helped shape the business and economics curriculum at Hood. He not only imparted knowledge to his students, but also instilled the belief that education has the power to change lives.

With deep respect for his intellectual rigor, human warmth and enduring impact, Hood College is proud to honor Joseph E. Dahms, Ph.D., with the title of Beneficial Associate Professor Emeritus of Economics.

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AT H L E T I C S

Blazers Softball Earns No. 3 Seed in MAC Playoffs The softball team posted its best season in more than 12 years, finishing with a 23-18 overall record and an 8-6 mark in conference play. The Blazers earned the No. 3 seed in the MAC Commonwealth playoffs, their first berth since 2021.

During the first round of the playoffs, the Blazers secured a 5-4 win against Alvernia in the elimination round before falling to Messiah. A strong offense was led by Rebecca Gottleib ’25, Kara Heidlauf ’27, Jocelyn Pfleiger ’25 and Hailey Shaffer ’27.

Across the spring 2025 season, Gottleib racked up 48 hits and 15 doubles, with a .450 batting average. Heidlauf completed her second season with five home runs and an on-base percentage of .444. Pfleiger’s three home runs for this season brought her career total to 32, making her the first player in program history to surpass 30 career home runs. Gottleib also set a new program record, throwing 437 career strikeouts. She posted a 13-9 record and recorded 17 complete games.

Two new additions to Blazers softball made an immediate impact. Lizzie McConnell ’28 finished her first season with a .359 batting average. Meanwhile, Sydney Weaver ’28 anchored the team, pitching 81 innings and notching eight complete games.

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h o o d c o l l e g e | h o o d m a g a z i n e | f a l l 2 0Top: 2 5 Hanna Janke ’28. Bottom left: (left to right) Rebecca Gottleib ’25, Kaelyn Blocher ’25 and Jocelyn Pfleiger ’25.

AT H L E T I C S

Rebecca Gottleib ’25 Nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year A key player for Blazers softball, Rebecca Gottleib ’25 was nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year. “My experience as a student-athlete was the best four years of my life,” said Gottleib. “I grew in the sport I love and passed down my passion to my teammates as well as tons of kids from the ages of 4 and up.”

The NCAA Woman of the Year program honors the academic achievements, athletics excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female college athletes from all three divisions. Nominees must have competed and earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport.

At the plate, Gottleib finished her career at Hood as a leader in runs, hits, doubles and strikeouts. On the mound, her 449 strikeouts set a new record—100 more than the next career leader. She was the second in program history to be named

to the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association All-Region team in back-toback seasons. Her conference honors marked three first-team selections and a second-team selection.

“ My experience as a student-athlete was the best four years of my life.”

—Rebecca Gottleib ’25 Gottleib received College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors, Academic All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection, the Eric Devan Outstanding Accounting Student Award and the Hood Athletics President Award. During summers, Gottleib was a member of the coaching staff for multiple Heartbreakers travel teams and Hood softball camps.

Rebecca Gottleib ’25 pitching in the 6-0 win against Penn State Mont Alto.

“Being able to share my knowledge and passion of this sport was a better feeling to me than making it to playoffs for the first time my senior year,” said Gottleib.

New Head Coaches Join Cross Country, Track and Field, and Swimming “As a familiar face to our department, I am pleased to welcome Will Merritt as a full-time interim coach,” said Director of Athletics Susan Kolb, Ph.D. “Coach Merritt brings a wealth of experience, and I am confident he will hit the ground running.”

After serving as interim head coach of the cross country and track and field programs during the 2024-25 season, Will Merritt will continue in his role starting in fall 2025.

The men’s and women’s swimming programs are also welcoming a new coach. Ashley Gardner, who has served as assistant coach for the programs since 2019, has assumed leadership of aquatics.

An accomplished runner, Merritt received multiple Northeast Athletic Conference Selections and was on the Team USA U-20 track and field team.

Gardner led the Blazers to a four-win improvement on the women’s team in dual meets, and the men’s team added a win to their previous total. The women’s team

went 5-7 overall, while the men were 4-7.

Both teams finished 3-5 against Middle Atlantic Conference opponents.

“Ashley is not unfamiliar with leading our swim programs at Hood,” said Kolb.

“She is a veteran coach who will build off the success from the last several years, while also working hard to recruit new athletes.”

Gardner arrived at Hood after serving as head coach and aquatics director of the Waynesboro YMCA. She also served on the Middle Atlantic Zone Team coaching staff for three seasons and was the head Middle Atlantic Zone coach for the Winter 2016 Championship meet in Webster, New York.

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AT H L E T I C S

Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees Andrew Baker ’18 MEN’S GOLF

The 2018 MAC Commonwealth Co-Champion and Co-Player of the Year holds the second-lowest season average and the third-lowest career average. He earned All-MAC Commonwealth Conference honors and Academic All-MAC honors in back-to-back years. After graduating from Hood, Baker spent time on the men’s golf coaching staff before becoming the first assistant golf professional at the Bethesda Country Club.

Jenni Ferris ’02 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL , WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Ferris was a cornerstone of the women’s volleyball program. She earned three bids to the All-Atlantic Women’s Colleges Conference First Team. She sits second for all-time kills, with her record of 1,191 standing almost 17 years. In 2001, she earned the most kills and digs in a season while landing First Team honors. She also had a notable career in the women’s basketball program, with a position in the top 10 of career steals, earning an All-AWCC Honorable Mentions note.

Tim Abercrombie ’09 MEN’S BASKETBALL

A four-year starter during the College’s time in the Capital Athletic Conference, Abercrombie earned Newcomer of the

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Year for athletics and was a key member during the 2007 NCAA Tournament run.

Abercrombie finished his final season as Hood’s Male Athlete of the Year and remains on the leaderboards for career assists and games played. He continues his passion for basketball as the head varsity basketball coach at Linganore High School.

Kristy Erfurdt ’18 SOFTBALL

Erfurdt notched four straight All-MAC Commonwealth accolades, including two second team bids before earning First Team honors.

She had a career .947 fielding percentage and earned top five numbers in career hits, batting average, doubles and home runs. Her impact on the softball community continued after her playing career, and Erfurdt now serves on the Blazers coaching staff.

Hope Bober Corrigan ’81 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL , WOMEN’S SWIMMING, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Corrigan served as a board member for the Campus Recreation Association (CRA), fostering the spirit of good sportsmanship among the Hood community. She continues to serve and teach others as an adjunct professor at Loyola in the Sellinger School of Business. She is founder of the Chesed (Kindness) Committee at the Beth Shalom Synagogue in Columbia, Maryland, which takes on responsibility for family support in times of crisis.

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

ChampionLevel Success Requires ChampionLevel Support.

The Blue & Grey Club relieves financial barriers for Hood’s student-athletes, allowing them to reach both their athletic and academic goals.

Join The Blue & Grey Club today: hood.edu/give Contact Emily VanderWoude, CFRE, senior director of advancement, at 301-696-3708 or vanderwoude@hood.edu for more information.

AT H L E T I C S

FULTON

CHEESEBROUGH

JOHNSON

ALBRIGHT

FACES IN THE CROWD MIA CHEESEBROUGH ’28

TROY FULTON ’24, MBA’27

Cheesebrough was busy this year, playing in all 25 games on the ice and also fitting in some rounds on the golf course. She was named a Krampade All-American Scholar from the American Hockey Coaches Association for her academics throughout the season. Cheesebrough skated in Minnesota for a summer college hockey league that includes Division I and III players from across the country.

Fulton was an ace with the three-pointers this season, scoring nine in a game against Alvernia to tie for the second most in-game points in the program. In the classroom, Fulton was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Honor Court for his work to prioritize academic success. He served as an operations intern with the Frederick Flying Cows and as a student-worker for Hood athletics on gamedays.

KOURTNEY JOHNSON ’26

SKYLAR ALBRIGHT ’27

Johnson finished her first year at Hood in stride, completing seven games with 10-plus points, including a 15-point spotlight game against Hollins. In the second win against Albright in the season series, she grabbed 10 rebounds to propel the Blazers forward. A transfer student from Mongomery College, Johnson earned NJCAA Region 20 Division II All-Region honors and landed Blazer of the Week honors twice during last year’s season.

Albright accumulated almost 60 innings on the mound in his sophomore season and looks to be among the top of the starting pitching staff in the upcoming year. Albright earned Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth Honor Roll and was one of four Blazers to be selected for the College Sports Communicators All-District, nominated by sports information directors and those involved in athletic communications.

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY, WOMEN’S GOLF

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL

BASEBALL

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bold Hope | bright future

Inauguration

THE

OF

PRESIDENT DEBBIE RICKER, PH.D. On October 18, 2025, Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., was formally inaugurated as the 12th president of Hood College. The ceremony, held at the Hodson Outdoor Theater, attracted some 700 guests, including students, faculty, staff, the Board of Trustees, two former Hood presidents and alumni representatives from the Class of 1956 to the present.

Delegates from 28 colleges and universities across the country were also in attendance.

The ceremony featured live musical performances by the Hood College Choir, esteemed guest speakers and a keynote address from President Ricker titled “Bold Hope, Bright Future,” which outlined her vision for the future of Hood College.

“I believe it’s time for Hood College—and all of us in higher education—to dream audaciously,” said President Ricker in her inaugural address. “We must not only sustain excellence but advance it.

We must not only preserve what is

good but create what is great. This is what bright hope and a bold future look like.

“It looks like classrooms alive with curiosity, where faculty ignite imagination and students learn to think critically, work collaboratively and lead change.

It looks like research and innovation that ripple outward—to heal, to solve, to inspire and to transform communities. It looks like opportunity, not limited by background or bank account, but by recognizing talent wherever it’s found. It looks like a campus where every single person knows this: You matter, your story matters, your voice matters, your future matters. And it looks like graduates who leave not just with diplomas, but with a sense of duty—to serve, to lead, to make their world better.

“Hood family, this is our charge.

Working together, we will ensure that Hood College continues to shine as a beacon—of learning, opportunity, service and hope.”

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I N A U G U R AT I O N

f i Anconversation d i ngwithyou r z e b r a President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D. Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., is making moves. She first joined Hood College as provost and vice president for academic affairs in 2016. Now, nearly a decade later, Ricker has begun her tenure as Hood’s 12th president, and she’s ready to propel the College forward with a guiding principle steeped in one of Hood’s core values—hope.

Under President Ricker’s leadership, the College continues to innovate.

The recent launch of the Bioscience Research and Education Center (BREC) has created a hub for workforce development on Hood’s campus.

The new sports entertainment and marketing minor combines courses in business and communications to prepare students for in-demand jobs. During the summer, the Career

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hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

Center offered a series of free career readiness workshops for professionals displaced by federal layoffs. And that’s only the first six months of Ricker’s presidency.

Ricker’s efforts to expand Hood’s reach and foster regional partnerships have not gone unnoticed. She was named as a 2025 Influential Marylander by the Daily Record for her leadership and community involvement. But as you’ll read in the following conversation, Ricker’s focus on serving the needs of students has remained unchanged. Ricker discusses her upbringing, her vision for Hood’s future and why a chance encounter with a baby zebra changed the trajectory of her life.

I N A U G U R AT I O N

Where are you from and where did you grow up?

“Today, we do not just celebrate her inauguration. We honor the path that brought her here and the many moments still to come.

Because with President Ricker, there’s never just one moment—it’s a mosaic of moments that makes Hood College stronger, brighter and better.

— Kate Weir ’26, Student Government Association president

Top left: President Ricker with the poster that shaped her journey as a scientist. Top right: President Ricker age 1.

I was born and raised in the mountains of western North Carolina, in a small town called Mars Hill, about 18 miles north of Asheville. It joins the mountains of upper east Tennessee, and a big part of the Appalachian Trail runs through our county, with some of the most beautiful mountain vistas ever.

I was raised on North Main Street in Mars Hill, and that’s where my parents still live. I own the house right next door to them, which was formerly my grandmother’s house (I still call it Mimi’s house!). It’s a beautiful place, and I love getting back every chance I get.

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in academia and higher education?

I came at it backwards—not an uncommon strategy for me. I’ve always loved science, so I pursued a biology major as an undergraduate. I got my secondary education teaching certification as a backup plan in case a research path didn’t pan out. I wasn’t quite sure where it was going to take me, but I knew I needed to earn a living. Once I started teaching, I absolutely loved it and came back to it after I finished my Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins. I recognized what I was missing in my life, what filled my heart, what I loved and enjoyed, was teaching.

That’s what led me on a path toward higher education. I’ve loved it ever since. It’s a special experience that you have with your students, particularly on a small campus like Hood, where you get to know them, to understand what motivates them and what brought them to your class. It’s a privilege to be a small part of that journey with them as a teacher.

What’s the deal with all the sperm statues in your office?

That’s a tribute to my research. At Mars Hill University, we had to complete a senior thesis. I picked a topic that I had gotten bored with, and I came across a picture of a Quarter Horse mare that had given birth to a genetically pure zebra foal. I knew enough about biology and horses to know that wasn’t normal, but it led me down a path of understanding what zoos throughout the country were doing with assisted reproductive technology—taking genetically pure zebra eggs and zebra stallion sperm and fertilizing them in vitro, collecting the embryos and then using domestic horses as gestational surrogates.

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President Ricker posing for a selfie with the platform party before her inauguration ceremony.

“This is a new chapter for Hood College— one that holds great promise, not just for us students, but for faculty, staff and the broader community. Under President Ricker’s leadership, I know we will continue to thrive, grow and elevate our institution.”

— S amuel Pierre ’16, M.S.’26, Graduate Student Association president

I N A U G U R AT I O N

“President Ricker listens deeply, builds consensus and creates space for collaboration. Just as importantly, her influence extends beyond campus—she is widely respected throughout Frederick for her wisdom, insight and ability to get things done.”

— Marlene B. Grossnickle Young ’76, H’14, P’09, trustee emerita That changed my life because I had no idea it was even possible. The impact this research could have on threatened and endangered species is something that really excited me, so that led me on a journey to understand more about reproduction and development, particularly assisted reproductive technology. And that led me to East Tennessee State University, where I studied sperm motility. Sperm are amazing cells, so I was interested in studying and learning more about them. It’s still a passion for me, and it has become a bit of a novelty. Every biologist needs a favorite cell, and that one’s mine.

How do you plan to leverage your academic/ research background as president?

While I’m not in the lab doing experiments every day, I think research experience, especially at a place like Johns Hopkins University, has sharpened my ability to make datainformed decisions and not be afraid to hypothesis test or beta test. I’m a big fan of data, and it may be qualitative and quantitative data, but we need to make our best decisions informed by what we know. That may shift over time, but to the best extent possible, we can let data inform the decisions we make. To me, that leverages the scientific background I have.

What have your first days as president been like?

Equal parts busy and wonderful! Each day, I have opportunities to celebrate and showcase the hard work of our community members as we support our students and deliver our mission. It’s the best job ever. I’ve especially loved hearing the stories of Hood alumni from across generations. In them, I clearly see the best parts of Hood College. They share stories of how one Hood faculty or staff member helped shape their life in a profound way. Seeing time and again how their journey at Hood impacted their lives in such incredible ways is a powerful reflection of our collective “why.” And I’m so lucky to witness that magic on our campus each and every day.

From top to bottom: President Ricker signing a Memorandum of Understanding for a student-centered partnership with KSV, a college based in India; President Ricker dropping the first puck at a Blazers women’s ice hockey game.

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I N A U G U R AT I O N

What’s a goal you hope to accomplish in your first year as president?

There’s a lot of work to do. We’re keenly focused on changes in the higher education landscape and concerns about enrollment, finance, our programming and how to be responsive to a changing federal and statewide ecosystem. We must remain competitive. We must continue to show the value of a Hood College education—to prospective students and families, to employers, to legislators and to donors. We cannot be a “best kept secret.” Not with the headwinds we’re facing.

In the coming year, that will continue to be my focus. Throughout my tenure as president, my hope is to communicate openly and transparently with this community in a way that makes it clear to everyone what the critical issues are that I see on my dashboard.

I can’t do this work alone. This is our Hood College, and we’ve got to move forward together. As president, I’ll be at my best when I can mobilize all of us around some of those key initiatives, issues and priorities as a community because that’s when we’re our strongest.

From top to bottom: President Ricker with faculty and staff at the Fall Forum; President Ricker receiving a congratulatory dink from students after being announced as Hood’s 12th president.

how is Hood uniquely positioned to meet the challenges facing higher education today?

I’ve always known that one of our greatest strengths is our location, in the City of Frederick and in Frederick County. It’s an enviable location, with equally enviable regional partners from which we draw strength, inspiration and vision. We must continue to lean on our regional partnerships, remain squarely focused on who we are and who we serve, and understand where our strengths lie. We must also remain mindful of market needs and demands and how those align with our natural strengths. We can’t be all things to all people, so we must remain focused on what we do well and redouble our efforts there.

“Debbie understands every facet of what it means to lead and inspire young minds and empower faculty and staff to aspire to even higher degrees of professional development to better serve their students.”

— K eely Cunningham, President Ricker’s stepdaughter

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I N A U G U R AT I O N

Why did you choose “Hope” as the theme of your inauguration?

“Our shared work enriches the College, the city, the county and the state, and these relationships will remain vital as we move forward under President Ricker’s leadership.”

— Tonya Thomas Finton ’78, chair of the Board of Trustees

How do you see Hood’s relationship with Frederick and the broader community evolving during your presidency?

I was born and raised in a small college town, so I have always been keenly aware of the proverbial town/ gown relationship. I’m truly grateful for the strong relationship between Hood College and the Frederick community, which is like no other. Ours is a vibrant campus surrounded and uplifted by an equally vibrant and thriving community. I will do all I can to leverage Hood’s strengths in continued support of regional and statewide economic growth.

What role can alumni play in supporting Hood’s next chapter?

Hood alumni are our strongest, most passionate champions. Our mission lives through them, and I’m so proud to see our alumni flourishing as changemakers in their communities. Likewise, we will continue to welcome Hood alumni back to campus to guide the development of new programs and initiatives as well as frame our future strategic plan. They are as invested in Hood as we are in them.

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Because it speaks to my foremost Gallup strength: positivity! It’s a strength I got from my Mamaw Daisy. Like her, I truly believe that everyone can have a positive impact in the world and that education is instrumental in creating and sustaining hope. Hope is an expectation based on the truth you know and the enduring faith you have. I know that the Hood community will continue to thrive. I know we will continue to think creatively and innovatively about the future and our place in it. I especially know that our students are this nation’s best hope.

I want a Hood College nursing graduate at my bedside when I’m ill. I want commissioned officers from Hood’s ROTC program on the front lines of every conflict. And I want graduates of Hood’s business program to be the leaders and entrepreneurs seeking not just to make money, but to make a difference in our community.

I N A U G U R AT I O N

What would President Ricker say to 10-year-old Debbie?

Ten-year-old Debbie would have been in fifth grade with one of my favorite teachers in my whole academic trajectory, Mrs. Ruby Wallin. She was fierce, she was beautiful, and she was passionate about teaching. I feel grateful and blessed to have had her influence in my life. Mrs. Wallin was a force to be reckoned with, and she taught us to be patriotic, to be passionate, to be empathetic—all of that wrapped in the skin of a 10-year-old girl who’s going through the insecurities and social challenges that you have when you’re emerging into middle school.

What would I tell 10-year-old Debbie?

That girl from Maryland who just moved here and is on the clogging team with you—she will be your best friend for life!

I would also tell 10-year-old Debbie to hang on to the positive things, and the rest will work itself out. All the insecurities that you have really don’t matter in the big scheme of things. That’s what I would tell her. Focus on the good things.

Focus on the positives. Focus on the things that really matter.

From top to bottom: President Ricker at the Parade of Flags; President Ricker receiving the Chain of Office; President Ricker with her best friend Shannon Knight.

“ positivity is a strength I got from my Mamaw Daisy.

Like her, I truly believe that everyone can have a positive impact in the world and that education is instrumental in creating and sustaining hope.”

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HOOD PROUD

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

On May 17, 2025, the Hood College community celebrated the Class of 2025 at the 128th Commencement ceremony.

You are comprised of 270 undergraduate and 224 graduate students.

You come from 13 different states and three countries.

Forty-six of you are legacy graduates, meaning you have a relative who is also a Hood alumni.

Twenty-six of you will be returning to Hood to pursue graduate degrees.

Thirty-eight of you have earned your graduate degree after previously earning your undergraduate degree from Hood.

Ten of you are dedicated Hood employees.

Thirteen of you are military veterans or active-duty service members, including seven newly commissioned cadets from the ROTC program.

As Hood graduates, you learned not just to think critically, but also to act with conscience. You have been shaped by a community that believes in the power of Hope, the promise of Opportunity, the duty of Obligation and the strength of Democracy.

In the words of President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., “Wherever you go from here— whether you’re building businesses, creating art, teaching students, healing bodies or leading change, do it with courage.”

The Hood College community wishes the Class of 2025 all the best in their future pursuits.

It was and will continue to be WORTH THE WORK.

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HOOD PROUD

“ We may not find ourselves under cherry blossom trees on the Quad or searching for lucky black squirrels to help ace our next exam, but we will always remember the joy, love and life found in the harmonies of our community.”

— Isabella DiPetrantonio ’25, class president

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HOOD PROUD

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Photos: 1. Mary Svetz-Juliano ’85, Lia Fowler Boggs ’85 and Lisa Fowler Spencer ’85 2. The Class of 1975 3. President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., Elaine Hubert ’70, Linda Allan ’70, M.S.’78, H’25, and Myra Holsinger ’70 4. Jake Wynn ’15 5. Jasmine Grant ’15, Jada Burton ’15, Jessica Macer ‘15 and Romitta Hoff ’15 (front). 6.

Carla Jackson Hairston ’90, Nancy Gillece ’81 and Fayth Smith Brice ’90. 7. Brenda Main ’80 and Deedee Randall Luttrell ’80, M.S.’86. 8. Owen Rosier ’16, Sarah Tapscott Rosier ’15, Julianne Berg ’15 and Travis Gilbert ’15. 9. The Class of 2015 10. Ann Thomas Phillips ’75, Kristen Zarfos ’75, Nancy Gillece ’81 and Cherilyn Widell ’75. 11. Layla Basile ’20, M.S.’23, Gabriella Basile ’20, Elena Rowe ’21 and Jillian Alvarez ’20.

12. Alumni Executive Board members Sarah Sardina ’23, Zoe Carnegis ’25 and Faith Kiser ’24.

13. The Class of 1975 celebrating after 50 years!

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HOOD PROUD

REUNION WEEKEND 2025

Old Friends, New Stories, Timeless Memories Classes ending in ’5 and ’0 were the reason for the season, but that didn’t stop alumni from many other classes returning to campus to join the festivities.

Kicking off the weekend was “Advancing AI: Practical Applications of Generative AI” with Professor of Management Science David Gurzick, M.S.’03, Ph.D. Attendees earned a Skill Accelerator badge in AI.

On Saturday, President Ricker gave her very first State of the College address and presented the annual reunion awards (Read more on Page 18). The program ended with the singing of the Hood alma mater by Faith Kiser ’24. Then, the Class of 1975 led everyone to the Parisian Picnic on the Quad, reminding all of us that they are “Still Celebrating and Beautiful After 50 Years.”

Friday evening saw the Class of 1975 host their own 50th reunion happy hour in Blazer Hall, where they covered everything in Green, their official class color.

After the Back to the Bay Buffet, alumni were invited to a throwback coffee house, hosted by the Class of 1980.

The afternoon featured class gatherings on the Quad, a ride on a real double-decker bus for a tour of historic Frederick and Sip & Paint. Later, there were three parties to choose from: the B.O.L.D. Happy Hour, the 1893 Club Reception or the STEM Alumni Networking Event in the Hodson Science

and Technology Center. President Ricker managed to attend all three!

Saturday night brought another new event: the All-Class Color Bash in Coblentz Hall. Red, Yellow, Green or Blue, this was the party for ALL alums to eat, drink and dance the night away. Check out the photo booth gallery to see more (QR code below).

The weekend ended with two treasured traditions: Strawberry Breakfast and the Service of Reflection, led by the Class of 1975 in Coffman Chapel. While these two traditions signify the end of Reunion Weekend, they were a testament to the friendships forged at Hood. The main phrase overheard as guests left Blazer Hall was, “I wish this weekend didn’t have to end.”

To see more photos go to HOOD.EDU/REUNION25

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HOOD PROUD

WELCOM WEE Hood College said “Hello!” to 372 new Blazers as we welcomed the Class of 2029 and incoming transfer students. As part of new student orientation, students received their traditional “dink” headwear and formally began the new academic year at the College’s annual Convocation ceremony on August 16.

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Hood Advantage Scholarship undergraduate students

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international graduate students

new graduate students from

14 17 356 countries

states

new undergraduate students

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HOOD PROUD

ME EEK

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Chair of the Board Scholarship undergraduate students

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new graduate students

new undergraduate students from

180

states

2025

Top Five Majors for First-Year Students

Nursing, Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Biology hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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Hello from Alumnae House, I just experienced my very first Hood College presidential inauguration, and I couldn’t be prouder to call myself an alumna. While I was not in the procession of classes, it was a pleasure to help organize this esteemed group.

Though President Ricker has officially been Hood’s 12th president since April, to experience the tradition of her inauguration was immensely gratifying. And yet, it was a weekend like no other because there is no president like Debbie. As an alumna, I welcome her forward-thinking strategies and institutional knowledge, and I am excited for this next chapter in Hood’s story under President Ricker’s leadership.

This summer, we also welcomed a new leader to the Alumni Executive Board (AEB). Joy Miller Beveridge ’82 has just started her term as chair for 2025-27. At the summer AEB meeting, Joy expressed her mission for the board and for all Hood alumni with directness and sincerity—in short, get involved! Attend an alumni event, volunteer to help with a campus effort, offer to mentor a student or chair your class reunion. The opportunities are out there, so all you have to do is say, “Yes.” Have a safe and healthy holiday season,

Kellye A. Greenwald ’86 Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

CLASS NEWS

1956

Condolences to the MacLaughlin family on the loss of their mother Myrle Gorgas MacLaughlin. Pat Lloyd Fordham and her daughter have once again moved to a smaller home with bedrooms on the first floor.

They are working on the house, bringing it up to date with the amenities that make them happy. They are planning a trip to NM in Aug. to see Marge Aronson Dalmas and a trip in Sept. to Pittsburgh to visit Pat’s son and his wife.

My first-year roommate Elaine Green Powell informed me of Dave’s passing last June. Dave was 93, and they had been married for more than 70 years. Elaine has moved but is still in Concord, NH. She has a 1-year-old great-grandson named Owen. Her three children and seven grandchildren are all well, live nearby and visit often. Anita “Nicki” Rossien lives in Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA. She is working on climate change and participates with several other organizations that help keep our country’s democracy going. She is also involved with the local Jewish community and has three great-grandchildren, with the youngest being 8 months old. Hal and I, Johanna Chait Essex, are getting used to apartment living. I have given up driving and now rely on cabs and Uber. Our complex does have a pool, and I do enjoy using it. We had a nice visit with my sister Linda Chait Solomon ’63 and her son Jon last week. We have two great-grandsons, Auggie (1) and Teddy (4), who are both a lot of fun to be around. Auggie is walking, and Teddy will be in pre-K this Sept. Thanks for your responses, stay well and have a good fall season.

Some things just happen. I received a phone call from my senior year roommate Cindy Bromberg Rogers, and she was hoping I would revive the class news for Hood Magazine for fall 2025. Being near Hood, I took on the challenge.

Cindy lives in a senior center in Delray Beach, FL, and likes being near her daughter, who moved to FL to be close. Helen Ward Wheeler, also a roommate for two years, moved to Fort Walton Beach in FL after her husband Jack’s death. She had lived in Annapolis with Jack.

Her daughter and son-in-law persuaded her to move near where they live in a motor home.

She is happy to be close and adjusting well.

Mimi McConnell Milheim and Dr. Irvine Milheim moved to Greenville, PA, eight years ago, where a son and his family live. They have built a house in a senior community. Irv is Mimi’s caregiver in relation to her heart problems. Life is busy with two great-grandchildren in the neighborhood. Barb Tovell Tennant and Bruce live in Greenwood, SC, in Wesley Commons, a continuing care retirement community. Bruce continues to fit bridge in, and Barbara is busy tending 30 bonsai trees. They are happy there and keep up with their family. Becky Eppers Byrd, P’84, lives in the memory care unit at Homewood at Plum Creek, near Hanover, PA. She struggles with Parkinson’s disease. She recognizes most people and loves visits from her new great-grandson. Nancy Gunnett Tyler has been in a retirement home with her caregiver in Brandon Mill Woods in Midlothian, VA. Her daughter lives nearby in the family home. She keeps in touch with Cokey Lanoue Weber in Santa Barbara, CA. Kathy Crook Heidelbach lives at Acts Retirement Center in Sykesville, MD. Her sister Margaret Crook Arnold ’52, who graduated ahead of Kathy at Hood, died this year aged 93. I happily met up with her granddaughter Sarah Wagstaff ’15 at her 10th Hood reunion. I attended Reunion Weekend in June with the new president, Debbie Ricker, Ph.D. I have been asked to represent our class on October 18, when Debbie will be inaugurated as Hood’s 12th president. Such an honor!

Carole Oswald Carter ’56, P’80, P’85, lives near Frederick in Harper’s Ferry, WV. We keep in touch by phone. She has a garden to take care of and a group of friends who visit every week.

Barbara Hanna Pour is settled in at Broadmead outside of Towson. She stays busy, as always, and is happy. We have lost my friend Sandra

Johanna Chait Essex alumoffice@hood.edu

Virginia Turnbull Hecklinger gigiheck@gmail.com

1954

alumoffice@hood.edu

R E C ON N E C T. RELIVE. R E DI S C OV E R .

From non-alumna Dina McCormick: “My dearest friend and your alumna Betsy Oehrle died peacefully in her sleep on April 21 in Durban, South Africa, where she lectured at University of KwaZulu-Natal in music education from 1975-97 and left a deeply respected legacy. Betsy never removed her Hood ring and always loved to recount her years at Hood, reveling in the memory of being voted Outstanding Senior Student and Sports Woman (yes, a White Blazer Girl) and being crowned Hood Princess in 1954. No doubt her enthusiastic love of sport enabled her to live for 92 years.”

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CLASS NEWS

1953

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CLASS NEWS

Newing. Her funeral was in nearby Middletown, where I lived before moving to Homewood.

She and I had some good times together, and I met her family when they came to visit. In 2024, Sue Peters Roetzel Wirths ’56, M.A.’79, G’13, died here at Homewood. Her funeral was local, and I attended it as a good friend. I have three great-grandsons in ND at the International Peace Garden. My granddaughter Mariel and her husband Tim live there, where he is the executive director. They are my joys, and I now have a fourth great-grandson, born just as I finished writing this, with my first great-granddaughter due in Nov.

1957

Martha “Molly” Smith Sperandio mollymom76@gmail.com

Barbara Thomas Yinger: “Our most recent happy time was Bob’s 90th birthday on Aug. 12, eating crabs with our son, grandson and families at a local restaurant.” Carolyn Stevens Amstutz: “I’m doing okay, considering the age!

My eyesight isn’t great, but I am still quite active despite not driving or playing bridge anymore.

My two daughters, their husbands and my grandchildren are all well and presumably happy. We will all be together in Sept. to celebrate my momentous birthday. Can you believe that we all are or will soon be 90? Happy 90th everyone.” Eugenia Smith Durland: “This is the big 90th year for all of us! My kids threw a party for me in June. Three daughters, six grands and three greats made it. I’ve had some bad news lately. In May, I was invited to speak at the annual Colorado Quaker Women’s Retreat.

While there, I had a fall, which resulted in a compression fracture in my thoracic spine. I’ve been dealing with moderate to severe pain ever since. I’m doing physical therapy; still painful with very limited activities so far. Bill and I are enjoying our kids and grands and greats that live around here. Our Quaker Meeting is deeply involved in sanctuary work, which is very satisfying to us. Mara Eksteins Garcia-Bunuel: “I keep in touch with Sheila Davila Dorr. She lives in MD near Annapolis and recently lost her husband.” Nancy Paul Stimson: I had a wonderful 90th birthday party. All my grandchildren and great grandchildren were in attendance.

My granddaughter gave me a Hood College alumni sweatshirt for my birthday. I was amazed to realize the youngest one there was eight months old, and my oldest friend will be 98 in Sept. The gathering spanned almost a century!”

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Roberta Geehan Horton: “Both of us turned 90 this summer, and the family decided to give us a big party between the two days. It was a humdinger, with all kids and grandkids, 25 total attending. We all stayed at the same hotel and had a grand time, with happy hour done by grands and dinner at a swell place and then a champagne and cake celebration after. It was wonderful!”

1958

Marylin Garis Kellow maggiehood1958@gmail.com

Cynthia Williams Bohaker says all is well in ME. In Aug., she will be visiting one daughter and her adult children in NJ. Then they will fly to Phoenix to visit another daughter, then a plane ride in Oct. to CO for her grandson’s wedding.

Her third daughter lives in Kyoto, Japan. Kay Strubblebine Cox has no news, just appreciates hearing about classmates. Jeb Bennett Moran says her situation is no better but no worse.

Carol Huelsen Warrington and husband Bob live close by. Jeb hasn’t traveled recently but has enjoyed lots of company. She welcomed her sixth great-grandchild Daphne, born in NY, and will get to meet her at Christmas. Joan Enterline has been discharged from hospital therapy. Her energy and balance aren’t what they used to be, but she is determined to return to her independent life. Sara Lea Callaway Redmon says her granddaughter recently got engaged to her high school sweetheart. They look forward to welcoming him to the family.

Sara Lea keeps busy with volunteer opportunities, exercise class, gardening and book club.

Mary Allen Reynolds says this is her fixit year.

She has a new left knee to match the right one, so with these new parts, she feels that she should be ready for a few more decades.

Her brother is 97 and calls her promptly at 7:30 a.m. to remind her that he is still around.

Bunnie Potter Richardson keeps busy with church-related activities, plays tennis three times a week and does GeriFit at the senior center. She sings in the church choir and a local choral group. Anne Merrick Vosti is busy with the “trauma and drama” of a big family but feels very blessed compared to much of what is going on in our country and the world. Recently, she had a granddaughter’s wedding on Friday, a 4-year-old great-granddaughter’s birthday party on Saturday and her grandson’s Stanford graduation on Sunday. She says there was a day when she “would have enjoyed all these events without fatigue.” She was looking at photos from days at Hood and says, “What a great college.”

Thanks to everyone who responded with news, even if it was just to say “Hi,” and hopefully others are doing as well as possible. My life in WI is about the same. I still knit every day and enjoy living in my condo. My granddaughter Gracie was admitted to the State Bar. She lives nearby, and I am so proud of her. Love and prayers to all of you and yours.

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Anne Wilson Heuisler aheuisler@comcast.net

Sad news from Linda Mohler Humes: “I have learned that Carol Lumb Allen, trustee emerita, who was my roommate, passed away last year. She is buried in the columbarium in the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.” Nancy

In 10 words or less... ker a great leader?”

“What makes President Ric “Debbie Ricker’s passion for hands-on, experiential learning and student success inspires countless learners.”

—Derrick Harrigan ’07,

MBA’14, Chair of the Board of Associates

“It’s always about the students, and they feel it!”

—Tonya Thomas Finton ’78, Chair of the Board of Trustees

beautiful!). Their son and family are nearby, but Sue’s family is in New England and NYC, while Bill’s are all in the Columbus, OH, area. Sue really misses being a New Englander. She always thought she would be a nurse in ME, have four children and live near the ocean. “I do live near the other ocean!” she said. Judith Moreland Granger still plays in three bridge groups and remembers learning how to play in the Shriner smoker. She has enjoyed a monthly book club group for 18 years and says she cherishes their church community. Rachel Ravey Johnson, while staying at her Canadian island and taking a four-mile solo kayak run, fell on an extremely slippery surface and broke her left leg in multiple places. Blood clots attacked her heart and lungs and practically disabled her. She says she is headed back to that island to kayak again, “whether facing joy or doom!” Mary Faith West Clark died in July 2024. We haven’t been able to find her obituary or any information about her. If anyone can enlighten us, please email the alumni office (alumoffice@hood.edu). Della Wilson Holtzapple wrote that her husband Phil is in Francis House in Syracuse, NY, which she says is “practically a safe house for old upstate medics, and Phil is very happy there.” She added that she is behaving herself with offspring to avoid a nursing home. She says her best friends are her “seven-foot Yamaha and my cat.”

I, Anne Wilson Heuisler, just finished my two terms as president of the Blakehurst Residents’ Scholarship Foundation, a deeply rewarding job. In June, we gave away $207K to 55 grateful employees. I am happy to know that my first cousin’s granddaughter Kathryn Jones is going to Hood, Class of 2029.

1960

Sally Fletcher Murray murraysfm@comcast.net

Lu Young Kelly, in Seattle, WA, is a rare 20+ year survivor of pancreatic cancer. She attributes her longevity to early detection and exceptional medical care. She is social director of her condo, which is within walking distance of most services and a park on Puget Sound.

Lu works with a trainer twice a week and plays bridge with neighbors. Avery Kimerly Burns, in Falls Church, VA, is sad to report the death of Pam Skells Ladley, in Takoma, WA, in June. Pam was Avery’s Hood roommate for two years. Avery enjoyed a summer trip to the vacation home she inherited in MI. She always has a book in hand and is a member of the Congregational

Library Association. Kathy West Straight, in Fairfax, VA, also is a member of the association.

Kathy played senior soccer and basketball until age 78, including scoring a goal in an international game in Mexico. Kathy enjoys bridge and reading and volunteers at her church’s library.

Her daughter Susan lives nearby, but her other three children and grandchildren are scattered, including two grandchildren abroad. Barbara Taylor Hyde, in West Dover, VT, still skis and attends Bone Builders twice a week, a low-impact exercise program for seniors. She is in frequent contact with Anne Ziegler Wareham, who lives in NYC. Barbara and Anne travel together, including a tour of Ireland. Each year, they attend the U.S. Open tennis tournament to watch qualifiers play in the free week preceding the main event. Barbara sees Barbara Bailey Reinhold, who lives nearby, when “Gus” returns to VT from her winter home in FL. Gail Meredith Enright lives in Davidsonville, MD, where she was a founder and volunteer secretary of the Davidsonville Area Civic Association and wrote their newsletter for more than 20 years. Her mobility is compromised, but she has help from a son and daughter who live nearby on sites she gave them. Her fondest memory of Hood is the horse program. She went on to form a 4H riding club drill team, which won a competition at the state fair. Gail has known Rida Dawson Aycock her whole life. Rida lives in Ginger Cove, a senior community near Annapolis. As for me, Sally Fletcher Murray, it was a very sad summer.

Gretchen Beckhelm, in Cedar Rapids, IA, died in June. Gretch was my Hood roommate and a bridesmaid at my wedding. Although we never lived near one another, we got together several times over the years at Hood reunions on campus and mini reunions all over the country with a group of Hood friends. Gretch’s tenure at Hood preceded our student years. During WWII while her father, music director at Hood, was on leave to serve in the Navy, Gretch, her mother and sister lived in Meyran, where Mrs. Beckhelm was housemother. In loving memory of Gretch and her long association with Hood, Maryann Whitehead Scherzo and I purchased a Blazer Brick to be installed on the Hood campus. In Aug., I lost my sister Nancy Fletcher Artlett ’59.

She was my only sibling, my best friend for 86 years. We were incredibly close, augmented by our marrying cousins from Madison County, VA, at a double wedding in Worcester, MA, in 1960.

I will miss her forever, but I am thankful for the fun memories of our incredible journey through life together.

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CLASS NEWS

Fletcher Artlett died on Aug. 4, 2025. Her son David said, “She left us with many happy memories and an elaborate web of friends along the way.” Catherine Brooke Buckingham lives at Fleet Landing retirement community at Atlantic Beach, FL, with her daughter. She loves having four great-grandchildren nearby. Tarun Comegys Johns has been going to physical therapy for ischial bursitis and hamstring tendinitis and is much improved. She traveled to Prince Edward Island with her daughter Lassie to visit her younger daughter Merryman and her family. She also visited her son Eric in FL. Tarun has five great-grandchildren. Nancy Curran Crowley is proud to have had three grandchildren graduate in May: one granddaughter with her doctorate, one with her master’s and a younger grandson from high school. Nancy enjoys staying home and visiting with friends and family. Mary Ann Guild Simmons died peacefully at her home of 30 years in Frederick in June. She was born near Springfield, MA, in 1938 to her birth parents Frank and Blanche Crum.

Her mother died when Mary Ann was 18 months old, and she was placed in the foster care system, as her father could no longer care for her. She was adopted at age 6 by Reuben and Anna Guild of Newton, MA. Mary Ann graduated from Hood College, where she met her husband William, a graduate of Gettysburg College.

They were married in 1959 at Hood College’s Coffman Chapel, settled in Frederick, MD, and had two children. She was a founding member of the Frederick Arts Council in 1963 and an active volunteer in the Frederick community. She served on the board of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for 20 years. She and her husband loved to travel. At age 77, she traveled solo around the world for four months on the Queen Mary 2, thus fulfilling a high school dream. “Midge” hosted many gatherings for her classmates and was a gracious and generous hostess. Gayle Hamilton Blakeslee spent a few days with family, her brothers, all their children and some grandchildren in their little house in CT. She said she drove herself seven and a half hours but will give into age and not do that again. Gayle and I get together occasionally for lunch and catching up. Susan Kuehn Beall and her husband still live in Palo Alto, CA, in the 1910 vintage home they bought in 1975. It is Mediterranean style and all on one floor, so they are “aging in place.” Sue has been fundraising to establish the Palo Alto History Museum, planning for opening spring 2026. The renovation of the historic Birge Clark-designed Palo Alto Medical Clinic has been completed (and it is

CLASS NEWS

1962

Jane Hoskins Bollman jbollman@goeaston.net

I guess in our mid-80s some sad news is to be expected. From Margo Friedman Friedman: “I have the saddest news to report. I lost my beloved husband Sidney on April 3 and my precious brother Richard on July 7.” So very sorry to hear this, Margo. From Liz Decker Rogers: “My news is nothing exciting, just doing my job staying abreast of the aging process.

However, just in case you didn’t hear back from Jody Merritt Watson, Peter died in a hospice setting in early July. I’ve talked with Jody, and she appears to be holding her own. Fortunately, Andre and Nora are nearby and very attentive, and so are the grandkids.” Lynn MacDonough Morrow wrote, “I hope you are all doing better than I am. In my mid-80s, it is no surprise that I have health issues, as some of our classmates didn’t even make it to their 80th birthday. I still remember good experiences at Hood, and I’ve never regretted making the decision to attend.

Sending good wishes to each of you.” Judy Hammond Blatchford says, “I’ve really nothing new to report this time, so cross me off the list.”

No way, Judy. You’re staying on the list! Roger and I had a very nice visit recently with Judy and Parker at their lovely retirement home in PA. She continues, “I guess I’m really slowing down and being too waited on by my family!

It’s good to be here at Big Wolf (the Blatchford camp in the Adirondacks).” Sally Zimmerman is always good for lots of news. She reports, “I enjoyed another trip to Germany and Switzerland earlier this year and attended the spring meeting of the European Unitarian Universalists, then I traveled by train to the wine growing area west of the Rhine and visited family history sites. Back home in Frederick this summer, I am enjoying meditating each morning with my focus on the Locust tree across the street.

This morning (at the end of July), I wrote this haiku: Small locust tree leaves flutter and fill my windows green inspiration.” A nice report from Susan Shinnick Hossfeld: “This year, Carl and I continued with our normal winter plans, with a week of skiing for Carl as a member of the Rotary International Ski Group at Steamboat, CO. Myself and the non-skiers enjoyed the town.

The other week was a family vacation at Snow Mass. We just returned from an enjoyable cruise on the Great Lakes for 12 days, plus several days in Toronto. This summer, we will go on a family vacation to Rehoboth Beach, DE. Both sons,

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Craig and Jeff, are hard at work in their respective engineering and construction management companies. Elizabeth, our granddaughter, will be a sophomore at Clark University in MA and has a job this summer. Jason, feeling better, is back in college and working hard. An update from me, Jane Hoskins Bollman: I too have 85-year-old issues but am managing. I’m still teaching my art class after more than 10 years, enjoying two book clubs and two bridge clubs, and enjoying exercise class (yes, enjoying) three days a week at our retirement home. (My husband Roger calls the residents “inmates,” but I let his comments go.) He is stepping down from our board, feeling that another three-year term would make him close to 90, too old for board duties. However, after being recognized by the Town of Easton for 15 years as chairman of the Eastern Tree Board and arranging for selecting and supervising the planting of 1,600 trees, his passion for trees continues, and now our retirement facility will benefit from his knowledge and love of trees.

1963

Dorothy Snyder Engle dengle3699@aol.com

Dear sisters, I regret that I have been under the weather since Robin and I returned from AK on July 30 with COVID, our third trip in a row, and this one with added pneumonia. I have been feeling “punk” and couldn’t make myself send out emails. Our sweet sister Jo Ann Twilley Plichta, who had dedicated 40 years of her life to teaching, passed away on May 30. I am also sad to report that Linda Myers Gray’s husband John recently passed. I think there must be some rust on this “Iron Lady,” as we had to cancel our trip to AZ in March because I needed to get some vertebrae cemented. We have another trip planned for the first 10 days of Oct., when we will be visiting the eastern capitals of Canada. We hope to meet up with Cindy Klopp Butler and Keith for dinner when we are in Ottawa. Other news which might interest you is that daughter Robin needs to get her aortic replacement valve replaced, as the one is 15 years old. We are hoping to go back to Johns Hopkins, where she got the first one. If you have any news, it’s never too early to send it to me!

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

1964

Barbara Maly Fish barb2fish@yahoo.com

First comes the orthopedics report. Tina Bassett Stevens has a new hip. Betsy Benson Walker has a new shoulder. Judie Kip Davis has a new hip and is now completing a set of two new knees and two new hips. Other news: Tina is a very serious knitter and a member of five different knitting groups. From her home in NH, she loves to travel to ME and tries to go every summer. Judie and her husband Jon have moved from a house in Arlington, VA, to the Trillium, a senior living high rise in Tysons Corner, VA. She says, “We are getting settled in, enjoying all the activities and very interesting people. I am not used to having things done for me. It is like living on a cruise ship.” Their dog Poppy is not as happy in the new home, however, because of an elevator ride down 12 floors to go outside. Betsy reports that they have 20 grandchildren and recently welcomed their seventh great-grandchild. The Walkers are two of the thousands of folks who suffered damage to their home and property after Hurricane Helene. Repairs continue. After 26 years of living on a farm, Bob and Sue Hapgood Satterfield have moved back to the Richmond, VA, area for the third time. They bought a big house with their youngest daughter and her husband, with plenty of room for everyone. Bob and Sue have their own floor with their own kitchen, living room, office spaces and more. She says, “It’s not so hard to adjust back to city life. Everything is so close!” The Satterfields are reestablishing connections with Richmond attractions like the ballet, the science museum and the SPCA. She especially appreciates the freedom to travel that comes with four people under one roof. “We loved the farm and horses, but travel involved a lot of planning,” she writes. “Now, we can be very spontaneous for once—our health still allows this—and we are taking advantage before the ‘creaks’ take over.”

1965

Emily R. Kilby erkilby44@gmail.com

Starting with the loss of three wonderful classmates, then on to livelier news: Lynn Burkhardt Ogden of Shepherdstown, WV, died in Aug. 2025 from complications of pneumonia. Her husband Sam, daughter Lisa and two

Lots of variety.” The Friday afternoon Pergola Society Reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres was attended by Barb S., Margaret and Chris, with Barb R. arriving in time for the Back to the Bay dinner buffet. The next morning’s presentation by President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., covered topics of immediate bearing on the state of the College, including government budget cuts and the effects of immigration policies on international students. Barb was impressed with Ricker’s capable handling of the meeting, remarking, “I feel quite confident in the future of the College with her at the helm.” Saturday lunch was a Parisian Picnic held under a big tent on the Quad.

Jackie, Carol (plus their husbands), Debby and Nancy joined the first-arriving four for the full Class of ’65 contingent. Later in the afternoon, a reception for the members of the 50th reunion class and beyond gave Barb a chance to see three members of the Class of ’64. Barb had to leave town early Sunday morning and was unable to attend Strawberry Breakfast, one of Hood’s enduring memories. Thanks, Barb, for taking up my slack. Presumably, Buddy will be well enough for me to attend when the 65th rolls around.

1966

Dianne Beebe Barske eldibarske@gmail.com

Our Hood Class of 1966 has an invaluable link.

That link’s name is Ginny Wheeler Jones. This past June, she once again organized a reunion for us. It would represent our 59th reunion, and it occurred on June 7, 2025, via Zoom. On the screen were 11 faces, sharing more than 11 stories. With us at the beginning of the Zoom call was Emily VanderWoude, Hood’s senior director of advancement. She told us that 350 alums were on campus that day for their reunions, and that Hood’s new president, Debbie Ricker, had “hit the ground running.” We also learned that there had been 211 people in our graduating class; there are now 143 living classmates.

Briefly, here is some of the news shared by our Zoom participants. Betty Schmidt Martin had a tumultuous year. Her husband Harold was in the ICU following heart failure. She was extremely grateful for the support of their three children, who were all able to be with her. They would be moving from their home of 44 years, relocating to Orlando, FL, to be near their son. Terri Petrillo Connolly stated that she has a busy household. She and husband Frank share their CT home with their daughter (a single parent)

and their 4-year-old granddaughter. “The granddaughter runs the show,” Terri said. When not running after the little one and helping with daycare, Terri volunteers with hospice. Carole Ann Kemp Lovett feels blessed by her good health.

Husband Bill had spinal surgery, with shoulder surgery on the horizon. Their granddaughter just graduated from high school with honors in Spanish and will be attending Stevenson University in Baltimore. She expressed great joy over a recent purchase of steamed crabs—$150 for 12 crabs! Ann Johnson Kupferberg had just returned from horseback riding with her granddaughter Kaley in time to join in on the Zoom event. “It was a great ride!” Ann is part of a group of FL alums from our class who meet regularly for reunions. She had recently given Carole Ann a ride to the lunch reunion, “and we laughed all the way!” The FL Class of ’66 reunion group met on March 27, 2025, in mid-FL, and in addition to Carole Ann and Ann, included Terri Petrillo Connolly, Pat Kehoe Tylander, Betty Schmidt Martin and Ginny Wheeler Jones. Kenni Ward James, who lives in Gainesville, FL, was unable to join this past March. Nancy Frederickson Sherlin continues to do her art, working in stained glass. She is grateful for good health and the ability to travel. Nancy hopes to attend our class 60th reunion and offered to help with the planning. Harriet Rudman Weiner has experienced occasional health challenges.

She has six grandchildren, with three girls all into dance showcases and performances. A grandson is in a pilot program. She shares that she is willing to take credit for their brains but not for their athletic or dance abilities. Another classmate expressing gratitude for good health is Sally Wislar Farneth. Her husband just had successful cataract surgery. They have four grandkids. The oldest recently graduated from Simmons University with a degree in psychology. They have a grandson studying robotics and a son involved in pediatric research who had just moved to Seattle. Sally volunteers in early childhood education and a Zoom literacy program in Rwanda. Barbara Trogler Lidle celebrates her two grand-cats, shared with her son and daughter-in-law. She also sees other grand-cats via Zoom with a son once a week.

Barbara is living in West Chester, PA. Thanks to Pat Kehoe Tylander, who volunteered to take notes during our Zoom reunion call and shared them with me. Pat told us that she has a new granddaughter, a Bostonian, joining five other grands, ranging in age from the newborn to 18.

Also in her immediate family is a grand-dog.

With all the pet talk, I (Dianne Beebe Barske)

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CLASS NEWS

grandsons survive her. Peggy Nye Carpenter, 81, died in May 2025. Although Peggy spent the final months of her life in poor health and paralyzed from a fall, she maintained a positive attitude and stoic demeanor. Peggy grew up in Grosse Pointe, MI. Upon graduation from Hood, Peggy moved to FL and performed mission work for one year with special needs children.

She returned to MI and received a Master of Library Science degree in 1969. She worked at both the Wayne State University library and the St. John Hospital medical library, where she was later appointed director. She also worked at the Henry Ford Hospital medical library in Detroit.

Peggy also generously gave her time to Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, where she was a deacon and later an elder. Mary Louise Detwiler died in Dec. 2024 at her residence following a period of declining health. Mary Lou had been a resident of Dawson County for more than 30 years, working primarily in home healthcare before serving as a professor of nursing at North Georgia College. She loved to garden, and animals held a special place in her heart, leading to many pet adoptions in her lifetime.

She volunteered at the Dawson County Senior Center and at the Dawson County Humane Society. She was predeceased by her husband Henry. Surviving is her sister Lee, children Amy, David and Elizabeth, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Eight members of the Class of 1965, Barbara Casey Ruffino, Deborah Demmy Thomas, Carol Devereaux Spangler, Jacqueline Fox O’Neill, Barbara Hyde Sands, Nancy McAdams Baggett, Christine Plankenhorn Tischer and Margaret York Gladish, returned to Frederick during the first weekend in June to celebrate 60 years of devotion to the old alma mater. Your faithless class reporter (Emily Kilby) decided to skip a major reunion for the first time ever to stay home to tend to her one, true companion Buddy, who’d just had his second eyeball removed because of glaucoma. Thanks to on-the-spot reporter Barb Sands, who bunked with reunion chair Barb Ruffino in the new Blazer dorm, we can all enjoy the weekend’s events. In general, Barb reports, the campus looks great, especially sparkling after the intermittent showers that sometimes sent the planned outdoor activities under cover.

Severely fire damaged Brodbeck Hall is now looking good on the outside, while interior restoration continues. On the subject dear to the hearts of those of us who really enjoyed Miss Little’s cooking to the tune of maybe 30+ firstyear pounds, Barb reports, “The food throughout the weekend was plentiful and very good.

CLASS NEWS

chimed in that husband Elliott and I share our OR home with a big, hairy mutt, a friendly kitty, and a 48-year-old turtle. Our reunion organizer champion, Ginny Wheeler Jones, is already looking ahead to our 60th Hood reunion, scheduled for June 5-7, 2026. Several classmates on the Zoom call volunteered to help with reunion planning, with fervent hopes that many will be able to attend!

1967

May Mumma Ohman eohmanjr@gmail.com

Pat Rosner Kearns: “Grandbaby number seven arrived in Dec. I spent winter babysitting the newbie. I headed for Italy in June, first to a cooking class, then to Florence for a cultural banquet. Now planning my next trip, probably to Portugal. Finishing my second year in Louisville, enjoying family, reading and staring at my computer and paint brush thinking I should be writing/painting something, but alas, the muse has left the building.” Eda Ryll Mathews: “I was a day student not known to many on campus.

My best friend, another day student, was Betsy Goodman Devilbiss. We visited her the year after Brodbeck Hall’s fire. What a shock. We donated to the rebuilding campaign. My husband Art piloted for Delta, so we have been living in Atlanta, GA, since 1974. I’ve always used my music major, teaching piano from sophomore year in college, participating in and directing choirs and singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Our group rehearsed with Robert Shaw. We have three grown children and a grandson. We count ourselves blessed.”

Babs Cummings Stacks: “I truly miss returning to Hood reunions! We shared such wonderful memories together. We moved to a two-anda-half-room, two-bath apartment in Essex Meadows, a CCRC. My personal goal is to finish my memoir. I still knit and play mahjong.

Turning 80 is a rude awakening! I can’t recall a lot, but I love to laugh.” Dorothy Macgregor Spurlock: “I have become an octogenarian.

Thankfully, it is just a number and doesn’t mean we stop doing the things we love to do. In June, I drove to Brian Head, UT, for a visit with Gail Witham Pohl and husband Doug, who were vacationing there. We spent the day at Bryce Canyon, and I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the canyon and the amazing rocks. UT has incredible national parks and mountains. Near the end of 2024, I had a run-in with skin cancer. I am currently well. God is so

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good, no matter what our age!” Ann Donnalley Hamm: “2025 is a milestone year for me. I enjoyed having my family with me for my 80th birthday, and Jan and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We have four children and four grandchildren. Our life revolves around Jan’s Parkinson’s, physical therapy and visiting family around the country. Life is very full!”

Judy Donaldson Jefferis: “It’s difficult to believe that we are 80 this year. I am beyond grateful that everything works and nothing hurts. I still divide my time between Unionville, PA, and my WY ranch. I am actively ranching. I own a herd of Scottish Highland cattle. Back east, I regularly foxhunt. I teach women’s community Bible studies. I would welcome visits from classmates in WY and PA—my doors are always open! Ginny Price Bracken moved near my PA house. Barbara Jo Wood Spellman also lives nearby. My four children and two stepchildren are all doing well. I have 10 grandchildren and three great-granddaughters. My family is the greatest blessing in my life.” Debbie Smith Aldrich: “I love living in Newburyport. I love the ocean, having grown up with it always close by.

My kids are nearby, but grands are spread out.

Get this—six grands, four great-grands and one great-great-grand. One is piloting Black Hawk helicopters in Egypt. Hoping he gets home safely in Nov. Veronika will be 16 next month.

She is a fabulous young woman. Jethro, my fur buddy, and I enjoy snuggling and purrs.” Susan Bracken: “MA is treating me well. I’m living in the smaller half of an old (1900) farmhouse in Housatonic, Great Barrington, MA. My daughter and son-in-law live in the other half with three out of four of our pack of pups. We visited D.C., staying with May Mumma Ohman. We Zoom monthly with Meredith Howard Parham, Lynne Johannessen Saunders and Sue O’Connell Sunderland. Ruth Conger Crespi visited, and we’ve FaceTimed with Beth Costello Hobby.

I’ve been dealing with Parkinson’s for 20+ years, but I’m mobile. If anyone comes to western MA, I’d love to see you. Here’s a shout-out to Big Sis Kathy Kahn Rust ’65.”

1968

Sandra Gerwin Herndon sandraherndon@gmail.com

Hood recently sent an updated status report on our Class of 1968 scholarship. The fund now totals slightly under $150,000. Donations are still welcomed! Diane Julio Schwartz wanted to express her gratitude for Hood—the important

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

years we spent there, enveloped by bricks and ivy in a place filled with amazing women. It was a safe space for all of us to fumble and find our way. She still appreciates and stays in touch with her friends Mary Bloodgood VanHyning, Pam Nicholson Neuman and Betsy Kern Perlstein. Since Phyllis Gimbel speaks French and Spanish and did her junior year at Hood in Paris, she and her husband are reuniting with her French friends of 59 years by going to Paris for a week and then going on a French icebreaker to the North Pole. Unfortunately, Jayne Hustead can no longer walk, which also means she can no longer drive, which makes life kind of dull except for her two grandkids, 2 and 4 (whose main vocabulary word is “no”). Ron and Sharon Burns Walsh vacationed in ME this summer, where they were able to meet up with Anne Mulquin Parker and her husband after not seeing each other for 57 years. They both lived in Terrace House senior year and were planning post-graduation summer weddings.

Carol Huntington’s 10-room, 1840’s home and gardens overlook the mighty Kennebec River in Bath, ME. She and Al and their three kitties live on the first floor, but they have converted the two upper floors into a rooming house for three low-income working or retired adults. Charlotte Sizoo Whitenight and Pam Nicholson Neuman often meet up for coffee together since they live about 45 minutes apart. Charlotte, Pam, Sharon Burns Walsh, Susan Marano, and Debby Mattas Willis and her husband met in May on MD’s Eastern Shore for a lovely garden tour in Queen Anne’s County. Mimi Richardson Ernst is still happily enjoying her mini-farmette in Boonsboro. Two new hips later, she is ready to start riding again. She has joined the senior center in Hagerstown and is part of a small group who go weekly for resistance training and aerobics Margie Arnold Creek is “still travelling.” Fay Tripp Ruotolo and John went to Nevis (a natural island with no cruise ships) last Feb., where they reminisced about their last trip there 20 years ago. Carrie Wissler-Thomas and husband Scott are making their annual trip to Scotland in Oct. This fall, she is having an exhibition of 17 of her paintings in Harrisburg at the Market Square Presbyterian Church. Gwen Ebersole Lehman is still in Ocean Pines and volunteering for multiple local nonprofits while continuing to write and self-publish collections of her short stories and also dabbling in filmmaking. In fall 2024, Sue Warshaw Stinson’s grandchild started his first year at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, just a few weeks before the massive flooding hit that part of the state. She

1969

Sayre Roney Steere sayre1126@gmail.com

Maureen McCready sold her downtown law office and has moved into a new complex in the suburbs closer to her home . She signed a three-year lease and hopes to continue practicing (primarily matrimonial litigation) for as long as possible. She keeps in touch with Margaret Horton Hindman. Marty Silcox Hankins and Ken celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in June with a visit to Longwood Gardens. Marty still volunteers as a Carroll County Master Gardener and maintains her own vegetable and flower beds. After some 40 years as an educator, mainly at the elementary level, Pam Williams Cornwell retired in 2009 and focused on a new career as a molded soap maker. Following the pandemic, she pursued another venture—an Etsy shop for clergy stoles called Simple Gifts Stoles. In April, Barbara Shipley Cober moved into a one-bedroom apartment in a life care facility in Ellicott City. She’s excited to be welcoming a great-granddaughter in Aug. Carole Downing Staton and Roy are also downsizing and preparing for a move—same town, just no stairs and a smaller yard. All three of their children have been assisting with the endeavor. The highlight of the past year for Chrysanthe Papayani Koumas was traveling to Greece with her son Michael, his wife and

two grandchildren. Besides Thessaloniki, Crete and Athens, they visited the village where her grandparents and her late husband Nick’s grandparents lived. Jill Stanley and husband Adam continue to square dance, though regret missing the national convention this year. She often sees Betsy Seele Gotta and Roy. Susan Taylor Shoch always stops in PA to catch up with Barbara Hoagland Ziegler and Deborah Dick Holbert on her way back to Cape Cod every spring. They, along with Barbara’s husband, are planning a trip to Scandinavia in Sept. Linda Israel Lamm and Doug are also in the throes of moving into a CCRC in Durham. They’ll be in a new building, which she refers to as the “Freshman Dorm.” She’s had several visits recently with Mary “Sam” Ryan Reeves ’70. After residing in AK for 28 years, LaVonne Blattenberger Vogt finds Wilmington, NC, summers exceedingly warm. Her son Adam is an Army Brigadier General and works in the Pentagon. Daughter Allison is a PA at a local hospital. Husband Bob has survived three years with various cancers, thanks to excellent care and treatment at Duke.

Joanne Ingoldsby Peters’ life has changed dramatically since receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in Jan., followed by the loss of her husband George in July. Our prayers go out to her. Cynthia Kannapel Weiss and Glenn have done a great deal of traveling—seven weeks on Marco Island in the winter; a spring jaunt to St. Maarten; and finally, a summer getaway to Cape May. Granddaughter Bryn graduated summa cum laude from Elizabethtown College in May. Christine Diehl and Hood roommate Marya Rusinak send greetings to all. Marya performs early music, and Chris continues with watercolors at fairs. Dave and I, Sayre Roney Steere, have taken some lovely trips over the past few months. First, a cruise embarking from Sydney and sailing around New Zealand. What a magnificent country. We took a quick spring trip to Lake Tahoe, only to get caught in a blizzard! In May, it was off to D.C. to visit family and friends. We took a side trip to Hood, but it was raining so hard we really couldn’t appreciate the campus. Later in the month, we drove down to LA and accompanied our two little ones, ages 2 and 4, to Disneyland. We’re staying put for the summer.

1970

Marj Menchey Berkheimer mench49@gmail.com

Hello, Class of 1970! Our 55th Reunion was in June, and Mary “Sam” Ryan Reeves was the undeniably fabulous host for our dinner. Attendees for our 55th reunion Saturday night dinner at Sam’s home were Kathryn Harries Krone, Myra Holsinger, Marge Livingstone Frisk, Peggy Muncie, Ellen Sacks, Elaine Hubert, Anne Parkin Pierpont and Linda Allan. Lovely to see those who came and sad that many were unable to make the trip. From Mary “Sam” Ryan Reeves: “I am keeping busy illustrating and helping a former work colleague publish books; all the years as a yearbook adviser seem to be paying off. Additionally, I am creating art images using a ‘kimono’ format and hope to publish a coffee table type art book in spring 2026.” From Myra Holsinger: “I was delighted to have Elaine Hubert visit me in June before we attended the Class of ’70’s 55th reunion at Hood. It was a lot of fun to be on campus, and we had a great time getting together, especially at Mary ‘Sam’ Ryan Reeve’s home for dinner. She and her family did a terrific job in hosting us. One other highlight of the weekend in Frederick was dinner with Linda Allan at the popular, new Wye Oak Tavern. Congratulations to Linda on being awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at this year’s Commencement!” I will just add that Elaine had an especially busy month of June. She moved from her home in Burlington, VT, to a retirement community in Shelburne, VT. Now that she is unpacked, she says she is thoroughly enjoying it. In April, Ellen Sands Smith and I spent a weekend in PA with Marie Oliver Brackbill, who was visiting friends and family in Lancaster County from her home in AL. We enjoyed getting together, and as it rained virtually all that weekend, it gave us plenty of time (and a good reason) to stay in and catch up. From Anne Parkin Pierpont: “Sam hosted a gorgeous dinner party at her home. I felt like I was dining in Provence. I was seated with my French House buddies too, Myra Holsinger and Elaine Hubert! An unexpected highlight for me was that at the memorial service in Coffman Chapel on Sunday. I reunited with a member of the Class of 1975 with whom I had been close during her application process to Hood.

From 1970-71, I was an admissions counselor at Hood with (the late) Ellen Thoms Clapp, so it was fantastic to see my girls from the Class of ’75. In June 2025, I finally made the downsize

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CLASS NEWS

was impressed by the response of the college, as the students learned about taking care of their larger community. In 2025, she is staying busy as best as she can to meet the needs of the moment in these trying times. Bev Thompson Gardner has three grandchildren, 23, 18 and 15. She and Bernie are slowing down but trying to keep on keeping on! They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. This past year, Mary Simmonds Palmer enjoyed Sue Marano’s visits on her way to visit her grandson.

Sue was able to keep her updated on many of her classmates. Recently, Mary spent a wonderful afternoon at the National Soaring Museum catching up with Sue Keppler Sweetser and her husband. Marjorie Field Trusler is trying to find the perfect novel to read, the perfect low-effort, high-benefit exercise routine, the perfect way to grow tomatoes and play Wordle, and the best way to keep in touch with friends.

Lastly, I am saddened to report the passing of one of our classmates, Linda Martin Drew. May she rest in peace.

CLASS NEWS

move to an apartment close to my old house.

I live in Ewing, NJ, and continue to work part time at the school in Princeton, where I have worked for 35 years. My daughter Sarah Anne Pierpont is a cinematographer in Los Angeles.

Ann Lefko Heslin: “My son John, an Apache attack helicopter pilot, retired from the Army in July 2024. His wife Mary recently completed her residency in emergency medicine and is an M.D. working in NC. My older daughter Laura is executive director of the Johns Hopkins Homewood IRB and COIC. My younger daughter Sarah is a senior systems engineer at General Dynamics Information Technology. I have six grandchildren ranging in age from 2 to 25, and I take care of 2-year-old Maryn one day a week.

My husband Larry died in Feb.” From your class reporter Marj Menchey Berkheimer: It’s been a very quiet year for us but punctuated with my lively grandchildren, 3 and 2. Both kiddos attend Georgetown Hill Early Lab School (formerly the Onica Prall Early Childhood Center). I love being in that building. It’s barely changed since 196970! And it is still a wonderful nurturing environment. Dear classmates, be well!

1971

Mary McMunigal Burland mburl5@verizon.net Mindy Laighton Wilcox mlwilcox3@gmail.com

Donna Mikulak Strawser wrote to share the sad news that her husband Dan passed away in May 2023 after 38 years of marriage. Following his death, Cynthia White Gilbert, Donna’s Hood roommate, contacted her every day for months, which was greatly appreciated by Donna. Last Aug., Donna moved to Jefferson, ME, and bought a large farmhouse on five acres. Her son-in-law began building her a smaller house on the property, and when it is completed, she will move in, while her daughter’s family will move into the big house. Donna still runs her small gardening business and subs at the local high school, where her daughter is head of the world languages department and teaches Spanish. She also subs in the school office and for other teachers as well. Alice Paul McGinnis recently attended the wedding of Ron Dukenski to Beverly Sager Geisner. Ron was the husband of Carolyn Perry Dukenski who passed away in 2014. Bev attended Hood her freshman year before transferring, and she and Carolyn had been friends since 2nd grade. In April, Alice and Richard visited Betsy Cooper Pizzolato and Tom in

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their lovely retirement community in DE. After being roommates for all four years at Hood, they never run out of things to say. Alice and Richard enjoyed time in SC in the spring and five weeks in ME this summer, and they are planning a fall road trip out west. Their five grandchildren are a delight, and their oldest granddaughter starts college this fall at Mount Holyoke. They still help several refugee families and support a young woman from Burundi who was in kindergarten when Alice met her but is now in her final year of nursing school. Allyson Washburn has been living in San Francisco for more than 40 years.

She sees daughter Alyssa and her family as well as son Ben and his family frequently, as they live just across the bay. Her three granddaughters are thriving. She sees Ruth LaBrie-Wilcox frequently, as they both enjoy seeing films and plays and enjoying great food. Darcy Hendrickson Bevelacqua kindly shared her news as well as news about Cathy Moon McClure, Virginia “Nia” Lourekas and Maylun Buck-Lew. Cathy lives in NH, Nia in NYC, Maylun in MA and Darcy in FL. They have monthly Zoom meetups to discuss current events, their most recent travel plans and how they can lead more enriched lives. They have lively discussions on politics, what needs to be changed in the world and how new trends such as AI are impacting their lives. To quote Darcy, “As we age, it’s so special to have a group of longtime friends we can connect with and discuss things with.” Although it’s difficult to believe, it’s time for our class to begin making plans for our 55th reunion on June 5-7, 2026. More details will be shared later this year. You can also check for more info on the Hood College Class of 1971 Facebook page.

Here’s hoping that our 55th reunion will be as wonderful an experience as our 50th!

1972

Carol Bradford cbradford043@gmail.com

Cynthia A. Clifford cynthiaclifford999@gmail.com

Jane Esselen Blocker has had a busy year on the Hood College Board of Trustees—lots to learn. She adds that it was exciting to serve on the search committee for the new president.

She was also on campus for reunion and got to see some of the women who were first-years during our senior year. She then headed to CT for a month’s visit with kids and friends. One comment we can all relate to: retirement can be busier than work with all the volunteering!

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Linda Cumber Gifkins notes that most of our classmates are celebrating our Diamond Jubilee (75 years young). She’ll reach hers in Jan. 2026, when she hopes to be somewhere warm, lying on a beach and sipping a tropical drink. She also hopes that her broken kneecap from Oct. 2024 will be totally healed so she can walk on the beach with confidence. Until then, she’s loving her relaxed life at home in southern VT. Linda sent a great photo of herself with Chrisse Hassett Butler, who was on her way to a niece’s wedding in Thetford, VT. Both compared their matching “zippers” from recent knee surgeries!

Janice Williams Martin is enjoying visits with her son Nathaniel from CO, son Kevin and his wife Dawn from MS, and her son, his wife Di and granddaughter Ella. They’re relishing their time at the farm in PA and driving their pony Barley.

They’ve enjoyed time at their lake cottage in CT. Helen-Mae Reisner writes that because of her late-stage cancer (multiple myeloma) diagnosis and current palliative care stage, she is fully retired, and her nursing license is inactive—yet another turning point, not unlike graduation.

She says she’s enjoying this stage of her life.

She took a vacation to San Juan and will attend a retreat at the National Cathedral in Aug., with plans for short trips home to New England. She enjoys living in her warm, comforting home in North Bethesda, fortunate to have family close by in Potomac. She is stepping back, letting the universe lead the way and choosing joy.

Marty Murray Robinson spent a week with Patricia E. Kidd ’74 in Jan., mostly day hiking in beautiful Sedona, AZ. In May, she attended the annual Dream and Spirituality Conference near Asheville, NC, where she had completed a two-year spiritual direction training in 2021. She continues to study Jungian Depth Psychology informally through coursework, seminars and travel programs. This fall, Marty will visit Vienna, Salzburg and Prague with the New York Center for Jungian Studies. She meets via Zoom with Deborah Kohler ’74 and Pat every month or so. Danise Simpson Simmons writes that her husband Bruce has now published his fourth novel. Titled “The Things That Must Be Done,” it’s the first in a trilogy and available on Amazon.

He’s on a roll! Kathy Stewart has undergone her sixth—and final—joint replacement and is looking forward to the Sewing Expo in Fredericksburg, VA in Sept.

A Special Letter to the President

POINT OF VIEW

JUDY RICKER SHARES FOND MEMORIES OF HER DAUGHTER, PRESIDENT DEBBIE RICKER, PH.D.

Debbie, You have been my best friend since the morning after you were born. I am blessed to have been your mama all these years. You would do anything for me, and I would do anything for you.

Together, we have enjoyed traveling around the world—from Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands to Ireland, Italy and Kenya. We doted on the horses, caring for them and showing them. You enjoyed your time spent at the dairy farm, feeding the calves and having a huge garden. How you delighted in dancing and traveling with the Bailey Mountain Cloggers team at Mars Hill University. You valued your time being a page in Raleigh for Liston Ramsey, chair of the North Carolina House of Representatives.

If I had to sum you up in one word?

Awesome. You are one of a kind. There’s never been anybody like you. You’re friendly and prudent. You care about people. You love to learn and ask questions. And look at you now—the president of Hood College. Your students, alumni, faculty and staff are so lucky to have you to show them that same care and love of learning.

We have so many funny stories to share from over the years in our closeness.

It seems no one understands that one of us can say just one word and the other will pick up the story behind it.

On the eve of your inauguration, I think about the impact you’ve had not only on my life, but also the impact you’ve had on every student you’ve interacted with.

You are my life, and I am so proud of you.

From Your Mama, Judy Ricker hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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CLASS NEWS

1973

Leslie Hawkins hawkins.leslie.a@gmail.com

I want to start with the sad news that Pat Funari Bevacqua passed away on June 25 after a 16-month battle with throat cancer. Ann Jones reported that she drove up to Rockville, MD, for her funeral service in July. Ann met up with Alison Alder Kennedy to have lunch, and they went to the service together. She said that the service was beautiful and reflected what a special woman Pat was. Ann said that Ashville, NC, is getting back to normal after Hurricane Helene, but much of western NC is still recovering. She plays a lot of bridge, is involved in HOA activities and loves taking classes at UNCA’s College for Seniors. Anne Irvine moved from AZ back to Boeme, TX, in March. It’s hot in TX, but she said AZ was worse. She loves TX and is enjoying her life and friends there. She is still working for the same company she’s been with for eight years as a commercial loan processor and closer. Peggy Weinbeck is still enjoying life in Virginia Beach after six years. She’s been cruising the western Caribbean, been on a family trip to Phoenix and is coming up on a trip to Canadian Maritimes and Quebec. A surprise was a trip her daughter Lindsay planned for a week at Disney World, which was really special for her 3-year-old grandson Rylin. She stays busy volunteering at Sentara Virginia Beach Hospital and fundraising for support of patients and families. She has returned to her hobby of ballroom dancing and will be competing in Oct. Lorraine Sharp Kish said she didn’t have much to report but is feeling great these days and is getting through a wet summer in SC, but no hurricanes yet. She and Pete will be meeting up with their son Eddie in NYC in Sept., just before they depart for a European cruise, which will include her first visit back to Madrid since our junior year there in 1971-72. Lorraine’s email was followed by a short note from Janis Wilson Polastre, who read a review in the Washington Post of a book called “Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free.” Claire McCardell Harris ’27 was a Hood graduate whose fashion designs impacted women’s clothing in the first half of the 20th century. Charlie Miller Ponticelli said she didn’t have much news but was grateful that a fire engulfing the townhouse next to hers in March did not spread, although remediation was needed in their property. She and Tony are enjoying their visits to Alexandria, VA, to see grandkids, Summer (4) and Piper (1.5)

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and had a week in Bethany Beach with them and extended family in July. Charlie continues her volunteer work for American Council on Women, Peace and Security, Afghan Women’s Council and in prison ministry. For me, Leslie Hawkins, these past seven months have been pretty quiet. I joined longtime friends in March for a week of skiing at Big Sky in MT, which after a first day fall resulting in bruised ribs, turned out to be a fun week, with sunshine and great snow conditions. I’m thankful I am still able to do this in my 70’s. Thanks for the submissions— keep the news coming!

1974

Patricia E. Kidd pat.kidd@hotmail.com

We have a couple of recent retirements: Magaly Mauras Green writes that after 46 years of federal service, she retired from the National Park Service Department of the Interior. Lauren Campisi Fulton, who’s been retired a year, says she’s getting used to not getting dressed, made up and out the door by 7:30 a.m. Lauren recently accompanied her daughter, a U.S. employee of the American University of Paris, on a trip to Paris, which was also coincidentally her birthday and French Mother’s Day. Lauren has also spent time every year in Rodanthe (Outer Banks) with grandkids. Jane Dodge Armacost and husband John celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Jan., but she had her anniversary party in June, and it included Wilma Diehl Robley and husband Lee, Gini Procino Hartmann ’72 and husband Tom, and Jane Krebs Drozinski ’79.

Jane recently went camping in WV, and in Sept., she’s meeting friends for a week’s camping in KY. In Oct., they’ll travel to FL to “babysit” two miniature donkeys while their in-laws are abroad. Vicki Raeburn Benton sends greetings from the St. Regis Longboat Key, where 10 family members are celebrating graduations, a son’s 50th birthday and husband Leigh’s 65th. Vicki’s grandson Ryan graduated as the valedictorian in a class of 715. He’s joining his brother Marty (who will be a junior) at Marist University in the fall. Vicki’s FL grandson Jace heads out west to become a “Duck” at the University of Oregon. His older brother Camden will be a junior at UCF, where he has a full baseball scholarship and is the starting Friday night pitcher. Deb Kohler and husband Ed have been on the road, spending four weeks this summer in their motorhome, touring eastern Canada. They spent time in Ottawa and Quebec old cities and spent a few days on Prince Edward

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

Island, then drove up to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and took a ferry to Newfoundland, where they visited St. John’s and Gander, where planes were diverted from NY on 9/11 and passengers were graciously welcomed by residents. After 11 days, they ferried back to Nova Scotia and visited Gampo Abbey, where the famous Buddhist monk Pema Chodron lives. A side benefit of what Deb calls the “Edventure”—spending time in a much cooler climate while things baked in the U.S. Beth Guertler Godfrey’s grandson graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in finance, as did his girlfriend. They both got jobs in Ashburn, VA, found an apartment and began “adulting” together. “So much good news and a big change for our daughter and us, learning to let go and have faith.” Beth and her husband Rick have been going to car shows with his 1967 Camaro. She says it feels like riding in a time machine, and she’s learning more about that era’s muscle cars than she ever knew. Dot Herdle Files reports, “Lots of mundane stuff around the house and church.” She and husband Eben are focused on music, gardening and taking care of a 15-year-old “pound pooch.” Her daughter Carolyn has been promoted to Captain in the Navy. My own news (Patricia E. Kidd): my partner Davis Henderson and I will be moving to Kendal-Crosslands, a retirement community over in the Brandywine Valley, in Dec. 2025. Kendal-Crosslands is adjacent to Longwood Gardens, so if you’re in the area, please look us up.

1975

Deborah Page Rath drath@nhhicks.com

“Celebrating and Still Beautiful After 50 Years” was our Class of 1975 reunion theme, taken from the song “Beautiful” from Carole King’s album “Tapestry.” And indeed, the Hood Class of 1975 was beautiful at our 50th reunion. With more than 25 classmates in attendance, we marched out of the presidential address in Rosenstock Hall to the music of “Beautiful” behind our class banner, bedecked in decorated Panama hats and bandanas designed by our own Laura Lee Hickman. We carried personalized picket signs, remembering events and themes from our years at Hood—from ending parietals to Watergate to streaking on the Quad. Our classmate Dr. Kristen Zarfos was the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumna Award for her work in promoting better healthcare and treatment for women. By the late 1990’s, Kristen was a surgeon who had emerged as an outspoken advocate

“President Ricker personifies ethical and servant leadership. She encourages these traits in others.”

— Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky, H’19,

“Her ability to listen to diverse perspectives, build consensus and foster collaboration.”

—Marlene B. Grossnickle Young ’76, H’14, P’09, Trustee Emerita

Laboratory Director at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

against the then common practice of “drivethrough” mastectomies, in which women were sent home within 23 hours of the major surgery.

The practice soon ended through national legislation because of Kris’ hard work to change it.

We spent hours talking together, reminiscing and catching up in dorm rooms, the Pergola and on Adirondack chairs under the cool and generous shade of the giant trees on the Quad. On Sunday morning, Ann Thomas Phillips led us through a solemn and healing time of reflection for those who have passed. We were all very impressed by Hood’s new president, Debbie Ricker, Ph.D. Hood is on the move, thanks to her leadership. Special thanks to Beth Sheppard Kline and her rousing reunion co-chairs: Jeanne Boley Glascock, Laura Lee Hickman, Marcia Ritter Doiron, Ann Thomas Phillips and Cherilyn Widell. Thanks to Hood and all our Class of 1975 for making this event so memorable. Barbara Baird Rogers said, “Our 50th Reunion was wonderful! Deedee Gustafson Dohan and I enjoyed every minute of it.”

The reunion was a great time for Dory Barrows Smith, “It was so wonderful to visit with classmates.” The crew from Memorial had a special time with Ellen Bosek McMahon, Marcia Ritter Doiron, Laura Lee Hickman, Lynda Strasser Brooks, Fran Vogler Groves and Cilla Munkenbeck Cherrin. The new dorm where we were housed was fantastic. The Hood staff went out of their way to make it special. They were busy every minute, with cocktail parties, wonderful meals and parties. The campus looked beautiful. Lynda Strasser Brooks said the College treated them like rock stars. They laughed, cried, reminisced, toured dorms and downtown and, of course, ate too much! It was very renewing to be with friends and classmates from when they were all so young. From a personal perspective,

Lynda and Jay are still enjoying retirement in Wilmington, NC. They did a three-week road trip through France in March and then a 10-day Med cruise in July. They will finish the year with a transatlantic crossing in Nov., flying to Lisbon, boarding the ship and landing in Miami. Rhea Bel-Jon Calkins is excited to share that a 550page book about her father, artist Nikos Bel-Jon, will be released by a major publisher in Greece in Nov. She prepared background material for the author, Nikos Amenitis. Steven and Rhea are well, despite selling their house, buying a new one and a grueling move this spring. They love their new neighborhood. Cheryl Cuddeback is still staying out of trouble by working in real estate as well as walking neighbors’ dogs. She feels like the St. Francis of Queens. She is involved with her church’s Sunday School program, the same church she attended as a kid. Because she loves her neighborhood’s history, she’s in charge of the church’s archives. “My husband and daughter, Norm and Samantha, are still my heart.” She is so grateful to have attended Hood.

Stephanie Locke Angelakos recently moved to Bound Brook, NJ, after living in Buffalo, NY, for 25 years. Peter and Stephanie will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Aug. She recently retired from her position in the advancement department at Nichols School after 20 years.

Arlene Bujese will once more chair the East End Hospice Box Art Auction in East Hampton. This is the 25th anniversary of this popular annual event. Carol Fleck Whetzel and her husband moved into their newly built home in early July and couldn’t be happier. They love their house, the proximity to their son and his family, and the wildlife on the property. As for me, Debbie Page Rath, I am sorry I was unable to attend reunion.

Maybe next time!

1976

Nancy Ludwick Warrenfeltz nlwfeltz@hotmail.com

Our 50th Hood reunion is June 5-7, 2026. Save the dates! Libby Crouter Holter and Kurt Holter moved to Strongsville, OH, after many years in MD. They are 15 minutes from their son Colin, his wife Jessica and grandson Campbell. Their son Andy lives in Chicago, where they visit as often as possible. The Holters enjoy taking visitors to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and on Cuyahoga River cruises. They enjoy as much time as they can with their kids and grandson.

Maggie Lindsay Doyle and Paul are doing great. Their oldest daughter Lindsay moved to Tucson, AZ. Becky lives in Laurel, MD, and daughter Meredith is nearby in NY. They are blessed with four grandchildren. Maggie feels fortunate to have regular contact with Cheryl Kruse Rondorf, Josie DiStefano O’Hara, Michele Smith Guyette, Diana Hilgartner Boyd and Sandy Stingl. They have a group chat that they use often to keep in touch. Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer in April and underwent a successful double mastectomy in July.

She is looking beautiful with the pink highlights she added to her hair! Her husband Neil has been a wonderful supporter. Please keep Cheryl in your prayers. Michele has moved into a lovely new home and has two cats to keep her company. Sandy’s brilliant younger brother passed away suddenly in July 2025. Daniel Stingl was an ophthalmologist in Melbourne, FL. We send our prayers and deepest sympathy to Sandy’s family. Tori Hoveman Seeger and husband Geoff are planning an Oct. trip to Scotland. They are very excited to see the lowlands, highlands, villages and cities. Tori wants to plug our 50th Hood reunion next year. It’s hard to believe that much time has passed. Larry and I, Nancy Ludwick Warrenfeltz, keep busy with our family and social groups. We are looking forward to attending his USNA ’75 50th reunion in Oct. 2025 and my Hood ’76 reunion in June 2026. Please update your contact information with Kellye Greenwald ’86, Hood’s director of alumni and constituent engagement (greenwald@hood. edu) so you receive all our reunion information.

See you in Frederick next June!

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CLASS NEWS

In 10 words or less... ker a great leader?”

“What makes President Ric

CLASS NEWS

1977

Elizabeth Anderson Comer ecomer@eacarchaeology.com

Melissa Shyan-Norwalt writes, “My husband and I just took our dream trip. Twenty-four days in the U.K. We went everywhere: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland. Got to see so many things on our bucket lists! I also got promoted to full professor this year. It’s a long story, but when my previous college ran into financial trouble, I had to start at the bottom again at University of Cincinnati and work my way back up, but it was a fun climb.” Ann Kowitski Barber says, “Retirement has been great! Doing a lot of travel: NCL Panama Canal cruise from LA to Miami! Feb. took me on the AMADara on a Mekong River Cruise. The trip started in Saigon and ended in Hanoi. Vietnam was so informative, and we also saw a lot of Cambodia. The people in both countries were lovely, and the temples and landscapes were amazing. The history in both countries is sad, but the people have overcome and thrived. The mopeds and lack of traffic made for unnerving street crossings! I’m happy to report I saw no accidents. Getting home took 30 hours (Hanoi-Seoul-Boston), and unfortunately, I came home with pneumonia and double ear infections. I’ve spent the last five months enjoying

my three grandchildren, who are growing like weeds. Jack is 7, Ellen is 2, and Anna will be 5 in Sept. We’re headed to Canada next week to visit relatives and see Niagara Falls. In Sept., I’m off to Seattle and then ID to see friends from the Greek cruise and tour Yellowstone and more.”

Kas Kluth Rohm and husband Greg spent time exploring some beautiful wide-open spaces in WY, MT and ND recently. “We sure missed those wide-open skies when we returned to MD! Four grandkids that live nearby are doing their best to keep us both young (their work is cut out for them), and we are so fortunate to be able to see them often and watch them grow.” Kas is still teaching watercolor painting at local art venues and managing various local exhibitions—all truly a labor of love. She hopes everyone is doing well. Doug and I, Elizabeth Anderson Comer, celebrated our 41st anniversary hiking from Switzerland to Italy over the Splugen Pass.

Walking in the footsteps of previous generations on the remnants of Roman era roads and paths was amazing. The Inn Walking company moved our suitcases and made sure we had a delightful inn waiting each night. I recommend them wholeheartedly, and we intend to keep taking these hikes as long as possible.

1978

Jo-Ann Bourguignon h00dclass1978@gmail.com

From Susan Dornbusch Sohn: “Summer was great living in Ocean City, MD! Linda O’Connell Fansler, Lynette Cuthbertson Smith, Darcy Becker Lynch, Connie Shaff ’80 and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch and lovely dinner together in July. Darcy joined Lynette and Susan for a day on the beach, and we enjoyed the company of her daughter and granddaughter. It was so much fun to see all, laugh and chat about the great times at Hood College. We hope to meet up in the future more often. I really enjoyed seeing everyone at the Hood gathering in Bethany Beach, DE. It was another great event, meeting President Debbie Ricker and hearing about the growth and accomplishments of Hood. Thank you to all for your planning and prep, especially our hostess Susan Audino ’85 for her delicious food and sharing her home!”

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT AT HOOD COLLEGE The Hood College campus, with its Georgian-style, brick buildings and tree-shaded lawns, provides a beautiful, relaxed environment for your next event.

• Full-Service Catering • Variety of Event Spaces • Presentation Technology & Free WiFi For more information on venues at Hood College and availability, email Audrey Vargason ’12, C’19, director of conference and event services, at events@hood.edu.

ASK ABOUT OUR ALUMNI AND MULTI-DATE BOOKING DISCOUNTS

HOOD.EDU/CONFERENCESERVICES 52

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

1980

Debbie Eaton Thackston welcomed her fourth grandchild Atlas “Attie” Ruby Scherer in April 2025. Grandsons Kaiden (11), Kamden (8) and Karson (5) will all be in school this fall. Everyone will tag team babysitting Attie three days each week. Debbie and Julie Murray McCaffrey were on campus in early April for a Board of Associates meeting. What a great time of year to visit! Carol Miles Frentz writes that her granddaughter earned her green belt in taekwondo.

Carol will be cruising on Mariner of the Seas in Oct., and we wish her the best with her upcoming knee replacement in Nov. Malia Harrison Anderson writes that she’s had “a fun summer heading here and there,” especially back and forth to Virginia Beach. She recently connected with Sally Currie Aldrich, who is living in TX and doing well. In May, she caught up with Peggy Van Schaick, who retired at the end of June.

Congrats, Peggy! Speaking of retirement, Leslie DelaPena Wheelock tells us that after 38 years working in the federal government (both at NIH and the FDA), she retired in May. She and her husband are relocating to northeast FL later this year. She also writes that she had a fun lunch catching up with Debbie Eaton Thackston this summer. Ruth Sikora Seel and husband Marshall are off again! They were on an Alaskan cruise earlier this summer and are now visiting France and Italy. You two are doing a great job getting through your bucket list. As for me, Ginny Roth, I’m spending most of Sept. in Scotland visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Isle of Skye, and other ports and hamlets. Like Carol Miles Frentz, after my vacation, I am having shoulder surgery.

Finally, two important notes—if you know 79ers who aren’t part of our Facebook group, please let them know they only need to type “Hood College Class of 1979” in the search bar under Groups to join. And please remember to notify the Alumni Office (alumoffice@hood.edu) with any changes to your contact information.

Allison Horne did not go to our reunion but purchased a brick to honor fellow Meyran “Lucky Ladies of 1980” for the reunion. She visited Anne Reynolds Gurney recently. Finally, she is getting together with some of her Meyran dorm friends at her family’s home on the Eastern Shore, MD. Deborah Sheetenhelm Hammond has been elected the regent of the William Henshaw Chapter NSDAR. She is also a member of the Capt. James Gibson Chapter of U.S. Daughters of 1812. Deborah has continued her second career as a novelist. Her latest novel “Death in Lewes” is a murder mystery set in Lewes, DE. Susan Patton Fox just celebrated her 43rd wedding anniversary with husband Bob. They left their northern VA home in 2021 to move closer to family in Notre Dame, IN. They spend a lot of time traveling to visit their other children in Jupiter, FL, and Bismark, ND. Susan is still practicing law. She was recently involved in a case of defending women athletes that might make it to the Supreme Court. She continues to winter in Jupiter, FL. Caroline Razee Barnett lives in Dunedin, FL, and retired in 2020 after working 35 years as litigation claims adjuster.

She lost her husband five years ago following a long illness. Caroline keeps busy with volunteer work as a coordinator at her church thrift shop. One of her other volunteers is Martha “Molly” Smith Sperandio ’57. Caroline recently had dinner with Robin Smith Stein ’79. She also keeps in touch with Elaine Overtoom Chapa, who has retired to Seneca, SC. Mary Newton Deighan has been through a lot in the past year with the deaths of her parents. Her mother Geraldine passed away last May. Mary and her husband continue to travel and spend time with her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. Jackie Vallette Uglow and her husband Ron have been busy traveling this past spring and summer back to San Diego to see her new grandchild Elyse. “We are expecting another grandchild in Sept.“ Jackie travels to CA primarily to help her mother, as she is 94 but going strong. Son RJ is now a Commander in the Navy Seabees unit. Deborah Beckmann Austill continues to work as a family practice PA in Frederick, MD. She will celebrate her 42nd wedding anniversary with her husband Dave in Nov. Unfortunately, Dave suffered a stroke twoand-a-half years ago. Between caregivers, they are able to have Dave stay in their home. Son

Virginia “Ginny” Roth vjroth@gmail.com

Jackie Valette Uglow jvu57@hotmail.com

1982

Elizabeth Bastian Chapin busybethc@aol.com

Lynne Towns Tucker and husband Ken have had a wonderful year. Their daughter gave birth to a second baby in April, so Lynne is enjoying being a grandmother twice over. They traveled to Italy in May, which was capped off with their son’s wedding in the Sorrento area. Lynne still lives in Gaithersburg and is a top seller in real estate. Bambi Maitland Grundwerg spent late summer/early fall in Nashville, where her son resides. She and the family are celebrating her milestone birthday in London over Thanksgiving week. If any classmates are visiting NYC for the winter holidays, she is happy to catch up with you in the city! Contact her at Bambi. grundwerg@gmail.com. Deb Hawn retired from Frederick County Government Workforce Development in 2014 after 24 years. Last fall, Janet Smith-Bull and her husband visited from Ontario, Canada. Jan had not been to the states for 25 years. She thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with her roots, visiting siblings and eating MD seafood. Debbie was an amazing host and tour guide. She showed them around Frederick and the Hood campus. They also visited some Baltimore sights and Harpers Ferry Brewing. Debbie and Jan sealed their friendship years ago after graduation, when they camped, canoed and toured ME and the Maritime Provinces of Canada for six weeks. Joy Miller Beveridge is enjoying her retirement. She travels to San Francisco and Phoenix to see her “grand-joys.” Joy continues to serve on Hood’s Board of Associates and just started a two-year term as chair of the Alumni Executive Board.

She also keeps busy working in the Frederick Health/Hood College Community Resource Garden. Lastly, our 1981 classmates have their 45th reunion next June—hoping many of you will join Joy to celebrate this milestone reunion in advance of the Class of 1982’s milestone reunion in 2027. Lisa Shakespeare Whedbee and husband Mike have shared a great adventure together for the past 42 years. They were married at Coffman Chapel on the beloved Hood College campus. Their life has been enriched by 13 moves, three children and seven grandsons.

They enjoy their small farm in the Shenandoah

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CLASS NEWS

1979

Dan and his family live nearby in Raven Rock.

Deborah and Dave continue to enjoy cruising.

She is taking a Christmas cruise with her sister Esther Beckman Bowman ’79 in Dec.

CLASS NEWS

Valley, VA. Mike is a “retired” contractor and has finished building homes for two of their children. They hope the oldest daughter and her military family move closer as their retirement approaches. Currently, he and Lisa are renovating an old farmhouse on their property for a vacation rental. They have been caring for Lisa’s parents full time at their home. Her mother passed away in Oct. 2023, and Mr. Shakespeare, 95 years young, still resides with them. This past year included visits with dear Hood friends Lori Rimby Pujol ’81, Nicola Vernon Clancy and Caroline Nicholas Flint ’83. The farm is off Route 81 near JMU, so if you are in the area, please say hello! “Work hard, play hard” is life for me, Liz Bastian Chapin. Tourism continues to be in great demand, and I had the pleasure of working with Lynne Towns Tucker to plan her Italy trip. My own travels this year have taken me to Hilton Head, Africa (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Victoria Falls, Antigua and the Inside Passage) and AK with Oceania. I attended lunch at the Hood reunion in June with Joy Miller Beveridge and reconnected with Hope Bober Corrigan ’81 and Lindy Small ’81. Spending time with family and local friends is always treasured. Happy Birthday to many of the Class of 1982 celebrating their milestone 65th birthday this year!

1983

Mary L. Townley hoodmlt@aol.com

First, I present news from Marita del Toro-Sabater, who shares, “First on the list is the birth of my very first grandchild, Luca Sebastián. After a complicated pregnancy and birth, my daughter gave birth to this big old ginger baby, who has turned our family upside down. Even though he is half Alaskan, as far as we can find, the ginger part comes from a Puerto Rican ancestor on my father’s side of the family. My longtime partner and I are over the moon. Before the baby was born, Cuco and I escaped for an east coast road trip. He had never seen fall, so we drove from NYC (where we visited his oldest daughter) up to Blue Hill, ME, to see my cousin. I had dinner with my lovely roommate Beth Barrett Dachs and her longtime partner Thom, and it was as if time had not passed at all. We still felt as close as ever and had fun catching up. We have a big family and are lucky to have my father here to enjoy them. He moved back to PR after his wife passed and has been renovating our beach house and enjoying family and friends. He

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will be 90 in Dec., so I expect to plan another shindig. We are planning another trip to AK at the end of the month so Luca can meet that side of the family.” I also heard from Theresa Bielenda, who writes, “Nothing much to report except that at work we are working on different projects for our conversion to WorkDay. Meyran was my home at Hood for all four years.” Next, I send news from Carrie Foulkes Silbernagel, who reports, “I live in Brookfield, NH, the Lakes Region, with my still wonderful husband John.

We celebrate our 40th anniversary this year!

We left Frederick in 1993 and moved around the country seven times with our daughter Liz due to John’s State Farm career. I worked in the telecommunications field at both the county and federal government, as well as in resource management, before retiring in 2020. We did the Green Acres kind of thing and bought a tractor while our place was being built. We helped clear, landscape and remove snow, then created our own gardens, all in our trusty overalls on that tractor. Never imagined that in my future while sitting on the porch at my old Hood dorm in Smith Hall. Our daughter Liz turns 33 soon and is a rock musician. She plays around the country as Liz Cooper, so check out her music online or in person.” Ruth Ravitz Smith writes, “We cruised from Athens to Venice with my 86-year-old mom in June. In more professional news, I was awarded with the Distinguished Alumna Award from the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce last week! My volunteering as a mentor at UNC Wilmington and serving as president and founder of our local Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area hub were recognized by the chamber. I hope to get up to Hood in Oct. to attend the Board of Associates meeting in person. It was great to go back on the BOA now that I can Zoom in vs. always being there in person.” Janice Ball Mahlandt writes, “My husband Bruce and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary last year with a second honeymoon in Bermuda. In 2022, we moved to our happy place, the northern Outer Banks of NC. We keep busy with house projects, gardening, golf, biking and daily beach walks. We also work together part time as home inspectors for vacation rental properties. In July, we had a memorable family beach week when all four of our children and their families visited us. We made up for lost time with beach Olympic games, a celebration of our eldest’s 40th birthday, and lots of laughter and hugs.”

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

1984

Ellen-Marie Samsen Knehans goodhoodgirl1984@gmail.com

Our condolences to the family and friends of Sue Flink, who left us far too soon. It was good to see her at our 40th reunion in 2024. Claudia Nichols Nealley shares: “Linda Rudy Daugherty welcomed Janice Hogg, Cynthia Webb, Daphne Byrd Gabb, Carol Whynot Neill and I to her home in Virginia Beach for the Fourth of July weekend. We saw Old King Neptune on the boardwalk, had a patriotic golf cart parade, enjoyed pool time, ate mouthwatering BBQ and watched fireworks on the beach.” Tammy Snyder Rall met up with Cami Meyer, Terry Rappoldt Stickles and Karen Curtis-Craney in Ocean City, MD, in July. “We reminisced over our time in Coblentz and friends we knew. Looking forward to the next time we can get together.”

Robin Winkler-Pickett, M.S.’07, MBA’17, writes, “In 2017, I earned my MBA, my third degree from Hood. I then made the transition to biomedical research contracts oversight. I made my first trip to Europe, enjoying a Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. I’m looking forward to future trips to Peru and possibly Africa. Finally, after raising two boys, I have a granddaughter!

Chloe arrived last fall, and the family calls her Mini-Robin!” Jennifer Julian Radcliffe teaches preschool in VA, husband Roy works as a defense contractor and son Andrew, wife Jessi and daughter Evelyn (2) live in Alexandria. Andrew is a Commander in the Navy. Daughter Clair is in Richmond and is a prospect research analyst for VCU’s Office of Alumni Development. Susan Youry Kenney: “Robbie and I are adjusting to life in coastal NC. We’ve met many new friends, including a couple from Frederick. We enjoy having family members and friends visit and keep busy with many activities. I keep in touch with a few Smith Hood’Lums: Tina Hatfield ’83, Martha Berthold Murphy ’83, Susan Sutton Bartolotto and Nancy Hoffman Hennessey ’83.

We met up with Tina and her husband Patrick in Myrtle Beach.” Ruthann Kluth O’Connell says, “Terrence and I retired in 2024 after 39 years of civilian service with the Department of the Navy.

We are proud that our daughters Johnna and Julia started working for DOD as we were clearing out our offices. Johnna is getting married in 2026, so we are in full wedding planning mode.

Jodi Bell O’Connell and I see each other when she’s not traveling with her husband Tim. We had a wonderful girl’s trip to New Bern, NC, in Nov., where we scouted for potential retirement

1986

Alison Drum Althouse alison.althouse@gmail.com

Josie Espino Calix shared that 2025 has been a year of milestones. She just retired from teaching after 34 years. Her oldest grandson has graduated high school and will be serving a two-year mission in Orem, Utah, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Finally, Josie’s youngest grandson will be starting kindergarten. Marcia Moxey Hodges writes that she has been retired one year and four months from federal service (31 years). She and her spouse have been enjoying traveling. At age 60, Moxey hit all 50 states, the last being AK, which was amazing.

They’re heading to Ireland soon for about a month. They are enjoying their home of 20+ years in Falls Church and the ability to travel.

Over the years, Moxey said that she’s had some incredible jobs. However, retirement is the best by far. She also keeps in touch with her good friend and roommate Carla Merritt, whom she considers family and a dear soul in her life. Chrysti Howard Hogan is starting her 30th year of teaching at St. Mary’s in Memphis (40th overall) and will be taking on the new challenge of sponsoring the yearbook. The only traveling she did this past summer was a short trip to WI to meet her first great-nephew.

Carla Merritt writes that she is now receiving physical therapy twice a week, and her recovery is slow but steady. Carla was welcomed back to work by her colleagues and clients at the Maryland Department of Commerce. She’s working remotely and starting her 10th year as the senior business development rep for Montgomery County. Betsy Reed Ringel shares that love is in the air. Her daughter Caroline married Dan Celic in June 2025, and her daughter Elise got engaged in July to Charlie Cody, son of Sarah Bowersox Cody ’87. So many glad tidings, Betsy! Maureen Rohan Socha shared that she’s going to have a busy fall. Her oldest daughter is having a baby girl in Sept. They have three boys now, so Maureen is thrilled to be buying pink. Her youngest daughter will be getting married on Cape Cod in Oct. Maureen retired in Jan., so she now has lots of time for all the excitement coming her way. Kellye Greenwald’s name should look familiar to you all, as she continues in her role as director of alumni and constituent engagement at Hood. She says, “If you all don’t come back for reunion, I’ll be very sad—I’m planning a Shriner

Porch Party for us!” Kellye chats with Kathrine Anderson several times a week, and all is well in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Life for Michael and me, Alison Drum Althouse, has been blissfully calm this past year. Our two grandchildren, Sammie (5) and Emmett (almost 2), are doing great and their parents are all flourishing. My biggest news is that I have been appointed to the Board of Associates at Hood and look forward to contributing to the vibrant future we all want for our alma mater. Please keep me in the loop if you’re planning to join us for our 40th reunion. I can’t wait to see everyone!

1988

Charlotte “Bambi” Volatile Goebel cagoebel1213@gmail.com

Happy to announce that Susan Boebel Alis has her first grandbaby. Her daughter welcomed Finley Lawrence in June. She is loving every moment with her new grandson. With a little convincing, Eunice Dubuque-Aronson, Mary Beth Hession Blow, Susan Boebel Alis and I continued our tradition of crashing reunion weekend. This year we thought it would be fun to stay on campus in Blazer Hall. Boy was it fun and nice to be close to the action. We had a wonderful set up on the Quad near the Pergola on Saturday, with lots of yummy food to snack on and an adult beverage (or two).

Mother Nature did have some tricks up her sleeve and gave us a nice rainstorm. Even with us moving so quickly to get out of the rain, we still got soaked under the protection of the pergola. Saturday was the All-Class Color Bash in Coblentz, so of course we had to dress alike in our class color (blue) with 80’s accessories.

We were decked out in matching Hood t-shirts, blue lace gloves, huge blue earrings and blue lacey headbands. We would love to see more from our class to join us next year. I know the dates have been announced, June 5-7, 2026. My husband and I are becoming empty nesters, with our youngest going off to college to finish her degree at Shepherd University for music education. We have decided to open a cat cafe in Winchester, VA, on the Old Town Walking Mall. The cafe will have up to 20 cats at any given time for people to come hang out with to help them get socialized and adopted. Guests can reserve 40-minute time spots as well as get a yummy treat in the cafe. We are projected to open Dec. 1, just in time for the Winter Festival.

When you’re in the area, we would love to have you come in and say hi!

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

55

CLASS NEWS

homes just for fun. Lastly, I was able to catch up with Sue MacKenzie at her new home in St. Michael’s.” Mary-Eileen Laughland Russell: “Under my pen name Elena Maria Vida, I am publishing my seventh book in Aug. ‘Generalissima: A Novel of Henrietta Maria’ is book two in the Henrietta of France Trilogy.” Jamie Draper: “I was reelected to a second term on the Slaughter Beach Town Council, serving as treasurer, which is challenging with a full-time job, but I like to keep busy.” Laurie Draper Carter: “My father passed away at 86 in Dec. 2023 after a long illness. Many of you may remember him visiting me at Hood. My mother passed away unexpectedly in 2024 after fighting dementia for years. Son Frank graduated with honors from the USNA in 2024, heading immediately to nuclear power school and submarine prototype training in Charleston, SC. Our daughter Annie is at Wake Forest, studying for a career in dentistry. She spent spring break in Peru working in a mobile dental clinic for an underserved population. Nick continues his sailboat racing aboard ‘Legacy’ and won second place in the biannual Annapolis to Newport Race. I’m still busy selling and managing real estate, farms and family.

Nick and I bought a home in the historic district of Fernandina Beach, FL.” Bonnie Goldstein: “Hard to believe it has been more than 40 years.

I still carry with me the lessons learned from so many: Dr. Hernandez, Kerry Strand, Barbe Hetrick and Dr. Lewis, to name a few. They laid the foundation for where I am today. I live in TX and have been practicing law for 35 years. In 2014, I was elected as a state civil district trial judge, serving six years, and am currently serving a six-year term as a justice on the 5th District Court of Appeals in Dallas. I am married and have four fur babies, one dog and three cats. I stay in touch with Rythee Lambert-Jones, my former Hood roommate and constant, treasured friend.” Kim Neidhold Michie: “Jamie and I are still living near Annapolis. I am an RN clinical supervisor in the pediatric ER and love it. Jamie is a private yacht captain. We are new grandparents to a baby boy and are lucky to have our son and daughter-in-law just 10 minutes away.

Our daughter and her boyfriend live in D.C., so we get to see them often.” Thank you all for your news and a special thank you to Susan Youry Kenney for her help.

CLASS NEWS

1989

Deirdre Herman classof1989@hood.edu

We start off with news from Laurie Johnson Krull, who writes, “This is my first update since graduation 36 years ago—yikes! I was inspired by seeing Rachelle Lemieux’s update, which reminded me how grateful I am for my time at Hood. Since graduation, I’ve been working in child welfare, including child protection and outpatient child/family mental health, specializing in adoption/attachment issues. Since 2015, I have maintained a private psychotherapy practice. In 2022, I started co-producing a podcast about family-controlled child sex trafficking, “The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door.”

Then in 2023, I co-founded a nonprofit, Mezzo Allies, Inc. Our mission is to inform the conversation around child sex trafficking to include family-based trafficking, which accounts for approximately 40% of all child sex trafficking.

Jim, my husband of 32 years, is a mechanical engineer/cost estimator. We’ve been living outside Buffalo, NY, after leaving the bliss of Cape Cod in 1994, so our kids could grow up around family. It is also great to hear from Brenda Tracy, MBA’96, who recently moved into a new condo in Bethesda, MD. She writes, “I’ve been working for SRI International for almost five years. I’ve also been practicing massage part time for nine years, currently at the Journey Space in Glen Echo, MD, and at Elements Massage in Bethesda, MD. I am certified in pregnancy and postpartum massage as well as the Trager Approach and am currently learning zero balancing with the intent to become certified. My kids are doing well. Elise is starting her second year of law school; Liam and Katherine are fourth and third years, respectively, at the University of Maryland.” Kudos to Beckee Shaw, who says, “Can’t believe that I am entering my 30th year as a Baltimore City Schools psychologist. I don’t plan on retiring soon, but it’s nice to know that I can! My daughter Nicole earned her B.A. in biology and chemistry, and she will begin a master’s program in bioethics at Johns Hopkins next year. She moved out last week—can’t believe I have an empty nest!

I will be consoling myself with (my first) trip to London in Oct. My best wishes to all my classmates.” Finally, I was pleased to receive an update from Angie Beres Kreiser, who writes, “I have moved! I settled on a house in Carlisle, PA, two years and one day after my divorce was finalized. I’m pretty excited. Since I’m still stuck

56

in my lease until the end of Sept., I am using the time to paint and carpet the new place. My commute to work has doubled, but that’s okay.

My son Phillip is moving with me, and I will be closer to my daughter Aubrey, who already lives in Carlisle. Phillip works for an architecture firm in Harrisburg (Murray Associates). Aubrey works for the PA Department of Human Services as a legal assistant, processing appeals to various decisions rendered by the department. I still work for the Commonwealth of PA on the labor relations side of HR for the Department of Human Services. It is an interesting position—never a dull moment—and I like it very much. I just wrapped up my 17th year and am hoping to retire in 2028, but that will depend on the economy.”

the current Hood students who would have been our tour guides. It turned into a wonderful exchange—we were eager to hear about campus life and classes today, while they were curious about what it was like in our time. Their biggest question, however, was where we are now and how our Hood experience shaped our lives. The conversation was lively, insightful and full of shared laughter, and we also learned just how much the school’s traditions have evolved over the years. If you have information that you would like to share via our class column, you do not have to wait until I request it to send it.

I maintain a draft of the column as a work in progress until I have to send the final copy. I hope to hear from everyone soon.

1990

1995

Joan Johnson: “In Aug. ’24, I closed my chiropractic clinic, which I had run solely for 30 years, and ventured into the world of academia.

I am now the anatomy and physiology professor at Colby Community College, Colby, KS. I am also the chiropractor for the college, taking care of faculty, staff and students. It is truly the best situation in the world: I get paid to talk about my favorite subject, and I am still actively diagnosing and caring for patients. I may be in the middle of nowhere KS, but Colby Community College boasts the highest graduation rate of any community college in KS and is ranked 25th among community colleges of its size in the U.S. I am thrilled to be a part of the success of my students and the ongoing success of CCC.” This year marked our 35th class reunion, and I, Fayth Brice Smith, was thrilled to attend alongside Carla Jackson Hairston and Beryle Cosey Jackson. It was such a joy to reconnect, share memories and catch up on each other’s lives. While waiting for our double-decker bus tour of Frederick, we met fellow commuting classmate Shauna Whitfield Lawrence. At the reunion, we also enjoyed spending time with Melissa Hubbard-Allen, Christy Butler Carlson, Melissa Assion Germanese, M.A.’99, Melissa White Johnson and Tibetha Owen. We talked about our families, what our kids are doing and, for some of us, what our grandchildren are doing. Of course, we took time to reminisce about our school days. One of the unexpected highlights of the weekend came when we cancelled our campus tour due to thunder and lightning.

Instead, we had the chance to sit down with

Hi, ’95 Hood’Lums! I have a great Hood story to tell. Sara Noble and I met at Hood in fall 1991.

We were good friends throughout the years, then life happened, and we lost touch. Fast forward to fall 2024. I asked my Facebook friends if anyone had recommendations for hotels in Montclair, NJ, as my daughter and I were going to see Wallows at the Wellmont Theater on Feb. 14, 2025. Sara lives in NJ, and she not only made recommendations, but also took the day off work to pick us up from the train station, took us to lunch and then drove us back to the train the next day. I have not seen Sara in 30 years, but Hood friendships run deep. I even got her to attend her first reunion this year! This year, my daughter Julianna and I are going to a NJ Devils game at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, and hope to catch up again. We had a fantastic weekend at our 30th reunion on campus in June. While Julianna and I were driving the golf cart on Saturday, we took selfies with as many people as we could. The two most important were Hood presidents Ron Volpe and Debbie Ricker. Hanging out throughout the weekend with Sara Noble, Tracy Apgar-Weber, Christine Folden Lease, Krista Girard, Heather FoxBrashears, Jewel Smith ’96, Marjorie Mathers Kane and Melinda Cohen Donegan ’93 was so much fun. I hope to see more of you at our 35th.

I am in my 30th year of being our class reporter and almost as many on the Alumni Executive Board. Please support Hood as you can!

Fayth Brice Smith fayth.hood90@gmail.com

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

Jacki Resop Amato jresop@yahoo.com

Trevia-Lynne Carrigan Colwell sissie.mom1@verizon.net

I, Trevia-Lynne Carrigan Colwell, M.S.’04, have been working at MCPS for 10 years now, first as a substitute and then as a special education paraeducator. I have been at Longview School for five years working with the 18+ students in the senior class. It’s hard to believe that I have been in education for 30 years next spring.

My son Peter graduated with a B.S. in business with a concentration in entrepreneurship from University of New England. My daughter Vanessa graduated from Northwest High School and is attending Montgomery College, where she will pursue an associate degree in performing arts/dance. She plans to attend a four-year school in New England after. My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in June. We started the day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride. We continued the celebration vacationing in ME and attending a Coldplay concert in Boston. Send me your news for the next magazine!

1998

Jennifer Barbieri Casey jenb.hood98@gmail.com

My family and I moved to York, PA, (from rural southern York County) this past winter and are slowly settling in. I celebrated three years with Arris Design in Aug. and love working from home. We have been busy travelling and finally finding that work-life balance. My daughter Tessa will be in 2nd grade this year and certainly keeps us busy. Jacki Resop Amato ’95 and I keep up through Facebook and texting. I’d love to coordinate an alumni event in York if there is interest. Ann Price-Davis: “Sunday, July 13, I was able to visit with retailing, nutrition and interior design professor Bonnie Kloeblen Hagerman ’66 at her home in Frederick. It was a joy to catch up, and she added to my collection of cookbooks, as she is downsizing hers. I connect with Susan Dornbusch Sohn ’78 via text and quick visits in Ocean City, MD. I see Jennifer Barbieri Casey and Jacki Resop Amato ’95 usually yearly at the Cockeysville volunteer fire company quarter auction. Antonella Dattilo and I text monthly if not weekly. Time flies, and I do miss my days at Hood.” Holly Goretski Bloomfield ’99, M.A.’07, C’05: “Completed my 16th year at United States

challenging times, now more than ever, it’s my small way to bring Hood College-style mentorship to a larger research university. My husband Seth and daughter Sarah are also exploring new opportunities, moving from the federal civilian workforce to consulting and as a rising 10th grader with an interest in architecture and design, respectively.” Carrie Elizabeth Dailey: “I’m teaching math to 3rd-12th grade students at an alternative education school.”

2005

Victoria Tanguay antiquarian.veterinarian@gmail.com

Angie Carideo Auldridge successfully defended her dissertation on July 7, earning her doctorate in organizational leadership from Hood. She will graduate in Sept. 2025 but will commence in May. Her study was titled “Opportunities Beyond the Cliff: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Caregivers of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Who Seek Business Creation as a Pathway to Meaningful Employment.” Jessica Holthaus Badour is enjoying her new role as senior project manager for food safety training at the Food Industry Association. In this national role, she leads initiatives that support food safety education and compliance for the retail grocery industry. Based outside Atlanta, Jessica works remotely and travels quarterly to FMI’s headquarters in Crystal City, Arlington, VA. Jennifer Stiegler-Balfour, Ph.D., was promoted to full professor in Aug. 2024 and recently named the 2025-26 Ludcke Chair in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New England. The Ludcke Chair is the college’s highest academic honor, awarded annually to a senior faculty member recognized as one of UNE’s most distinguished scholar-teachers.

2006

Sharia Barksdale HoodClass06@yahoo.com

Nichole May Rodriguez would love to introduce her child to the Hood community. The Rodriguez family welcomed son Grayson Xavier in Jan. 2025! Carrie Wojcik Marsh is celebrating her new position as a systems analyst for Acrisure LLC, which she started in March.

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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CLASS NEWS

1996

Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID).” Danielle Adgerson Clarke: “I recently stepped away from my role as associate general counsel/ethics officer with the Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Prisons to go into full-time ministry. I will be installed as the lead pastor of God’s Will Christian Church in Washington, D.C., in Aug. 2025.

Hood alums Venette Voundy-Harper ’00 and Vanessa Voundy Hawkins ’00 are members of the church.” Jennifer Foreman Holliday, M.S.’03: “I taught secondary English, literacy and SAT prep for 17 years. I earned my master’s from Hood in education, then I went back to school to earn a literacy coach certificate, library media specialist certification and a yoga teaching certification. I currently work in a middle school and am hoping to work on the college level teaching soon in Frederick. I have also taught yoga off and on. My husband Terrell Holliday and I met at Hood and got married in Coffman Chapel with Sharifa Anderson ’99, Aisha Blanchard Collins, Aisha Blunt Wagstaff ’99 and Lyssa Fils-Aime Hargrove as my bridesmaids. From our union, we have a son who graduated from Frederick High, our alma mater!

I was honored to speak to education students at Hood last year regarding how educators can work together to help students succeed. I keep in touch with Sharifa Anderson ’99, who has two boys, Aisha Blunt Wagstaff ’99, Lyssa Fils-Aime Hargrove, who has two girls and a son who graduated last year, Ruth Hurtado ’00, Kimani Campbell Superville and others. I’m also happy to have seen my favorite instructors: Connie Pryor, Mark Sandona and Hoda Zaki periodically after graduation.” Lura Sullivan Hanks, M.S.’03, DOL’19, currently resides in Greencastle, PA, with David, her husband of 20 years. She has two children, Nathan (19) and Natalie (18), who are both attending college.

Lura received her doctorate as part of Hood’s inaugural cohort in 2019 and began serving as the superintendent of schools in Greencastle, PA, where she is in her sixth year. Karen White is celebrating 25 years this Sept. with Avenue Right, a Fargo-based advertising agency, where she serves as executive marketing director, specializing in traditional media. July marked 27 years in Fargo, a city she’s proud to call home. Rebecca Sunderlin Riggins: “In early July, I was promoted to professor of oncology at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. I’ve led a breast and brain cancer-focused research lab there for the past 14 years, and about five years ago, also took on the role of associate director for education and training. In these

CLASS NEWS

2008

Steven E. Delaney stevenedelaney@gmail.com

Kimberly Hellman began her career in education as a substitute teacher in 2009, later serving as an SEIA and behavioral support IA before specializing in elementary and special education. She earned her MAT from MSMU in 2017, became a licensed teacher in 2020 and joined FCPS as a classroom teacher in 2021.

Kim is most proud of raising three hardworking young adults who are finding their own way in the world. She and her husband make the most of everyday joys—gardening, local adventures and the chaos of life with three spirited beagles. In this next chapter, they’re finding opportunities to travel and pursue interest-based continuing education together. Candice Pfiester Moreland is working as a clinical network lead for the east region for Signify Health.

She is raising chickens, her two daughters and all her house plants. Kira Rogers Garrett started a new job as the campus support coordinator for Julia’s Learning at Wingate University (Aug. 2025). Julia’s Learning is a program for students with intellectual disabilities that allows them to have a traditional college experience for two years while gaining independent living and vocational skills. Dominique N. Marsalek, M.A.’19, is working for the American Counseling Association as senior government affairs manager, project manager for the landmark interstate Counseling Compact, with 39 current U.S. jurisdictions (38 states and D.C.), enacting the enabling legislation and full members of the newly formed Counseling Compact Commission. The occupational compact serves as a tool for practice across state lines for licensed professional counselors and equivalent credentials. She thanks Hood College for introducing her to the best life partner (Class of 2008). Marjorie Bodrogi Musary recently changed roles within her current employer, UL Solutions, to business marketing manager for their Consumer, Medical and Information Technology Division.

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In 10 words or less... ker a great leader?”

“What makes President Ric “President Ricker’s academic skills are only surpassed by her creativity and accessibility.”

— Rick Weldon,

“President Ricker is a warm, visionary, authentic, faithful, trusted friend.”

—Gerard Joyce, Ph.D.,

President of Mount St. Mary’s University

President and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

2014

2015

Steve Powell and his wife Carlynn moved to Durham, NC. Steve recently started with a new company as a director overseeing autism diagnostic services across four clinics in NC. Carly is set to start veterinary assistant school in the fall. Kylee Loss Stenersen earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Shippensburg University and continues to work in the environment, health and safety field. As of March 2025, Denisse Guitarra Yangua has a new job as grants administrator at Montgomery Parks. Chelsea Young Espe and her family welcomed another daughter in March. Her name is Renley. Their first daughter turned 3 in June as well. Erin Droneburg is still based in CO and is preparing for a 10-month expedition on a team of volunteers studying cliff-dwelling snakes along the coast of Mallorca, Spain.

Melissa Johnson Bierman got married to her husband Jacob on May 16, 2024, and they welcomed their first baby, a girl named Isabel Avery, in April 2025. Melissa Caples Miller and husband Gregory Miller ’15 welcomed daughter Harper Virginia, born in Sept. 2024.

Melissa is working as a museum curator at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine/Hampton National Historic Site.

Earlier this year, Alaina Kinsey moved into her new house in Chester County, PA. She and husband Ben are expecting a baby girl this autumn.

Alaina loves her job in HR at Sallie Mae and is enjoying all of life’s big adventures. Regginald Daniels is an assistant women’s basketball coach at UMBC. Tara Biser Little and her husband Devon Little ’16 welcomed their second daughter in July 2025. Annette Zhandosova O’Connell is now a board-certified emergency medicine attending physician in NJ and NYC. Annette and her husband Dylan O’Connell ’12 bought a house in NJ and are expecting a baby girl in Dec. 2025. Russell Melendez recently passed the Maryland Class 5 Wastewater Operator certification exam, officially becoming a state-certified operator. He continues to pursue his passion for bonsai and gardening, now caring for 12 bonsai trees, including unique species such as Montezuma cypress, giant sequoia and Japanese maples. Russell also recently completed the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program, expanding his horticultural knowledge and community outreach skills.

Maya Jackson got engaged in April 2025 and is currently house hunting with her fiance. She is a social worker and employed full time with DMC Empowering Health Services as well as part time with Baltimore Washington Medical Center.

She enjoys Bible study and church, exercising and spending time with family and friends.

Maya’s looking forward to home ownership and making new memories. In Aug., Julianne Berg

Bianca P. Sledzik hoodcollege14@gmail.com

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

Sarah Tapscott Rosier sarah.tapscott12@gmail.com

2018

Mat Molina matthew.molina2024@gmail.com

Leigh Anne Brader-Poole: “This year marks 10 years of my business Leigh Anne Brader Photography, LLC. I’ve been working full time since we graduated in 2018 and specialize in weddings, families, maternity and newborn photography. You can check out my work at leighannebraderphotography.com. I’m married to fellow Hood alum Scott Poole ’16. Rev. Beth officiated our wedding in 2021. We are still living in Frederick and have a fun and spunky 2-year-old daughter named Addison who is the absolute joy of our lives!

2021

Liliana Bean Pickrel lilianacbean@gmail.com

Sydney Whipp Main and husband Zach welcomed their baby boy Kayson on New Year’s Day. Brandon and Tailyn Kite Merson are expecting a baby girl in early Jan. 2026. Caroline Jeranek and Johsua Womack just got back from two weeks in Sweden. In early 2025, they moved to Sarasota, FL, with their fur-baby Irma.

Caroline started a new job at the nonprofit Environmental Protection in the Caribbean as their development manager. Victoria Green Coshland and Collin Coshland joined Disney Vacation Club. Collin just got back from a six-month deployment. Makenzie Baldwin just published her second book, “Love Letters I Can’t Send,”

CLASS NEWS

embarked on a two-week adventure through AK. The trip brought her one state closer to achieving her goal of visiting all 50 U.S. states.

Emily Eckard Leedy enjoys watching her children Clark and Renee grow and learn to play together. Blair Tetter Schnapp is in her fifth year teaching special education with Montgomery County Public Schools. She is working on taking graduate classes to receive a master’s in equivalency. She and her husband hope to start a family in the near future. Matt Lee and wife Bailey celebrated son Umberto’s fourth birthday.

Matt continues working at Hood, and this fall, he began teaching an undergraduate course in creative writing at the College. Meg DePanise, MBA’20, and husband Justin Everett ’11 are enjoying life with their 4-year-old daughter Violet, who proudly started school this fall.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR RECENT HOOD GRADS Return to your alma mater within three years of graduation and automatically receive the Alumni of the Last Three Years Scholarship.

■ Undergraduate credits applied toward your master’s based on major and graduate degree.

■ Application fee waiver.

■ Expedited graduate admission decision.

■ Your last three graduate credits FREE. Ask us how ALTY and other scholarships can help fund your master’s degree at Hood.

hood.edu/ALTY

now available on Amazon. Jesse Myers and his wife Michelle welcomed new baby boy Elian, born in Feb. 2025. They also have the sweetest daughter Arya, who turned 2 in March. Lily Bean Pickrel got married in Jan. and celebrated alongside many Hood alums. Khari Smart ’22, Michael Cook and Shea Anderson ’23 were in her wedding party, serving as a bridesman and two very dapper bubble boys. Alison Drum Althouse ’86, P’12, Anna Leventis ’87, Janet Drogin Wilson ’86, P’14, Margo Adams, Kiara Brown, Bentley LeBarron, Angela Acampora ’22, Lual Chol ’22, Andrew Warehime ’24, Mason and Evan Wang ’22, Sammy Patnaik ’24, Regina Royal and many others were in attendance. Lauren Keeney just purchased her first home out in MT. Margo Adams’ beautiful daughter Mia turns 1 in Nov. Margo is currently enjoying the wedding planning process and will get married by the end of summer. Reverend Brooks Anderson was commissioned as a pro-

visional deacon in the WV Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in June. Jason Jaworski and his wife Brianna are expecting a baby in Oct.

2022

Cathy Neves cmn5@hood.edu

Hello, Hood community! It’s always a joy to hear from the Class of 2022. Congratulations, Hood alumni, on all your recent achievements.

Devon Carter completed their master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Hood and passed the National Counselor Examination.

Maryam Iftikhar will be starting an M.S. in genocide and mass atrocity prevention at Binghamton University in the fall. Maryam will also be the inaugural Auschwitz Institute for

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

59

CLASS NEWS

the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) Fellow, which provides full funding for the duration of the program. Maryam is excited about the opportunity and credits Hood College and the faculty in the global studies program, especially Professor Paige Eager, for all of their support and teaching. Bradlee Mehaffie is working for the Department of Veteran Affairs as a police officer. Bradlee has the honor of protecting those who have served. Bradlee is in the process of applying to other agencies that would not have been options if not for the law and criminal justice program. Katelyn Klukosky is getting married to her childhood best friend Alexander in Nov. She also started a new position as a family service coordinator with Dignity Memorial.

Thomas Nieto has been serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines through the Coastal Resource Management program since Sept. 2023. Thomas is working on community projects focused on marine conservation and development. According to Thomas, it’s been a wild, meaningful and eye-opening ride so far. As always, please reach out to me with any exciting news or accomplishments you’d like shared!

2024

alumoffice@hood.edu

Faith Kiser is serving on the Alumni Executive Board at Hood and working as a junior business analyst at HighGear Software, Inc., right in Downtown Frederick!

If you are interested in being a class reporter, please email alumoffice@hood.edu. There are vacancies for the following classes: 2004, 2010, 2011, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024.

To protect the privacy of alumni, we do not print individual addresses within class columns.

To get in touch with fellow alumni, email alumoffice@hood.edu or call 301-696-3700.

ETCH YOUR NAME INTO HOOD HISTORY! To order your own personalized brick, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at pergola@hood.edu or 301-696-3700 or visit

hood.edu/bricks.

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hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

DISCOUNT FOR ALL GRADUATING SENIORS & ALUMNI IN REUNION YEARS ENDING IN 1 AND 6!

IN MEMORIAM

Always Part of Hood.

Paying tribute to the alumni, faculty and staff we have lost.

Carol Lumb Allen ’59, J.D., Trustee Emerita AUGUST 10, 1937JANUARY 1, 2024 Carol studied chemistry at Hood before earning a J.D. from Wake Forest University. She served on the Board of Trustees (1987-2001) and was board chair (1993-2000). Carol and her mother Caroline Finkenbinder Lumb ’30 established a scholarship to support students studying physical sciences.

Patricia Funari Bevacqua ’73 APRIL 4, 1951JUNE 25, 2025 Patricia studied home economics at Hood, which prepared her for a long career in interior design, working for 40 years in both commercial and residential spaces. She took up her alma mater as a client, redecorating the lobby of Alumnae Hall.

Robert G. Hooper, H’20, Trustee Emeritus APRIL 29, 1942SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 Bob was a member of the Board of Associates (1983-2007), serving as chair from 1991 to 1993. He then served on the Board of Trustees (2010-18). A generous donor to Hood, he contributed to scholarships and funding for the named walkway in front of the Volpe Athletic Center. Bob’s mother Elizabeth “Betty” Markey Hooper was a 1936 Hood graduate, and his father Harold served as vice president for finance and treasurer.

Marcia S. Kierscht, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate School FEBRUARY 17, 1940APRIL 21, 2025

Karen Klisch, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Physical Education JUNE 12, 1941AUGUST 3, 2025 Karen taught at Hood for more than 30 years (1966-99). As both a professor of physical education and coach of the swim team, Klisch touched the lives of countless students. She was instrumental in establishing the Athletic Hall of Fame and, along with her spouse and fellow Hood faculty member Anne L. Simonsen, Ph.D., established a needbased scholarship for students from underrepresented populations.

Chaz Martinsen, Program Director, Ceramic Arts OCTOBER 26, 1988– JULY 10, 2025 Chaz served as a visiting assistant professor and director of the ceramic arts program. A highly accomplished artist, he made many contributions to the ceramics program at Hood. He is remembered as being especially committed to the students and emerging artists whom he taught.

Dolores J. Snyder, Trustee Emerita NOVEMBER 6, 1929JULY 15, 2025 Dolores had a long career in education, serving as the director of pupil services for Carroll County Public Schools. She was a member of the Board of Trustees at Hood College (1975-87). Snyder was active in many organizations, including the Carroll County Arts Council and the American Association of University Women.

Marcia earned her doctorate from Vanderbilt University, where she began a long career in psychology, healthcare and higher education. In 1990, she was named dean of The Graduate School at Hood College, where she founded the Graduate Advisory Council. Kierscht later served as president of Stephens College. hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

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IN MEMORIAM

UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI 1942

1948

1954

Mary Faith West Clark

Dorothy Lauer Lowe

Betty Davis Shaw

Elizabeth D. Oehrle

JULY 2024

DECEMBER 2022

APRIL 2025

APRIL 2025

1943

1949

1955

Harriette Smith Russell

Amelie Kaufman Bank

Agnes Smith Budd

DECEMBER 2021

NOVEMBER 2022

AUGUST 2025

1960

1944

Joan Hays Dessloch

Margaret Mitchell Kline

JUNE 2025

MAY 2025

JUNE 2025

Pauline Toms Flanagan

Edith Pecker Levinson

MAY 2025

JUNE 2025

Doris Eckenberg Schulze

1956

Phyllis Fine Soza FEBRUARY 2023

1945 Betty Limbert Prentice NOVEMBER 2024

Betty Keane Woodroof MARCH 2023

1946 Mary Grivakis Mallis JANUARY 2024

Jane Williams Johnston JULY 2025

Helen Beach Stull JULY 2025

NOVEMBER 2021

Louise Hendrickson Talley APRIL 2025

Alison Malloch Curran MAY 2025

Anne Althouse Martin

JUNE 2025

Elizabeth Healy Shelby MAY 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

MARCH 2025

Lucille DiLeo Siekman

1957

NOVEMBER 2023

1951

Ann Failing Kuntz APRIL 2025

Catharine Smith Dunn

1952

Joan Gill Wright

Margaret Crook Arnold JUNE 2025

Margaret Lewis Christensen

FEBRUARY 2025

APRIL 2025

Margaret Weymuller Menger

Anna Grace Boyd Foster APRIL 2025

1953

Mary Drewal Regan APRIL 2025

Jane Blackson Stanton JUNE 2025

Katharine Baum Wolpe AUGUST 2025

1962

1958

NOVEMBER 2024

Susan Robinson Farmer FEBRUARY 2025

Althea VanBoskirk Harris DECEMBER 2024

Amelia Lauck Rothermel AUGUST 2025

Louise Buser Harris

APRIL 2022

JUNE 2024

1959

Evangeline S. Pouncey

Myrle Gorgas MacLaughlin

MARCH 2025

JUNE 2025

JANUARY 2024

Carol Lumb Allen Nancy Fletcher Artlett AUGUST 2025

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

N. Lynne Linzey Barnes

JUNE 2025

Dorothy E. Mullican

62

Pamela Skells Ladley

MAY 2025

MAY 2025

JANUARY 2021

AUGUST 2025

Sandra C. Newing

1947

Beatrice Moore Huber

Gail Hartman Esty

Frederica J. Lofquist

1950

Ann Koreywo Mele

MAY 2021

Gretchen A. Beckhelm

1961

AUGUST 2025

Lilian Brown Hagan

JUNE 2025

APRIL 2025

Theresa Falaguerra Rogers

MARCH 2025

Mary Ann Simmons

Elizabeth Davis Ackerman Susan Rugemer Kurtz AUGUST 2025

Patricia E. Merrill APRIL 2024

Joan Terpak Plitt MARCH 2024

1963 Jo Ann Twilley Plichta MAY 2025

IN MEMORIAM

GRADUATE ALUMNI 1964

1986

Sarah Stoecklein Bregenser

Mary Taylor Congel

JUNE 2025

JUNE 2025

MARCH 2025

1987

Mary D. Hassell, M.S.’98

R. Carol Smith Mills MAY 2025

1965 Margaret N. Carpenter MAY 2025

Mary Louise Detwiler

MAY 2025

Daniel J. Lerner, M.A.’85 DECEMBER 2024

Franklin D. Willson Jr. MARCH 2025

Edith M. Hillard, M.S.’13

1994

JUNE 2025

Carol Snyder Burnette

Joseph R. Hock Jr., M.A.’85

Kathleen G. Maloney, M.A.’85

APRIL 2025

APRIL 2025

Eleanor M. Langsdorf, M.A.’97

Mary Marshall Staley, M.A.’11

OCTOBER 2024

MARCH 2025

MAY 2025

1998

1967

Dean E. Wright MARCH 2025

MAY 2024

2008

1968

Margo Williams Cook

Linda M. Drew

Michael B. Leiter, M.A.’02

MAY 2025

DECEMBER 2024

Harriet Shermer Blake

Bernadette M. Fritz, M.A.’88

Lois Penny Liggett, M.A.’87 JULY 2025

Diane Yarbro Swift, M.A.’04 JULY 2025

MAY 2025

APRIL 2025

FACULTY, STAFF AND FRIENDS

1969

Carl O. Bleyle, Faculty

Marcia S. Kierscht, Staff

JULY 2025

APRIL 2025

John R. Burr, Faculty

Karen Klisch, Faculty

MARCH 2025

AUGUST 2025

C. Gregory Butta, Faculty

Chaz Martinsen, Faculty

MAY 2025

JULY 2025

Barbara E. Engram, Staff

Susan H. May, Faculty

MAY 2025

AUGUST 2025

Phyllis C. Johnson, Staff

Lora Kirby Ponder, Faculty

MARCH 2025

MARCH 2025

Richard A. Kahley, Staff

Florence A. Poor, Faculty

MAY 2025

OCTOBER 2024

Jean L. Kelley, Staff

Dolores J. Snyder, Trustee Emerita

Martha Suhl Nunziato DECEMBER 2024

1973 Patricia Funari Bevacqua JUNE 2025

1975 Christine Banach Dorn JANUARY 2022

1978 Karen M. Connolly MARCH 2025

1981 Lawrence W. Heslin FEBRUARY 2025

SEPTEMBER 2024

JULY 2025

1982 Shirley Hammonds Bliss JULY 2025

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

63

A L O O K BAC K

Passing the Torch PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATIONS AT HOOD

By Hood College Archivist Mary Atwell

Haven’t all of Hood’s presidents been inaugurated? Surprisingly, only six out of 11 had actual inaugurations—but each inauguration has been as unique as the Hood presidents themselves.

In September 1893, President Emeritus Joseph Henry Apple was appointed without fanfare by the Potomac Synod. The Woman’s College of Frederick opened its doors the same month.

On May 10, 1935, President Emeritus Henry Stahr was inaugurated a full year after he began his duties. More than 600 attended the formal ceremony. Notably, it was held the day before Hood’s annual May Day celebrations, which drew more than 1,800 guests on campus.

On Oct. 21, 1948, President Emeritus Andrew Truxal, Ph.D., was inaugurated in the Hodson Outdoor Theater. He was reportedly reluctant about the events, but the day was beautiful, and the guests were 1,500 strong.

On Oct. 14, 1961, severe weather forced the inauguration of Randle Elliott, Ph.D., inside Coffman Chapel and Brodbeck Hall. The crowds were especially large because of an open invitation to all Frederick County residents published in the

Frederick News-Post. The College wanted community involvement, so much so that the proceedings were broadcast live on WFMD. After President Elliott, three subsequent presidents had no inauguration. President Theodore Erck, Ph.D., was strictly interim. President Ross Pritchard, Ph.D., declined an inauguration and was installed in a small ceremony on Aug. 30, 1972. President Emerita Martha Church, H’95, Ph.D., also went without an inauguration despite being the first woman president of the College. She was installed during opening convocation in 1975.

Inaugurations returned to Hood with Shirley Peterson, J.D., on Sept. 15, 1995.

Her speech drew upon many aspects of Hood that make the school special, including our motto, “Corde et Mente et Manu,” the four pillars of Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy, and even traditional Hood songs.

President Emeritus Ronald Volpe, H’15, Ph.D., was inaugurated on Oct. 20, 2001, just weeks after the September 11 terrorist attacks, which were alluded to in several speeches. Nevertheless, the

day’s atmosphere was positive. An open reception at Whitaker Commons was held right after the inaugural ceremonies, and festivities ended with the “Presidential Inauguration Rock’n’roll Celebration” dance in Coblentz Dining Hall.

The inauguration of Andrea Chapdelaine, H’24, Ph.D., was held on Oct. 17, 2015. Inaugural events were wide ranging that week, including a fun run 5K, in honor of the new president.

Slight differences in the ceremonies illustrate changes over time. The radish, olive and celery appetizers for President Stahr’s lunch seem paltry now, but he was inaugurated during the height of the Great Depression. President Truxal’s speech was steeped in Christian philosophy, reflecting the College’s once close ties to the Reformed Church. The three ceremonies for Presidents Elliott, Volpe and Chapdelaine all included party-like events, illustrating a more relaxed mood.

One thing was constant at Hood—the campus always welcomed the incoming presidents with enthusiasm and support.

We are especially excited about Debbie Ricker’s inaugural festivities and presidency!

From left to right: President Stahr (right) walks with a faculty member; President Truxal (left) and Trustee R. Paul Smith at the podium; President Peterson on her inauguration day; President Volpe (left) with President Church (center) and President Funk (right); President Chapdelaine addresses her inauguration guests.

64

hood college | hood magazine | fall 2025

Finland Arctic Magnificence

MARCH 1-9, 2026 Join your fellow alumni and embrace Finland’s majestic beauty and Nordic charm on this active seven-night journey!

2025-26 AHI TRIPS HOLIDAY MARKETS CRUISE THE FESTIVE RHINE RIVER

DEC. 2-10, 2025

Explore vibrant Helsinki and indulge in the quintessentially Finnish tradition of a rejuvenating sauna. In northern Lapland, gaze at the awe-inspiring Northern Lights from your glass-domed cabin, enjoy a snowshoe trek by moonlight and drive across the pristine fjells aboard a dogsled or snowmobile. You’ll also tour the splendid old town of Tallinn, Estonia.

First-class hotels and a round-trip flight within Finland are included.

For more information about all Hood Alumni Travel, please go to hood.ahitravel.com.

CHARLESTON THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

APRIL 12-17, 2026 SWISS ALPS & THE ITALIAN LAKES JULY 1-10, 2026 RICHES OF THE EMERALD ISLE

SEPT. 20-30, 2026

Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PA I D

401 Rosemont Ave. . Frederick MD 21701-8575

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D IN HOPE. LEADERSHIP ROOTE MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU. PRESIDENT DEBBIE RICKER, PH.D., LOOKS AHEAD WITH HOPE. AND YOU CAN SHARE HER LEGACY. Your contribution to the Hood Fund—no matter the size— directly empowers our students through: ■U nrestricted scholarships and financial aid.

■A ccomplished faculty and dynamic teaching resources.

■C ampus enhancements and improved facilities.

■ Vital resources for Hood athletics.

■ Access to innovative technology.

Help Hood students thrive—with confidence, purpose and the hope to shape a brighter future.

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