Hood Magazine | Spring 2025 by Hood College

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2025 HOOD COLLEGE REUNION WEEKEND Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8, 2025 Hello, Hood Alumni! This year, we’re spotlighting classes that end in ’5 and ’0, with a special 50th reunion celebration for the Class of 1975. We’ve also got a few surprises for the Class of 2020 as they celebrate their FIRST reunion. So grab your roommate, classmate or teammate and come home to Hood in June. Remember, Hood reunions are for everyone. See you in June! TO SEE THE 2025 REUNION WEEKEND SCHEDULE, VISIT

hood.edu/REUNION

Watch your mailbox for your registration packet, which will have all the information you need to help you and your fellow alumni have the best time at Reunion Weekend 2025! Find your reunion class chairs on Page 48.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

07 HOOD’S 12TH PRESIDENT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mary Atwell

Archivist, Collection Development Services Manager

Mason Cavalier ’19

News Editor, Media Manager

Susan Kolb, Ph.D.

Director of Athletics

Tanith Fowler Corsi

Director of Graduate Admission

Matthew Gelhard

Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

Al Weinberg ’75

Professor Emeritus of Journalism, Trustee Emeritus

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

IN THIS ISSUE

Meg Kula ’01, CFRE

02 SOCIAL SNAPSHOT

Emily Wise VanderWoude, CFRE

03 M ESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Leadership Gift Officer

Senior Director of Advancement

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mason Cavalier ’19, Lead Photographer Cody Cervenka, Craig Chase Photography, Kurt Holter ’76, Derek Knecht, Matt Lee ’15, Laurie Ward, MFA’26 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 marketingoffice@hood.edu.

04 NEWS MAKERS

10 GIVING BACK 14 LEARNING CURVE 17

GRADUATE SCHOOL

20 ATHLETICS 24 F EATURE: LIGHTS, CAMERA, HOOD!

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. SPRING 2025 Copyright © 2025 Hood College

34 HOODPROUD 36 CLASS NEWS 47 POINT OF VIEW 64 A LOOK BACK

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100 Years of the Hood Ring For a century, the Hood ring has been a symbol of connection, tradition and the lifelong bond of the Hood College community. From well-worn rings that have traveled the world to freshly minted ones just beginning their journey, these snapshots tell the story of enduring Hood pride.

Sarah Wagstaff ’15 and Katherine Crook Heidelbach ’56, G’15

Derrick Harrigan ’07

Karen Labonski Abate ’92

Carla Kronsbein ’17

Samantha Lloyd ’20 and Greg Roddy ’20

Irving Esquivel ’10, M.A.’13

Carla Jackson Hairston ’90

Charlotte “Bambi” VolatileGoebel ’88

Kellye Greenwald ’86

Follow Hood College for your chance to be featured in the next Social Snapshot. Hood College |

@hood_college |

@hood_college

Message from the President Dear friends, When I got the news that I would be serving as Hood’s 12th president, I was filled with a sense of profound gratitude. I want to say thank you, first and foremost—thank you to the Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee for your confidence. Thank you to our exceptional faculty and staff, who keep our beloved institution running smoothly. Thank you to our students, who inspire me every day. Thank you to our proud alumni, who are shining examples of how our collective work can transform lives and communities. And thank you to our community partners, who so willingly open their doors to our students and graduates. Your trust is beyond appreciated. I firmly believe that Hood is poised to meet today’s challenges head-on, thanks to our enduring partnerships with regional businesses and organizations. These collaborations ensure that our graduates possess the most current, high-demand skills, enriched by hands-on applied learning experiences woven throughout our curriculum.

PRESIDENT DEBBIE RICKER, PH.D.

One outstanding example of this synergy between academics and real-world application is the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. Multimedia Center, featured in this issue of Hood Magazine. The center is a testament to the deep ties between the Delaplaine Foundation and Hood College. George B. Delaplaine Jr., a prominent Frederick entrepreneur, understood the need for a dynamic, contemporary space where students can hone their media skills. From that vision, the multimedia center at Hood emerged. In this space, our students can create and broadcast campus updates as well as news of local and national significance. Their breadth of work, from podcasts to newspapers, is impressive! One of the most rewarding aspects of my role—first as provost and now as president—is witnessing students put their lessons into practice. Hood’s student media has never been stronger, and it is no coincidence that they have access to a dedicated space where creativity, technical expertise and journalistic integrity flourish. It’s a testament to the Delaplaine Foundation’s support for Hood College and our graduates. Hood College is an integral part of our region’s economic and cultural fabric, and I am excited to strengthen and expand our partnerships with the greater community. Working together, we can provide students with a world of opportunities. I look forward to sharing their success stories with you, whether in this magazine, at an event on campus or at one of our many alumni events around the country. Sincerely,

ANNOUNCING HOOD’S 12TH PRESIDENT! Read more on Page 7.

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NEWS MAKERS Rana Khan, Ph.D., Named Inaugural Director for Bioscience Research and Education Center Hood College welcomes Rana Khan, Ph.D., as inaugural director of the new Bioscience Research and Education Center (BREC). The position’s establishment was supported by the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative as well as private funding.

and entrepreneurship M.S. program at Yeshiva University, where she developed programming to address the needs of the biotechnology workforce in New York. Khan also formerly held the position of vice dean in the graduate school and chair of the information technology

Khan was selected after a national search, with her experience in academia and program development distinguishing her to lead the center.

Khan will establish BREC as a hub for collaboration between the sectors of higher education, government and the bioscience industry.

“I am excited to join the Hood community and eager to bring my skills to the table and contribute to the building of BREC and help establish it as a leader in fulfilling the educational and training needs of the workforce in Frederick County and Maryland,” said Khan. Previously, Khan served as the founding director of the biotechnology management

systems department at UMGC, overseeing a diverse offering of science and information technology-related programs.

Rana Khan, Ph.D.

Khan’s contributions to launching successful education and training programs at both institutions highlight her passion for and expertise in program development. In her role at Hood, Khan will establish BREC as a hub for collaboration between the sectors of higher education, government and the bioscience industry, serving the heightened demand for highly trained science professionals.

Mark Reinhardt, DNP, Appointed Inaugural Dean of School of Behavioral and Health Sciences Hood College is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Reinhardt, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CNS, as the inaugural dean of The Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences (SBHS). The position was funded through the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative as well as a private donor. Reinhardt has a distinguished background in higher education leadership, having held key

positions such as chief nurse administrator at Southeastern University, associate dean and chief academic officer for the School of Nursing at Valdosta State University and dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Lynchburg. His career spans both academic and clinical settings, with expertise in curriculum development, accreditation, faculty mentoring and student success initiatives. “I am honored and humbled to be selected as the inaugural dean of SBHS,” said Reinhardt. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime to lead this newly formed school. I look forward to working with the faculty, leaders and students in SBHS alongside College leadership and our community partners to continue a trajectory of growth focused on the future.”

As dean, Reinhardt will oversee the development and implementation of programs within the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to health education and research. His leadership will be vital in advancing the school’s mission in preparing graduates to support and advocate for the needs of diverse communities via a holistic study of health and behavior as a continuum of physical, mental and social well-being.

Mark Reinhardt, DNP

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NEWS MAKERS Hood College Receives $95,588 Award to Advance “Edge Intelligence” Education

Award-Winning Political Scientist Robert Putnam, Ph.D., Visits Hood

Hood College has been awarded $95,588 from the NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) program. The grant aims to bridge the educational gap in the emerging field of “edge intelligence,” a critical yet underrepresented area within STEM disciplines.

World-renowned political scientist and professor Robert Putnam, Ph.D., visited Hood’s campus to deliver a lecture titled “The Erosion of American Democracy and the Upswing” on April 7.

Edge intelligence represents a pivotal advancement in computing, involving the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) directly into devices at the edge of networks, such as sensors and IoT systems. Despite the significant practical applications of edge intelligence, educational institutions face challenges in providing specialized training due to the field’s inherent complexity, which spans from hardware intricacies to sophisticated AI algorithms.

an innovative suite of four low-cost testbeds specifically tailored for edge intelligence education and research. These testbeds will serve as foundational tools for creating comprehensive instructional materials, including hands-on labs and case studies, which will be integrated into the curriculum at both participating institutions.

In collaboration with Towson University, Hood College faculty and students will embark on a groundbreaking project to design and develop

Hood Hosts New Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition and Conference The Delaplaine School of Business at Hood College held the Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition and Conference (EPCC@Hood) in April. The one-day event showcased the entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking among Hood students and alumni, celebrating the relationship between academic research and the practice of entrepreneurship, with $4,000 in total awards available for participants. The event included a business pitch competition featuring current Hood students and alumni as well as an academic research conference aimed to provide a collaborative platform for business researchers to receive feedback on their work. The best business pitches and research presentations earned cash prizes. Generously supported by the Indian American Business Impact Group (IAMBIG), EPCC@Hood offered a new and unique opportunity for students, alumni and academics to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and research, gain valuable feedback and recognition, network with like-minded individuals and compete for awards that support their ventures and research.

Putnam, a highly celebrated political scientist and professor emeritus at Harvard University, is one of America’s leading voices on social and civic issues. In 2013, President Barack Obama awarded Putnam the National Humanities Medal, the nation’s highest honor for contributions to the humanities. “To welcome Putnam to Hood’s campus is a wonderful honor as a political scientist,” said Provost Paige Eager, Ph.D. “Grounded in the social sciences, Putnam has contributed to both intellectual discourse and action-oriented strategies around the issues of civil society, civil discourse and the health of American democracy.” Putnam’s lecture was offered as part of the Hanson Lecture Series, through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, which has invited thought leaders from around the world to engage the Hood community and public on relevant issues of today. This issue went to press prior to the event. All details were accurate at the time of publication. However, changes may have occurred after printing. We apologize for any discrepancies.

Robert Putnam, Ph.D.

This issue went to press prior to the event. All details were accurate at the time of publication. However, changes may have occurred after printing. We apologize for any discrepancies.

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NEWS MAKERS

WORTH THE WORK

STUDENT AND ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES

Hood Graduate Designs Graphics for White House Event Amanda Smith ’24 majored in communication arts. Today, she applies her Hood education on a daily basis as a junior graphic designer at Syzygy Events International, illustrating and designing graphics for stage sets, red carpets, dance floors and photo ops while working with clients from conceptualization to installation—and one of those clients happens to be a pretty big deal. “I had the opportunity to illustrate President Biden’s cat, Willow, for the White House Hallo-READ event,” said Smith. “My Willow illustrations were printed out and placed all around the White House grounds for people to take photos with. It was so surreal to see my artwork in such a renowned setting!” Smith attributes her success to the graphic design courses at Hood. She not only learned the ins and outs of style and design, but also how to capture and convey brand identity. In her senior year, Smith completed an internship with the Office of Marketing and Communications, where she worked alongside the College’s own design team. “Each graphic design course I took came with unique projects and skill-building exercises that were very challenging at times, but completing them gave me invaluable skills that helped me later on in my job,” said Smith. “My internship also came with its own set of unique challenges because it was my first time working in a professional setting, but it gave me experience creating designs based on client requirements, which is something that a classroom setting can’t fully prepare you for.”

Nursing Students Organize Toy Drive for Frederick Health Hospital Pediatric Patients hood.ws/toy-drive

Computer Science Major Cory Watson ’18 Recruited by the NFL to Tackle Cybersecurity hood.ws/watson-nfl

Hood Students Present Math Education Research at National Conference hood.ws/math-students 6

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NEWS MAKERS

Say Hello to President Ricker! SCIENTIST, LEADER AND EDUCATOR DEBBIE RICKER, PH.D., NAMED 12TH PRESIDENT OF HOOD COLLEGE Following a highly successful eight-year tenure as provost and vice president of academic affairs, Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., has been appointed as the College’s 12th president. Ricker brings more than 30 years of experience as a published scientist, trusted administrator and higher education leader. At Hood, Ricker has consistently empowered students through an emphasis on meaningful peer mentorship, hands-on learning and the creation of invaluable industry partnerships. “I am truly honored to have been selected to serve as Hood College’s 12th president. At this pivotal moment in the history of the College and, more broadly, for higher education, adaptability, agility and forward-thinking will be essential,” said Ricker. “I’m excited to build upon Hood’s success and continue to champion the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students while advancing our mission and strategic goals.”

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Serving Hood’s students... Ricker, who has been serving as president in an interim role since July 1, 2024, officially began as president on April 1, 2025. The appointment comes after a unanimous vote by the Hood College Board of Trustees during its annual March meeting. “Debbie has always put our students first, and she is the right person to take Hood into the future,” said Tonya Thomas Finton ’78, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Debbie is a tremendous leader, and throughout her time at Hood, she has earned the respect of faculty, staff, students, the board, alumni and the community at large. The board looks forward to partnering with President Ricker and supporting Hood College as it takes this next step.” Ricker’s selection to the position followed an exhaustive presidential search conducted by the search firm Isaacson, Miller and the Presidential Search Committee, composed of Hood trustees, staff, faculty, alumni and students, beginning in summer 2024. “In this position, collaboration is more important than ever. I could not do this job without the support of a strong leadership team, the

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Ricker first joined Hood College as provost and vice president of academic affairs on July 1, 2016. A champion of Hood’s core values of Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy, Ricker spearheaded the development of new undergraduate programs in public health, sustainability studies, art therapy and finance. Ricker was also instrumental in launching Hood’s highly successful graduate cybersecurity program.

Ricker’s efforts resulted in record-setting firstyear retention and graduation rates.

Board of Trustees, the Hood community and our many external partners. Growing Hood’s footprint and continuing to establish meaningful relationships will be a key priority,” said Ricker. “Thank you to Board Chair Tonya Thomas Finton ’78 and all members of the Presidential Search Committee who have entrusted me to take Hood College to new heights. Together, I know we can achieve anything.”

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She oversaw student retention efforts, including the formation of Hood’s Office of Student Success, which helps students of all class levels achieve their academic goals via mentorship, tutoring and advising. Ricker’s efforts resulted in record-setting first-year retention and graduation rates. Ricker also led Hood’s High Impact Practice Task Force, which aimed to ensure that every Hood student has at least one experiential learning opportunity before graduating.

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NEWS MAKERS

...and moving the College forward. “Ours is a community that has always sought to bend, not break. I have every confidence that Hood College’s future is bright, and I am so proud to serve this wonderful institution.” -President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D.

“As Hood’s provost for the past eight years, I learned that we have one central mission—serving our students,” said Ricker. “Now, as president, student needs will continue to inform decisionmaking at the highest level. I look forward to learning and growing alongside them as our campus community continues to evolve.”

Prior to joining Hood, Ricker spent 20 years at York College, serving in several academic and administrative roles, including associate dean of academic affairs, dean of academic services and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. Reflective of her career as a scientist and academic administrator, Ricker’s research history includes more than 25 publications and presentations on topics ranging from academic advising and curriculum development to in-vitro fertilization rates, sperm motility and embryo development.

Ricker earned a Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in biology from East Tennessee State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mars Hill University. Ricker also attended the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University as well as the Council of Independent Colleges Executive Leadership Academy. “Colleges and universities throughout the country are facing some strong headwinds. But I have seen the resolve and fortitude of the Hood community,” said Ricker. “Ours is a community that has always sought to bend, not break. I have every confidence that Hood College’s future is bright, and I am so proud to serve this wonderful institution.”

Follow President Ricker’s Instagram: @debbieathood SPRING 2025

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GIVING BACK

STEM UPGRADE

Renovating and Expanding the Hodson Science and Technology Center The Hodson Science and

P R OJ E C T I

P R OJ E C T I I

Technology Center is about to

Following repairs to the first-floor greenhouse, the third floor of Hodson will be totally transformed. One half will become a massive shared laboratory space, with two additional rooms for lab prep and support. The other half of the floor will serve as a seminar-style classroom with an adjacent meeting room for both faculty and students. Once the interior renovations are complete, work on the exterior will begin. This involves new roofing and weather proofing, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades, to ensure that Hodson is energy efficient and comfortable year-round.

Currently, the Hodson Annex is an underutilized wing off the main building—but it has the potential to become something extraordinary. The proposed design would see the annex reimagined to include multiple labs, classrooms, group study pods and offices. A stateof-the-art maker space would also provide a unique area for student collaboration across disciplines. With improved connection to the central Hodson complex, the annex would also be more accessible and ADA compliant, making it a truly inclusive space for all Hood students.

undergo a major facelift. The building is slated for significant interior and exterior renovations. This ambitious, multiyear project will occur in two stages.

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GIVING BACK

Join Us To create the dynamic spaces that our students deserve, we need your support. Your contributions toward renovating and expanding the Hodson Science and Technology Center will not only open pathways for students pursuing programs like biology, environmental science and policy, chemistry, mathematics, cybersecurity, information technology, health sciences and sustainability studies, but also invigorate workforce development in our region. It will enhance the capabilities of the newly launched Bioscience Research and Education Center, a hub for professional development within the high-demand bioscience sector. And it will enable students today and tomorrow to solve urgent scientific dilemmas. With your help, a brighter future awaits—for our students and our world.

Philanthropic Opportunities While Project I has been fully funded, Project II requires an additional $15.5 million to complete. This will cover the cost of major construction and allow us to outfit the annex with modern lab equipment, giving the College more room to house our rapidly growing STEM programs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NAMING Please email Nancy Gillece ’81, vice president for institutional advancement, at gillece@hood.edu.

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GIVING BACK

Every action today builds the legacy of tomorrow. Hood Alumna Sally Palic ’81 Establishes Emergency Student Fund Most people associate financial aid with tuition. But what about unexpected life expenses like healthcare, housing or legal fees? That’s where the new Sally Bauman Palic ’81 Emergency Student Fund comes in. Launched thanks to a gift from its namesake, the Emergency Student Fund was established to help students who are experiencing unanticipated, immediate financial needs that are not related to typical academic expenses. Palic herself is no stranger to grappling with challenges as a college student. “Both of my parents had passed away before my freshman year at Hood. In that time of grief and uncertainty, Hood became more than just a school; it became my home,” said Palic. “Because of that experience, I wanted to find a way to give back.” Hood students may now apply to access these emergency funds through the dean of

students. Demetrius Johnson, Ph.D., dean of students, is confident that the fund will have a significant impact. “The Emergency Student Fund demonstrates the commitment of

“ Both of my parents had passed away before my freshman year at Hood. In that time of grief and uncertainty, Hood became more than just a school; it became my home.” Hood to support the needs of our students,” said Johnson. “We understand emergencies will arise. I’m so fortunate our alumni remain engaged in ways that advance our students.”

Sally Bauman Palic ’81

“I hope alumni will recognize the challenges that students face when unexpected personal or family crises arise during the academic year,” said Palic. “Financial assistance during these difficult times can make a significant difference, helping students stay focused on their education and well-being.”

This financial support will allow students to move forward with their education, even in the face of adversity. The fund is open to receive contributions, and Palic encourages other Hood alumni to consider donating to this worthy cause.

Alumna M. Fredrica Godshalk ’65, M.D., Honors Hood With Bequest After graduating from Hood, M. Fredrica “Rickey” Godshalk ’65, M.D., completed medical school at the University of Maryland. She spent her career in academia and retired from the University of Kentucky Medical Center as an assistant professor of anesthesiology. Always loyal to Hood, Rickey bequeathed her entire estate to the College.

M. Fredrica “Rickey” Godshalk ’65

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In 1997, Rickey established the M. Fredrica Godshalk ’65, M.D. Scholarship Fund in honor of Helen V. Knorr ’65, a classmate who died of breast cancer at the age of 34. The endowed scholarship is awarded to students based upon financial need, with a preference

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given to students preparing for a career as a medical doctor, nurse, physical therapist or paramedic. Once fully endowed, the annual award will be a significant six-figure amount to support multiple students pursuing these disciplines. Additional contributions can be made to the fund through the Office of Institutional Advancement. Email Senior Director of Advancement Emily VanderWoude, CFRE, at vanderwoude@hood.edu or call at 301-696-3708.

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GIVING BACK

Endowed Scholarship to Support Education Majors Jay Hamburg wanted to honor his mother, Minerva Glickman Hamburg ’47, on the 100th anniversary of her birth. To commemorate this occasion, he established the Minerva Glickman Hamburg ’47 Endowed Education Scholarship. This fund will be awarded to undergraduate education majors, with special consideration given to firstgeneration students.

economics major, she went on to become a teacher. Jay Hamburg noted that his mother spoke fondly of Hood College, describing it as a refuge during a challenging time in her life. He recognized that Hood was a special and important place to his mother. This endowed scholarship will serve as a testament to Minerva’s love of Hood and lifetime of supporting students.

“Min” was described by her peers as “always fun to be around, with friendly exuberance.” While Minerva was a home

Minerva Glickman Hamburg ’47

CREATE YOUR LEGACY AT HOOD.

IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK!

A LEGACY GIFT:  Preserves your savings

and cash flow.

 Is easy to arrange with a simple

paragraph added to your will.

JOIN ME BY INCLUDING HOOD IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS. “ My wife and I have a planned gift to create a fund to support student/faculty research. We want to make it easier for future generations to continue Hood’s great tradition of mentoring. I hope others will want to do the same.” – CRAIG LAUFER, PH.D., PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY SPRING 2025

 Makes an impactful difference

for students.

To learn more, visit

hood.giftplans.org or contact Emily VanderWoude, CFRE, senior director of advancement.

vanderwoude@hood.edu 301-696-3708

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LEARNING CURVE

? n o i t c i F r o t

Fac

NAVIGATING ME DIA IN THE MI SINFORMATIO

N AGE

In today’s 24-hour news cycle, it’s hard to keep up, and a flood of misinformation makes staying informed even more challenging. How can we tell if a news source is trustworthy? What are the best strategies for separating fact from opinion? Why does it sometimes feel as if people are living in separate realities? For this exclusive Learning Curve podcast, Alan Goldenbach, associate professor of communication arts and journalism (pictured above, left), and Carin Robinson, Ph.D., associate professor of political science (pictured above, right), weigh in on the importance of media literacy and offer valuable insights on how to become your own trusted fact checker. What does media literacy mean in today’s digital landscape? Alan Goldenbach To me, media literacy means being able to figure out what you’re consuming, why it’s important and why somebody is sending it out. Carin Robinson It also means engaging material with the awareness that there are multiple sources addressing this topic from other lenses. Media literacy is the humble recognition that you have chosen one source, while there are millions of other sources out there. According to a 2022 survey by Education Week, nearly half of adults aged 19-81 did not learn media literacy skills in high school. A survey from the News Literacy Project found that 94% of teenagers believe that schools should be required to teach media literacy. What do you make of these statistics? CR This is a concept we’re all learning together, and we’re functioning from a deficit. It’s not as though previous generations were well versed in the media landscape. There’s just not enough time to catch up with the pace at which information is now available.

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AG That statistic attacks a faulty assumption that a lot of adults have today—thinking kids who grew up with this kind of technology must know how to decipher [media]. It’s a common fallacy that we think younger people just know how to manage this better. How do you teach students to be skeptical without becoming completely cynical? AG The ultimate question I want them to answer is, if somebody is giving you a piece of information, how do you know it to be true? Do you know it’s reliable? Skepticism is just healthy doubt until you have credible evidence. CR It’s an intellectual exercise that we want students to be excited about. It demonstrates an awareness for the big picture. It’s an incorporation of multiple disciplines here at a liberal arts school. When a student can come and say, “That’s not consistent with what I heard another professor say or what I read in another book,” it often reveals a deeper truth that even I have been blinded to simply because of my own biases.

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What are some practical ways people can identify misinformation or biased reporting? AG Our gut instincts are a telltale sign, right? If something doesn’t match up, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong, but that means you should try to dig a little deeper. Because of the speed that information arrives today, we are instinctively too quick to buy into and accept something. We need to practice slowing down, and I know that’s hard to do in this media environment. CR The best way to start identifying misinformation is by comparing it with other sources. We have something known as a confirmation bias. We often self-select into groups, and we self-select news sources that will tell us how smart we already are and will be easy for us to consume. Cognitively, we want to avoid information that conflicts with our predisposition. I would encourage people when encountering information that isn’t consistent with what they already believe to dig into it, and the only way to do that is to consult multiple sources and to be in community with people who don’t look like you, don’t sound like you and don’t agree with you. That is something we welcome in the classroom.

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LEARNING CURVE Want to hear the full conversation? Scan to listen to the first-ever Learning Curve podcast moderated by Declan Sullivan ’25. How does media coverage shape political opinions and voter behavior? CR We’re self-selecting into echo chambers and silos. We’re not being exposed to a diversity of opinions. And so, media not only are telling us what issues to think about—they’re telling us what to think about those issues. We are having an agenda set for us where we’re not necessarily perceiving the most important problems facing our country as a function of what my community is dealing with. It’s what my social media feed is emphasizing, and usually it’s somehow attached to my identity and my consumer behavior. That is something I’m struggling with as I try to speak to the next generation in terms of how to be informed and what should matter.

CR Opinion leaders are something that we talk about in social science and the importance of opinion leaders to help us sort through the information. Average citizens are unable to fully educate themselves on tariffs or criminal justice or the various complex issues that are out there. There are people well suited to be opinion leaders and that sometimes comes in the form of a member of Congress or a community leader. But those are not the people who have the most engaging TikTok feeds, and that’s who we’re now competing with to elevate what’s most important and what should matter.

AG The simple meaning of the word “news” has changed in the last 25 years. Prior to the digital age, if you owned a printing press or a satellite dish, you were the arbiter of what was newsworthy, what was important to society. Today, every single one of us is, because if you have a social media feed, you can distribute information that you think is important. If it’s important to your followers on social media that you had a ham sandwich for lunch today, then that’s newsworthy to them. The point of the matter is that everybody can control what is important, so if you find an audience of people who all agree this is something that is important, who’s to say that’s not news? We’ve lost control over what news should be, so to speak.

What are the best resources for fact checking political claims? AG The way I approach it in my skepticism— don’t look for a fact checker. You are your fact checker. We need to be aware of what tools are out there. How can you find out who is supporting this organization that’s giving you this information? Who’s funding it? What’s their history? Don’t rely on somebody else to tell you that you should trust this, or you shouldn’t trust that. We need to have those skills ourselves. How can people of all ages become more critical and thoughtful media consumers? AG I think the easiest way is to increase awareness. How do you get students to be curious? You can’t force people to be curious, but that’s the one thing I’ve always told students—I want you to be curious. I want you to wonder, how did this information get out there? The internet has given us such a wealth of information. We think we can become experts on anything in two Google searches, and clearly that’s not the case. When we can stop and ask ourselves, how do you know that to be true? I think that’s a good first step. Slowing down is critical for media literacy. CR Media ownership is a big element. Who owns the media that you’re consuming? There are about six different companies that own the entire mainstream media universe. Being aware of that will help you slow down, and it doesn’t negate everything the mainstream media says, but it’s something to be aware of. I also want to defend a free press. We need media. I think there are good people who are pursuing journalism for the sake of informing citizens and holding government accountable. With the good has come some bad, and embracing it, being sober with it, all of that takes some work.

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

From Graduate Staff to Graduate Student EXPERIENCING HOOD’S DOCTORAL PROGRAM FIRSTHAND By Tanith Fowler Corsi As both the director of graduate admission at Hood College and a student in the Doctor of Organizational Leadership program, I have the privilege of viewing this unique academic journey from two perspectives. My selection as the staff nominee to attend Hood’s doctoral program, as part of the College’s new staff benefits initiative, is a distinct honor that deepens my connection to this remarkable institution. It has allowed me to witness the transformative impact of this program—not just for students, but also for the broader Hood community. From an admission standpoint, I was deeply impressed by the program’s innovative cohort model. Each year, a new group of students embark on this journey together, fostering a tight-knit community that becomes a built-in

support network. This intentional structure is especially valuable for mid- to advanced-level professionals, as the program is designed to accommodate busy schedules through Saturday-only hybrid classes, blending in-person and online formats. The program’s hands-on approach is focused on helping students develop as leaders within their workplaces and communities, while simultaneously providing an understanding of leadership theory. These distinctive features are what I often highlight to prospective students, knowing the value for working professionals seeking meaningful professional growth. As a student in the program, I have experienced these attributes firsthand, and they have exceeded my expectations. The faculty’s

passion, engagement and depth of knowledge are remarkable, but what truly sets them apart is their unwavering support for students. Their encouragement has been pivotal in helping me balance the program’s demands with a full-time career and family responsibilities. The inclusion of guest speakers—faculty from other institutions, Hood senior leadership and alumni of the program—adds another layer of richness to the learning experience, offering diverse insights and real-world perspectives. Starting the program was intimidating, especially after being out of school for many years. The workload in the first semester felt significant, and adjusting to the rigor of doctoral studies was challenging. However, with the support of the faculty and the camaraderie of my cohort, I found my footing and not only survived but thrived. Completing my first semester has brought a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, and I have gained invaluable knowledge about leadership, both in theory and practice. For leaders who aspire to make a lasting impact in their communities and organizations, I highly recommend Hood’s Doctor of Organizational Leadership program. It is a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey that equips you with the tools, insights and confidence to lead with purpose. Request information at hood.edu/doctoral.

HOOD’S NINTH DOCTORAL COHORT. From left to right, Clarivel Jones, MBA’20, Judea Hill, Tanith Fowler Corsi, Omega Tawonezvi, Mitchel Jackson, Kevin Hoover, Pamela Price, Rashida Kimbrue-Major, Darlene Martin, M.S.’14, Berri A. Wells, Joanna Eaton, Leslie “Lee” Strathern, Quiera Harris and Zach Roberson ’12.

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Mitchel A. Jackson, current student

The Hood Doctoral Experience

“The goals of the doctoral program resonate with my principles of becoming a mindful leader who advocates for continuous learning and sustainability. My mission is to empower, educate and inspire. I firmly believe that if we are taught correctly, we will lead in the right way.

REFLECTIONS FROM STUDENTS AND ALUMNI.

“An aspect of the program that I particularly appreciate is the emphasis on mindfulness at the start of our classroom discussions. This mindset allows us to focus and become proficient in setting and achieving both short-term and long-term goals. The program also encourages profound self-reflection and exploration of self-awareness at an entirely new level.”

Eric Louérs-Phillips, DOL’19

Ja’Bette Lozupone ’05, MBA’10, DOL’20

Rashida Kimbrue, current student “The Hood community has been an anchor in my journey, providing a space where I feel both challenged and supported. From the moment I attended an open house, I could sense that this was not just an academic program—it was a community rooted in connection, encouragement and shared growth. I am not just a student; I am part of a network that uplifts and invests in each other’s success.

“Education has always been a cornerstone of my personal and professional development, and I believed a doctoral program would allow me to amplify my impact, particularly in areas of leadership, equity and organizational transformation. Hood College was the perfect fit because of its focus on leadership, innovation and community-driven values.

“I chose Hood for several key reasons: its reputation for academic rigor, its focus on leadership development and its commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive learning environment. I was particularly drawn to the emphasis on leaders transforming communities for the better and research that directly impacts real-world challenges. “The program significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. I was able to apply this knowledge to enhance my leadership effectiveness, improving decision making, problem solving and communication in the workplace. Academically, it pushed me to critically analyze complex leadership theories, methodologies and case studies, deepening my understanding of organizational behavior.”

“I was drawn to the faculty’s reputation for excellence and their personalized approach to guiding doctoral students. The program offered the flexibility I needed as a working professional and mother, but more importantly, it provided a supportive and nurturing environment where I felt seen, valued and challenged to grow.”

“One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned in this program is the power of a growth mindset. We can always learn something new, refine our skills and sharpen areas for improvement—but that doesn’t mean our existing strengths should be overlooked. I now hold onto this mindset daily and carry that belief forward in my work and leadership.”

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ATHLETICS

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY CONCLUDES DYNAMIC FIRST SEASON It was a storybook ending for the inaugural weekend series of women’s ice hockey, as current leading goal scorer Sofie Ancona ’28 raced past the last Hilbert College defender to clinch the team’s first win in overtime and a series sweep for the program, despite last-minute obstacles. Skate Frederick, home to the ice hockey team, was forced to close just before the start of the season due to cooling issues. Despite this setback, the season started on time—with the first game played at Rockville Ice Arena. Early the next morning, game two was played at Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex. Given the mechanical issues at Skate Frederick, the team had limited ice time together. The players refused to let these barriers affect them and Averi Reider ’27 scores the first goal in the program’s first conference win against King’s.

pulled out a 3-2 win in their first-ever game. Less than 18 hours later, Ancona scored again to secure the 4-3 overtime win. “Our team has done a great job adjusting to the adversity that has been thrown our way this year,” said Josh Funk, head coach. “With a team full of first-year students, it has been a very good lesson in perseverance. It has been incredible to see how they have taken everything in stride.” Even though the team was forced to reschedule other home games as the season continued, it was clear the players could adapt. That ability to adjust was on display in the final game of 2024, with the program’s first conference win and first shutout against MAC opponent King’s College. “We’ve had some challenges and setbacks that were out of our control, but we made the best of the situations thrown at us,” said first-year player Sammy Faatz ’28. “I’ve improved and learned more than I thought was possible. I think we have a good foundation and culture within the program and will continue to grow and improve.” “The season as a whole, record aside, has been an impressive year,” Coach Funk said. “Currently, we have many players in the national rankings of statistical categories, and we have turned a lot of heads throughout the conference already. Our goal was to be competitive from day one, year one, and we’ve done that. We’ve been in every game that we’ve played and have taken massive steps in establishing a solid base for years to come.”

The team ready for their inaugural game.

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Sophie Ancona ’28 celebrates her first career goal as a Blazer.

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ATHLETICS

FIELD HOCKEY REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE IN REBUILD After some close losses in the 2023 season, Blazers field hockey was confident that training and recruiting would pay off in 2024. This manifested on Oct. 19 against MAC rival Eastern, as the Blazers marked their first conference win since joining the MAC in 2012.

the program to the next level before graduating was monumental. I can’t wait to see my teammates continue to grow the program.”

“Finally winning a conference game made me feel complete,” said Richana Brown ’25, senior goalie of the 3-1 win. “It was the moment other teams in our conference began to respect us, even fear us, as a team. I bought into the program determined to make a change, and it’s the best investment I’ve ever made.” The Blazers didn’t stop with Eastern. Four days later, they defeated another conference opponent, Albright College, with a final score of 2-1, bringing their conference win total to two for the season. “Everyone wants to win a conference game, but coming into a program that is rebuilding poses certain challenges,” said Olivia Sobchak ’25, senior midfielder. “Being able to finally win a conference game and take

The two conference wins this season have shown the massive strides the program has made in just the fifth year under Head Coach Carley Kessler. “This season felt different from the very first day of preseason,” Kessler said. “We invest in our team values, which has led to great leadership throughout the team, on and off the field. Finishing with two conference wins proved that all the effort our team has put in allowed us to trust the work we do and empowered us for next season.” Brown and Madeline Moreno ’27 were two players to watch before the season started, as Brown put the conference on notice with her

All-Conference Second Team nomination in the 2023 season. Moreno, on the other hand, was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the field. Her two-way ability earned her a nod to the All-Conference Second Team for 2024, the first of her collegiate career. The future is bright for field hockey at Hood College, including newcomers Emma Massey ’28 and Bianca Scally ’28. The two went back-and-forth for the team’s firstyear goals record, with Massey making the record-breaking sixth goal in a game against Widener. Keeping with this momentum, the team’s mantra is “brick by brick.” Coach Kessler and the team will continue to build their legacy in the 2025 season and beyond.

The team rushes the field after their win against Eastern.

BLAZERS BASEBALL WELCOMES NEW HEAD COACH In October, Hood College was thrilled to announce Mike Victory as the Blazers’ new head baseball coach. “This is an exciting time for Hood baseball. The current and former players and coaches have done a great job at putting Hood on the map,” said Victory. “Hood College is committed to advancing the program, and I am honored to be part of this growth. I cannot wait to get started working with these young men.” Victory arrives after five seasons at the helm of Brevard College in North Carolina, which competes in the USA South Athletic Conference. Victory had a career record of 81-84 and coached the Tornados in their first conference championship and first post-season win.

The Blazers, coming off their fourth 20-win season in Hood history with a 23-17 record, clinched a No. 3 seed in the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth playoffs. The squad also contained three all-region, four all-conference and three honorable mention players in the successful season. “Hood baseball is ready for the Victory era,” said Director of Athletics Susan Kolb, Ph.D. “Coach Victory stood out in a very strong pool of candidates because of his recruiting experience in the region, his philosophy on player development and his professional values that have led to successful programs at each of his past institutions. We are excited to welcome Coach Victory and his family to Hood College.”

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Mike Victory leads the pregame team huddle in the home opener against Cairn.

Victory is originally from Westford, Massachusetts, where he attended Westford Academy. He graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a master’s degree in teaching in 2013.

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ATHLETICS

MEN’S BASKETBALL REACHES MAC PLAYOFFS The 121-78 win against conference rival Eastern marks the second-most points scored in program history and the most points scored in a conference game. The team hit a programrecord 23 three-pointers in the 43-point rout. “We like to find unique ways to play,” said Head Coach Chad Dickman. “This strategy might lose us some games, but it also gives us an opportunity to win against high-level competition.” Jevon Yarbrough ’26 drives past a Johns Hopkins defender.

Coming off an at-large bid in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year, the Blazers men’s basketball team started the 2024-25 campaign with four straight wins, including knocking down No. 7 Randolph-Macon in the Rotary Club of Frederick Tip-Off Tournament. The team then earned back-to-back titles in the Battle of D.C. & Maryland after taking down tough in-state rival McDaniel 86-65. Hood was No. 24 on d3hoops.com’s rankings in the first week of the season, the program’s second time receiving a top 25 ranking.

Garrison Linton ’25 totaled 12 assists against Eastern, tying the program record of assists in a game. Linton averaged 12 points per game, while his assists total ranks at the top of the conference and top 10 in the nation. Forward Jude Huseby ’27 and guard Kullen Robinson ’27 contributed a combined 27 points per game. Jack Fricka ’24 had a career year with a personal high in rebounds and landed at the top of the conference in offensive rebounds. Jevon Yarbrough ’26 shot more than 50% from the field and 80% from the line. The team earned a playoff spot for a sixth consecutive year.

WOMEN’S SOCCER FINISHES STRONG

“Our defense showed the heart of our team, and all the players involved were so different, but we played together perfectly,” said Ellenberger.

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Although women’s soccer finished just outside the playoffs this season, the squad achieved a program-record 10 goals, with a goals-against average per game at .484, which ranked top of the conference and no. 19 in the country. Behind that cornerstone defense was Brenna Ellenberger ’25, the senior goalkeeper who earned MAC Commonwealth Defensive Player of the Year and All-Region honors. Ellenberger totaled 147 saves to lead the conference and rank in the top 20 nationally. She was also the nationwide statistical champion in save percentage, with a 94% rate. Her 13 shutouts ranked second for goalkeepers in the U.S., setting a program record.

Champion-Level Success Requires Champion-Level Support.

Contact Emily VanderWoude, CFRE, senior director of advancement, at 301-696-3708 or vanderwoude@hood.edu for more information.

Brenna Ellenberger ’25

MAC Honorable Mention recipients included Shannon Foster ’25 and Katy Przybocki ’24. Along with Hannah O’Guin ’26, McKenna Bishop ’26, Rachael Low ’26 and Catie Roberts ’26, the team made several goal-line saves. The midfielders and forwards stepped up on defensive corners, and despite facing 125 corner kicks, only yielded those 10 goalsagainst all season.

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ATHLETICS

FACES IN THE CROWD JACK FRICKA ’24

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Fricka, currently pursuing his master’s degree, has been a staple of Blazers basketball with his physical and scrappy play. He scored a career-high 19 points against Juniata, while posting a double-double. Fricka’s rebound totals per game are the best of his career—a top 5 in the conference in defensive boards. He earned a spot on the National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court last season with his academic success, while the men’s basketball team was a recipient of the TEAM Academic Excellence Award.

ANN OFOEGBU ’26

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Ofoegbu earned All-Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth Second-Team honors with her performance as a hitter. She tallied a career-high 352 kills and led the charge for the Blazers on the attacking end. She ranked atop the conference in points and points-per-set, while landing second in kills and attacks-per-set. With her work in the classroom, she landed on the Academic All-District team for Region V.

CASEY CHAMBERLIN ’25 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Chamberlin put together a career season with more than 120 digs in the team’s defensive effort. This stat, along with a 4.0 GPA, earned her a spot on the Academic All-District list and the Middle Atlantic Conference Honor Roll. Beyond academics and athletic prowess, Chamberlin was chosen as the team’s representative on the MAC All-Sportsmanship team, which selects athletes who show good sportsmanship to opponents and their teammates.

AYLENE NOY ’26

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTY In the MAC Championship, Noy was the program’s top finisher in history at the 6K event with her sixth-place finish, earning All-Conference First-Team honors for her performance. At the all-regional meet, she ran the 6,000-meter in about 22 minutes to finish 28th. Her performance landed her on the United States Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association All-Region list, with an inside the top 35 finish. Noy finished the semester on the Blazers Honor Roll.

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HE T T A NG HI TER. S RI CEN OU L A S F MEDI I TI IA UL ED M M . UN NC -R I T , EN ON UD TI ST A D UN FO

NE AI L P LA DE

By Matt Lee ’15 On the third floor of Rosenstock Hall, news is being made—literally. Opened in 2022 thanks to a gift from its namesake, the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. Multimedia Center houses Blazer Radio, Hood College Broadcasting, The Blue and Grey newspaper, a photography studio and a digital editing Mac computer lab. What’s even more impressive is that virtually all this media production is run by Hood students. “Having access to [these] spaces opens a lot of doors for students, both academically and creatively,” said Timothy Jacobsen, instructor of multimedia communications and broadcast studios coordinator. “They take ownership of the projects they work on and the shows they produce from start to finish. Not many other colleges the size of Hood allow for that freedom to learn and grow.” With a range of professional grade equipment, the multimedia center enables students to assume roles across a variety of mediums. The multitude of programming, from sports podcasts to political commentary, reflects the diversity of Hood students. Whether they focus on radio, video, photography or journalism, these students gain firsthand experience that can be applied to careers in communications. SPRING 2025

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BLAZER RADIO

Since 2005, Blazer Radio has been a mainstay at Hood College (Read more about the founding of Blazer Radio on Page 47). Listeners are probably most familiar with “The Morning Announcements,” a weekly overview of athletics and on-campus events, but there is a plethora of programs being produced on a regular basis. That’s because any Hood student can propose a show, and once approved, the student has full creative control. The shows are broadcast and recorded live, then posted online. Many shows include guest interviews or call-ins from listeners. With titles like “The Midweek Meltdown,” “Think Pink” and “UnProfessional Opinions,” the programming is an eclectic mix of storytelling, pop culture, news and casual banter. Ellie Cooper ’25, a communication arts major, produces a Blazers athletics podcast, “The Coach’s Notebook,” with Director of

Ellie Cooper ’25

Athletics Susan Kolb, Ph.D. Cooper records and edits each episode, while maintaining the show’s online presence. Outside of Hood, Cooper completed an internship for a local company, producing a podcast about building and growing a successful brand for small businesses. “I love the live aspect of radio because anyone can listen in while I’m working and catch the recording of an episode,” said Cooper. “At the same time, it can be stressful being self-reliant during a live recording. I have to fix my own mistakes on the fly, but it always works out.”

“ I remember being a kid and making stop-motion videos with my sister. Now, I make video packages for Hood College Broadcasting and record podcast episodes for my independent study.” —Ellie Cooper ’25

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THE DELAPLAINE MEDIA LEGACY Photo courtesy of Delaplaine archives.

The Delaplaine family has a long history of supporting arts and media production in Hood’s hometown. In the 1880s, William T. Delaplaine established a print shop in Frederick and began publishing a local newspaper, The News. The business grew and was incorporated as the Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company. After purchasing The Frederick Post in 1916, the two periodicals would eventually merge into The Frederick News-Post—a widely read newspaper that continues being circulated to this day. William’s grandson, George B. Delaplaine Jr., would go on to usher Frederick into the era of television, when he launched Frederick Cablevision, Inc., in 1966. The company was later renamed GS Communications, Inc., and served subscribers across four states. Throughout more than a century of family-owned multimedia production, the Delaplaines were consistently guided by a desire to provide services for the good of the public. With its current philanthropic endeavors, the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc., carries on this tradition.

Cooper’s fascination with media production began at a young age, and she plans to pursue a career in audio, video and graphic design. “I remember being a kid and making stop-motion videos with my sister,” said Cooper. “Now, I make video packages for Hood College Broadcasting and record podcast episodes for my independent study.” Anyone wondering if radio is a viable career path should just ask Rona Mensah ’92, who has worked as a DJ and host for more than 30 years. One constant that she’s relied on is the need for flexibility and adaptability within the industry. “It’s not an easy field, but if you

traffic reporter, which led to her covering traffic for a slew of major stations throughout the D.C.-Metro area. Today, she is the operations manager at WLTF in Martinsburg, West Virginia, where she oversees the programming for four stations. Rona Mensah ’92

keep your eyes peeled and look for those connections and network with people, those opportunities do present themselves,” said Mensah. Her first gig was working the “graveyard shift” for local station Key 103. From there, she had the chance to become the station’s

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“It’s important to listen to people. I think that’s a dying art,” said Mensah. “That skill can take you much further if you listen and synthesize the truth—then you can pivot and move in different directions, and that might end up being a story that you break.”

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Y E R G D N A THE BLUE Founded in 1921, The Blue and Grey is one of the oldest studentrun organizations at Hood. Today, the newspaper is published six times per semester, both for print and digital. In more than a century of publishing, the paper has evolved significantly, but its coverage of campus events, athletics and student life has remained consistent. To join The Blue and Grey staff, students enroll in a media practicum offered through the Department of English and Communication Arts. Students pitch, research, write and copyedit stories. They are responsible for sourcing artwork or taking photographs to accompany each article. Finally, a team of co-editors completes the layout before an issue goes to publication. Elizabeth Atwood, Ph.D., associate professor of journalism, serves as The Blue and Grey adviser. She notes that in a fast-paced environment like a newsroom, collaboration is essential. “[Students] quickly learn that all of their actions have a direct impact on others,” said Atwood. “If they fail to contribute ideas, check

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facts, meet deadlines and turn in assigned work, they are letting down classmates who depend on them. Getting feedback from peers is a terrific way to motivate students and reinforce the lessons they’ve learned in their writing and photography classes.” Atwood describes the practicum as fun but challenging, and she has seen many students enroll in the course more than once. Besides training students to be well versed in the basics of journalism, working on The Blue and Grey can require knowledge from many other disciplines, embodying Hood’s interdisciplinary, liberal arts ethos. “I once heard someone say that journalism is a great degree that plays well with others,” said Atwood. “The skills we teach in researching, analyzing data, communicating clearly and paying attention to details are transferrable to other fields. Although many of our students will go on to careers in journalism and public relations, others find this degree is a great foundation for law, business and public policy.”

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“ Investigative reporting can create change.” —Amrit Brown ’26

Amrit Brown ’26 and Sofia Montoya-Deck ’26

“ Getting feedback from peers is a terrific way to motivate students and reinforce the lessons they’ve learned in their writing and photography courses.” —Elizabeth Atwood, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Journalism

Current co-editors Amrit Brown ’26 and Sofia MontoyaDeck ’26 both do a little bit of everything for The Blue and Grey. They admit the workload (and long nights) can be tough, but it is always worth the effort to see the end result. According to MontoyaDeck, finding the balance of loyalty to Hood and journalistic integrity can also be tricky. “Sometimes there are stories we have to write that may reflect poorly on the College,” said Montoya-Deck. “Although it may be tempting to avoid negative comments, we owe it to readers to tell the truth.”

In this way, The Blue and Grey can truly act as a productive outlet for students to voice their opinions and concerns. “Investigative reporting can create change,” said Brown, “and I enjoy writing toward that goal.” Another unique aspect of The Blue and Grey is that it continues to be regularly printed, an increasing rarity in today’s digital landscape. Montoya-Deck believes that having a print newspaper as well as a digital version boosts accessibility and visibility. “It ensures that we’re appealing to every audience,” said MontoyaDeck. “Print newspapers can reach

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those who either don’t have access to online sources or simply lack a preference for them, [which] can often have a more significant effect on gaining viewership.” Brown echoes this sentiment. “While everything is becoming digital, I think the ease of access to a printed newspaper is important. When we lay them out in the dining hall, I see students pick them up and read them, when perhaps they wouldn’t have been aware of the story if it was online.”

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HOOD COLLEGE BROADCASTING Hood College Broadcasting (HCB) is a fully operational video production suite of two studios. Both are furnished with anchor desks and background sets, while the more recently outfitted studio also has a green screen. The studios feature BlackMagic broadcast cameras equipped with teleprompters and talent monitors. Inside the control rooms, Video Media Production students operate lights, audio, graphics and camera feeds.

At HCB, students produce original series like “The Blazer Brief,” a recap of noteworthy Hood news, and “The Pulse,” a humorous street-style interview show featuring students, faculty and staff. HCB even livestreams on YouTube, most recently partnering with the Department of Political Science and Global Studies for live Election Day 2024 coverage.

Rachel Kucharski ’25 is a communication arts major who serves as assistant production manager for HCB and works as a teacher assistant for the Video Media Production course—the very same course that made her decide to pursue a career in media. “One of my favorite things as a teacher assistant is watching students’ reactions to seeing the studio for the first time,” said Kucharski. “I have taken everything Professor Jacobsen has taught me throughout the years

“ I have taken everything Professor Jacobsen has taught me throughout the years and now help other students as a teacher assistant.” — Rachel Kucharski ’25

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THE NEXT GENERATION OF NEWSMAKERS Each year, high school students from Frederick, Montgomery and Washinton Counties convene at Hood College for High School Media Day. They meet with communication arts faculty and current Hood students at the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. Multimedia Center for a series of hands-on workshops, with sessions in news writing, reporting, strategic communication and photography. The event culminates in a mock press conference, where the high school students assume the roles of officials, witnesses and journalists. “I was excited to see that Hood was offering this opportunity for students interested in media to learn from professors and use the broadcast studio,” says Victoria Benson ’04, a Hood alumna who currently teaches journalism at Linganore High School. “I studied communications here, and I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for those that are interested in communications as a career.”

Rachel Kucharski ’25

and now help other students as a teacher assistant. This can be during the editing process or explaining what it is like to be behind the anchor desk and out in the field interviewing random people and making everything look natural.”

Kucharski is also applying what she’s learned in the classroom to a year-long internship with Subaru of America. She films, edits and produces course training videos that are used by Subaru technicians. Students like Kucharski are at an advantage by bringing their studio experience to internships, which can act as a bridge to fullfledged careers.

News 13, where he hosts Spectrum Sports 360. He also writes, films and edits sports packages for the network, with a focus on covering the Orlando Magic. At Hood, Green did it all—The Blue and Grey, Blazer Radio and HCB—but an internship

As one of the first students to utilize Hood’s original broadcast studio, Brandon Green ’18 is no stranger to the hustle and bustle of professional media. Now based in Orlando, Florida, Green is a sports reporter for Spectrum Brandon Green ’18

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with WHAG-TV (DC News Now) set him toward a career in television. “The best advice I could offer to current students is don’t give up on your dreams,” said Green. “The road will be hard, and sometimes you’ll want to give up, but don’t. Get out and do internships and use your professors as resources. My professors provided me with so many opportunities and advice. I don’t know where I would be without them.” Katie Misuraca ’16 likewise leveraged her Hood education into a media career. She serves as executive producer for DC News Now, where she oversees up to four shows daily. She closely follows trends and breaking news, assigning stories to reporters each morning. From there, she creates a rundown for the day—how to start and end a show, which reporters will deliver live coverage, who will be appearing as guests and what will be the most relevant content. Misuraca says that juggling multiple shows is sometimes daunting, but she thrives in an environment

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“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the final product on the air.” — Katie Misuraca ’16

Katie Misuraca ’16

where no two days are the same. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the final product on the air,” said Misuraca. “You start the day with ideas and pitches. You continue the day by working with your team and ultimately sharing that with viewers.”

“The journey can be hard, but it takes one story, one person to make it all worth it. Take every opportunity. Always ask questions.”

As a Hood student, Misuraca was editor of The Blue and Grey and hosted a news program on Blazer Radio. She believes that her time at Hood shaped the skills and insights she now applies to her career, and she hopes that current communication arts students can follow in her footsteps.

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The way we produce and consume media will always change with the times, but given the often divisive nature of modern news, the need for independent press is more relevant than ever. Hood’s student-run media channels, from The Blue and Grey to Blazer Radio to Hood College Broadcasting, do more than provide educational opportunities. They give students a sense of independence and ownership over the news that matters most to them. They enrich the campus community with a diverse array of storytelling and current events. And they embody a cornerstone of democracy—and higher education—freedom of the press. With a cadre of passionate students and their faculty mentors, that freedom will remain alive and well at Hood College for years to come.

TOM

ORR

NEWS,

OW’

Y A D O T MEDIA OUTLETS AT HOOD Keep up to date with the latest from Hood’s student-run media outlets. The Blue and Grey

A special thanks to communications students Amrit Brown ’26, Ellie Cooper ’25, James Fay ’25, Aaron Heller ’26, Samantha Huffer ’26, Rachel Kucharski ’25, Sofia Montoya-Deck ’26, Michaiah Varnes ’26 and Squirrely Temple, who appear on our cover and in feature story photography.

Hood College Broadcasting Blazer Radio

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HOOD PROUD

What is . . .

In 2023, Hood College partnered with Ologie, a marketing and branding agency specializing in education, to conduct a fullscale rebranding campaign. The goal of this campus-wide initiative was ultimately to expand student recruitment by strengthening Hood’s reputation, reach and positioning. After more than a year of research, planning, testing and production, the College is thrilled to unveil its new look. From graphic design and photography to messaging and storytelling, the updated brand is united

WORTH THE WORK? A bold new direction for Hood College.

by a common belief—that a Hood College education is worth the work. Our brand is an enduring platform that articulates the total experience we create at Hood College. It represents our identity and point of view by communicating our vision,

stickers.

Sample marketing materials.

who we are and why we do what we do. A brand is more than a logo, a slogan or an ad campaign. The Hood brand lives through: • The experiences we create. • The personality we convey. • The messages we deliver. • The identity we express. Simply put, Hood’s brand is the very essence of our institution. But don’t just take our word for it.

WATCH OUR BRAND ANTHEM VIDEO post cards.

See for yourself!

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HOOD PROUD

PA CT PH A SE O N E O F BR A N D IM

September 2024-present.

DIGITAL ADS HULU, YOUTUB E TV AND GOOGLE A DS CONNECTED TV ADS APS BUS WR 93 DIGITAL SCREEN ADS FROM F REDERICK TO D.C.

23 MILLION

times Hood has been visible in person or online in the DMV area since September 2024.

1.8 MILLION

times a Hood ad has been seen in a unique environment—from digital screens at Metro stations to custom wraps on D.C. buses.

47,000

clicks to the Hood website and counting.

Office of Marketing issue of Hood Magazine? Email the Want to be featured in the next this prompt: in 10 ice@hood.edu with an answer to and Communications at marketingoff h the work? Hood College education was wort words or less, what part of my

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CLASS NEWS

Happy spring from Alumnae House! I say this every spring, but honestly, we have the prettiest campus when it is in bloom. The magnolia trees by Rosenstock, the hydrangeas in front of Meyran—there is beauty at every turn. Spring also means that Reunion Weekend is just a few weeks away. This year, we’re happy to celebrate alumnae from 1975 as they mark their 50th reunion. We are also welcoming back classes that end in ’0 and ’5, with Saturday, June 7, declared as “2020 Day,” dedicated to the Class of 2020 as they celebrate their very FIRST Hood reunion. We’re also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Hood ring design. Many of you answered the question, “What does your Hood ring mean to you?” My Hood ring represents beloved friendships and memories that have stood the test of time. Our rings have been the concrete connector that binds all Hood alumni. The Alumni Executive Board launched the Hood Legacy Ring and Scholarship Program in 2001. Since then, more than 150 alumni-donated legacy rings and approximately $10,000 in ring scholarships have been awarded to Hood students, all made possible thanks to the generosity of alumni like you. Oh, and one last bit of news that we’ve all been waiting for. It is truly a pleasure to officially call my friend and colleague Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., Hood’s 12th president. We’re currently planning events around the country to give you an opportunity to meet President Ricker and learn about her fierce dedication to the success of Hood College and our students. So come to reunion, wear your Hood ring and celebrate with us!

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

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CLASS NEWS REMINISCE, UPDATE AND RECONNECT

1953

ones, up to seniors like us. Our great-grandson Augie was named in temple during the holidays, allowing the whole family to be there and take part in the ceremony.

Johanna Chait Essex alumoffice@hood.edu Big news from Pat Lloyd Fordham. She and her daughter are moving again—same block, smaller craftsman style house and no stairs. She still goes to exercise class five days a week and walks her dog daily. Pat still speaks to Marge Aronson Dalmas every few weeks. Nicki Rossien now lives at Brooksby Village, an independent senior living facility in Peabody, MA. She has become involved with the Jewish community there and is planning a Yiddish literature and language class. The move was a big change but a good decision for Nicki and her family (peace of mind is a great thing). Condolences to Sheila Seigal Asher on the passing of her husband last July. It is the first time she has ever lived alone, but she has a “fur baby” companion, Coco. Her great-granddaughter Sloane will be one year old in Jan., the day before Sheila turns 93. Beppy Baker is back living in her apartment at Normandie Ridge after spending several months in a nursing home, recuperating from a broken leg. She is in good health and enjoys spending time with her family. Hal and I (Johanna Chait Essex) are well. Our big news is that we are in the process of selling our home of 60 years and moving into a new apartment complex here in Great Neck. It will make life easier (no steps), and we will be in the same community. Fortunately for me, it is a mixed age complex with lots of little

1954 Jean Baker Weikert alumoffice@hood.edu Thalia Males Cutt is still doing well, living at home and has a growing family, including three new great-grandchildren and two on the way. Jean McCarty Bowen has recovered nicely from some broken ribs. She has daughters who live nearby. Marilyn Ogden Heath unfortunately lost her husband of 70 years in Oct. 2023. She moved into an apartment across the street in April but then lost her precious King Charles spaniel in June. Marilyn has resumed traveling. Mary Johnston DeMaris continues to paint, although she no longer does housework or drives. Janet Marra has moved to OH with Rita to be near her sister. Janet reports she’s having some heart issues. Penny Hapgood Noepel says that 2024 has been a year like no other, both happy and sad. Penny is more than content to be in apparent good health, live in a warm, comfortable apartment and have the energy to come and go as she pleases (in the van that her daughter Kate also loves to drive). In late April, they’re planning a return trip to Alpine, TX. The sadness is that their daughter Lucy Noepel ’87 passed away from injuries sustained in a fall. Her grandchildren do call often, and there are plans for a family

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

reunion this summer. Betty Remsberg DeColigny writes that Dec. was a wonderful month with visits from her granddaughters and family. The highlight of the holidays was the triplet granddaughters taking their grandmothers to a live show, “An Irish Christmas,” at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, MD. Also, a new great-grandson is on the way in April! Jean Baker Weikert writes, “Mark and I spent a few days at Hickory Bridge Farm in Orrtanna this past Oct. to celebrate our anniversary. The meals and hospitality were superb!”

1956 alumoffice@hood.edu Barbara Hanna Pour is proud of her grandson graduating from Dickenson in June and happy to have a daughter and family living just a few miles away.

1957 Martha “Molly” Smith Sperandio mollymom76@gmail.com I’ve heard from two classmates, Barbara and Tommie, who reported and shared their sorrow at the loss of our classmate Annette Powell Lindamood, who died on Dec. 10, 2024, in Squim, WA. She is survived by her husband George, daughter Nina and several stepchildren. She was a day student and went to Hopkins nursing. She was one of Barbara Kaufman Harrison’s best friends since junior high school.

TA K E T HE SUR V E Y NO W:

The way we engage with stories is always evolving, and Hood Magazine is no exception. As we look ahead, we want to make sure the magazine continues to inform, inspire and connect our community— wherever and however you read it. Take our quick readership survey and tell us what you love, what you want more of and how we can make the magazine even better.

HOOD.EDU/MAGAZINESURVEY

Thank you for being a valued reader!

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Open until July 1, 2025.

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CLASS NEWS Ann Spengler Larkin moved to Fox Run, a retirement village in Novi, MI, one year ago: “I believe it was the right move at the right time. There are so many activities that it is impossible to be bored. My AAUW branch has several members here, and I have joined a book club with several other members who live here. My church also has a presence here, and I am busy with that.” Barbara Kaufman Harrison: “I lost my husband John in 2020 and moved into Brightview Severna Park in 2022. I’m in independent living here and very satisfied with my new home.” Barbara “Tommie” Thomas Yinger: “We did join our small family in MD for midday Christmas dinner. Granddaughter and her family drove to MD from KY the weekend before for a great visit with our other three great-grandkids, including the youngest at 2 years. Bob and I are doing fine, still in our cottage at Buckingham’s Choice in Adamstown, MD, just south of Frederick. Hood alumni office keeps in touch.” Eugenia Smith Durland: “At our age, it’s hard to drum up news. We don’t travel anymore except to go to Boulder to visit our daughter, but we are lucky to get visits from our kids and grandkids, who live close by. We had a big Thanksgiving party, with all cooking done by kids and grandkids! Bill will be 94 in March, and he’s still healthy and sharp. I’m hoping he’ll do a Jimmy Carter.” Eugenie Krauss Wikberg: “No news, just still downsizing. Health and happiness for the New Year.” Nancy Paul Stimson: “This is the big year, 90! Another granddaughter is getting married Feb. 1 in FL. My fifth great-grandchild, Little Norah, was born Nov. 13. Everything is the same with my games and volunteerism.” Roberta Geehan Horton: “We had 19 family members at lunch at a favorite restaurant before Christmas. Three of our four families came to Raleigh. Last Sept., we both had mild cases of COVID 10 days after the up-to-date vaccination. Paxlovid helped.” Sylvia Blackburn Felcyn: “My husband Keith just died one week before his 94th birthday on Dec. 10. My son George and family will be moving from El Salvador to Vienna, Austria, next summer. His wife works for the World Bank, and he works for a Washington, D.C., law firm. I am still here in a retirement community in GA with my daughter and family nearby.” Molly Smith Sperandio: “I’ve been blessed in many ways and saddened also by the loss of more family members. My third of four sisters, another nephew and too many friends. In our family of five girls, only the oldest and youngest now remain—and we are both Hood’Lums! My sister Kitty Smith Dunn ’47 will be 99 in June. At times, I echo her lament, ‘Why am I living this long?’ However, I am going to be blessed with

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my first great-grandchild, a girl, in June, so I am ecstatic about that! A lot of my volunteerism will take a break this year, as I am about to embark on a journey of knee replacements in early 2025. I won’t be able to volunteer at our church thrift shop, where I regularly see another Hood’Lum, Caroline Razee Barnett ’80. Caroline staffs the shop and is the organizer for our Pack A Sack program, providing food to 40 elementary school kids for their weekend meals.”

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

Hood changed my life. I honor that connection by aways wearing my ring. It, like the College, is a part of me. — Megen Mack Opsahl ’77

Mary Allen Reynolds had a nice Christmas with sons and grandchildren. They divided up tasks, so it was like a vacation for her. Tree decorating, cooking and cleanup were all shared. Marthanne Stephens Smith shares, “My computer has a problem, and so do I. Love to all.” Ricky Merrick Vosti keeps busy with family life. She now has five great-grandchildren. Her dearest friend will be 109 in Feb. and is still going strong. The tragic CA fires have made everyone alert and sad at the devastation. I ( Marylin Garis Kellow) regret that I was not able to get news from Ruth Wood Weaver. Email seems to be the best way to contact me. Life in WI is good. I remain active with condo activities, senior center knitting, church, board meetings and decorating the building lobby every month. Good health, love and prayer to all of you.

1959 Anne Wilson Heuisler aheuisler@comcast.net Catherine Brooke Buckingham enjoys living

1958 Marylin Garis Kellow maggiehood1958@gmail.com Cynthia Williams Bohaker says there isn’t anything new to report, but all is well. Joan Enterline has been very ill in 2024. She collapsed at home, was rushed to the hospital and remained there 59 days. She had bilateral pneumonia and severe sepsis, followed by a pulmonary embolism. Please keep her in your prayers. Sue Brown Melech and Bob have moved to an independent living facility in Rochester, NY. They both do volunteer work. She teaches sewing and knitting to inner city immigrants and cooks. He collects and repairs donated bikes. They walk an indoor route two and a half miles per day. Cyp Patton Meyer has nothing to report but is anxious to hear about classmates. Jeb Bennett Moran keeps in touch with Polly Abella Leigh and Jo Olmstead Witherington. She visited Carol Huelsen Warrington and husband Bob at Christmas. They got tickets for Shen Yun in Venice, FL, in Jan. Jeb spent Christmas in GA. She especially enjoyed seeing her sixth grandchild Daphne Troy Moran-Neder, who was born Nov. 12. Sara Lea Callaway Redmon says that the good news is she has nothing dramatic to report. She enjoys her bridge group, book club, Bible study and especially her adult granddaughter. She is involved in Compassionate Friends, a wonderful support group for parents who have lost a child.

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with her daughter at Fleet Landing and playing with her three great-grandsons who live nearby. Tarun Comegys Johns recovered from toe surgery, only to break her elbow and radius. She was anticipating the births of three more greatgrandsons in April. Last Oct., she celebrated a granddaughter’s wedding and cruised the Hudson River. Nancy Curran Crowley said her “heart was breaking over the devastation caused by the fires in Los Angeles. The positive response from across the country has been overwhelming. We will recover, but right now there is so much sadness and uncertainty.” Mary Ann Guild Simmons put herself in hospice care at home in Dec. She has congestive heart failure and struggles to breathe. She intends to stay in her home, with help. Barbara Manger Kraske died on Feb. 24, 2024. Barbara was born in Catonsville, MD, on May 6, 1937, grew up there with her two brothers and sister, and graduated from Hood with a history degree and minor in economics. Barbara became a teacher of history, mathematics and English, with a wide range of students from elementary to high school levels. She married Gerhardt Peter Kraske, and they raised their family of three children in Ellicott City/Columbia. She obtained a master’s in special education in the 1970s and directed the high school for disabled teenagers in Ellicott City for many years. In retirement, Barbara tutored at Howard Community College in the Learning Assistance Center. Linda Mohler Humes lives at Bethany Village, a CCRC in Mechanicsburg, PA, her hometown, with friends and family

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CLASS NEWS nearby. Linda is helping to organize her high school’s 70th class reunion. She is in two book clubs, attends wonderful Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra concerts, participates in a fitness program and tries to keep sharp with Wordle and Sudoku. Judy Moreland Granger enjoyed being with her whole family in June, including 16-month-old great-granddaughter June, when grandson Jackson was married in Denver. Bob and Judy stayed with Don and Karen Nordberg Sanders ’60. Last March, Judy had knee replacement surgery and can’t believe what a wonderful difference it has made. Joanne Peper Milnor is still active in her church. She attends concerts of the Long Bay Symphony. She enjoys the memories of visiting 66 countries on six continents. When she built her house, she added handicap features, so she hopes to stay there as long as she can. Rachel Ravey Johnson and Carl continue to live in their “tree house” in the woods. She just recertified as a VA Master Naturalist. She broke her femur in Canada and faced a long recovery. Dale Russell Rains has “a lovely new SUV with that marvelous backup camera and no gas cap to twist. Great friends my own age to lunch, Zoom or play bridge with. Every current news and photos of family and friends through Wi-Fi. So much to be thankful for at 87. I am also thankful I can still care for my autistic son, age 53, who is happy as a lark!” Ruth Wagner Myhre died on Jan. 19, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, she earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Hood College. Ruth worked for the Philadelphia Gas Company as a home economist. She married John S. Myhre, and they raised their five children in East Brunswick, NJ. Ruth visited many European countries and all 50 states. She was a member of the East Brunswick Garden Club for more than 40 years. She judged numerous flower shows and served as president. Ruth was always up for a new adventure, such as walking on stilts, riding a unicycle or standing on her head. She took up skiing at age 40 alongside her 3-year-old son Greg. Ruth was preceded in death by John, her husband of 44 years, in 2006. She is survived by her five children. Carol Wick Ericksen plays lots of golf and bridge and reads at least a book a week. She visited Edee Howard Hogan in Bethany. Edee has now moved to Memphis. Carol enjoys living at Maris Grove. She had great trips to France and Turkey. She was planning to go to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico in Feb. for a week of sun and relaxation. Carol wonders if anyone has heard from Marty Shortiss Allen. Della Mae Wilson Holtzapple’s husband is in hospice. She says her daughters and grandchildren are helping her “surround the

wagons.” Della Mae made me a beautiful kilt. What a delight to receive!

1960 Sally Fletcher Murray murraysfm@comcast.net Betsy Paul Crawford, in Gwynedd Valley, PA, writes, “I’m still married to my grade school sweetheart. We are still running our Christian radio stations, one in Lancaster and one in Boyertown, PA. I try to walk two or three miles each day, play mahjong, attend book club and do bookkeeping for the stations.” Judy Arndt in Orrs Island, ME, is enjoying the reaction to her delightful book, “Crown Thy Good: Across America by Bicycle 1986” (published 2023). Amazon’s description is, “Inspirational story of a solo bicycle journey in memory of her (twin) brother, during which she discovered the unsurpassed beauty of America, the brotherhood of man, and the true meaning of goodness and trust.” Maryann Whitehead Scherzo and John, in Mercer Island, WA, celebrated 64 years of marriage with an eight-day luxury New England boat tour, with stops including Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. For 64 years, Maryann has served as our class fundraiser, many of those years in partnership with the late Betsy Bennett Wiegand. Poppy Herndon McCarty, in Amarillo, TX, writes, “Bill and I are trying to ‘grow old gracefully!’ I still drive for Meals on Wheels (22 years) and enjoy Bible study. I stay in touch with Barb Nagle Creager in Hagerstown, MD, and Karen Nordberg Sanders in Golden, CO.” Edi Simington Shepherd from NYC reports that she is retired from a lifetime of service in the Salvation Army, but she still volunteers as a social worker and a minister. Edie keeps fit by walking everywhere and swimming. She enjoys music, still plays the piano, travels with Road Scholars, does puzzles and now has time to read whole books. She’s still in touch with her Big Sister Pat Bennett McCarthy ’58. Delores Wright Shade, in Frederick, MD, writes, “I am in contact with former classmates Suzie Shaffer Atherly, who has homes in NY and FL, and Ellen Gordon Brauch, who lives with her second husband Frank in a community in Winchester, VA. Suzie lost her husband Dave several years ago but keeps an active social life, including dancing. Ellen and her husband enjoy traveling. My husband and I (Delores) traveled a lot before he passed in 2022. I am a retired music teacher, who is still recognized by former students when we meet. I am a member of the NSDAR Frederick Chapter.” Barbara “Gus” Bailey Reinhold, and spouse Sally Hutchins Stott ’66 split

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their time between West Dover, VT, and Sun City Center, FL, with a lively blended family of five children and four grandchildren, who enjoy each other in both locations. Barb maintains a small tele-practice of career and executive coaching and is active in book and discussion groups in their FL 55+ community. Maggie Cederholm Bonito, in Essex Fells, NJ, writes, “I’m very busy with the Essex Fells Garden Club, finding interesting programs. I play mahjong and bridge, knit and crochet, and spend lots of time with my grandchildren, who live in Brooklyn. Recently, I redesigned the public areas around the Municipal Building, a Garden Club project, so I keep my hand in the design projects and continue to think like an artist.” Sally Fletcher Murray, in Warrenton, VA, writes, “The highlight of my year was a visit to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) in Juno Beach, FL. My mother Eleanor Fletcher, ‘the Turtle Lady of Juno Beach,’ founded this extraordinary facility, which began in the sunroom of her condo in the early 1970s. Now, it is a multi-million dollar, state-of-theart, rescue, rehabilitation and research center, which was named by USA Today #1 of the top 10 free attractions in the U.S. I am in frequent contact with Gretchen Beckhelm, in Cedar Rapids, IA, Anne Kurka Woods, in Pittsford, NY, Grace Elliott, in Silver Spring, MD, Maryann Whitehead Scherzo and my sister Nancy Fletcher Artlett ’59, in Richmond, VA. All are well and enjoying family nearby. In this, our 65th Hood reunion year, I urge my classmates to once again shine as an outstanding donor class. It is a tangible way we can demonstrate our appreciation for our Hood experience so many years ago.”

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

My Hood ring means empowerment! Whenever I look down at my ring, I cannot help but smile. — Laurie Machovec Tomcanin ’04

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CLASS NEWS

1961 Jeanne Duncan Jehl jehljeanne@gmail.com The Class of 1961 is the “nevertheless” generation. Many of us are affected by the indignities of aging; nevertheless, we keep on keeping on. Anne Bierstein Grenfell lives in a total care facility in West Chester, PA, because of declining vision and other health issues. She stays connected and active, conducts a grief support group, serves as a hospice volunteer and reads avidly. She has recently become a great-grandma. Vivian Bruckel Harvey divides her time between Columbus, OH, and a village in Guatemala, where she enjoys the natural beauty of the area and has developed deep friendships and supported education for many of the village’s children. She says that this is her last year— travel between Columbus and Guatemala and requirement to treat her eye condition is just too arduous. Vivi shared a Hood memory of being on the roof of the gym, slathered in baby oil with iodine to ensure a tan! Elizabeth Dolbey Nyhus lives in Little Rock, AR, surrounded by family and friends, who make life easy and fun. She suffered a broken femur in a freak accident in spring 2024 but has recovered and is walking well. We hope to connect this year at the Crystal Bridges Museum. Shirley Garrett Haley is thriving and enjoying life in a 55+ condo, with water aerobics, daily walks, book clubs and good friends. Shirley is also greeting her first greatgrandchild. Barbara Hufham Wells continues to enjoy living in the house and neighborhood where she and her husband lived for almost 20 years. She has started to travel a bit, making several trips to NYC to see friends and spending a week in Santa Fe with a friend. Recently, she has started to volunteer at her local food pantry. Martha Kaiser Canner maintained a thriving garden plot at Charlestown, a retirement community in Catonsville, MD, for many years. Since that became too challenging, she moved to gardening indoors, using space in glass-walled corridors that connect the residential buildings. Brenda Scheaffer Hillard writes, “My world has been shrinking, but now it has enlarged.” In a new theater in her hometown, wonderful music performers come on Sunday afternoons for $25 a ticket and a $3 bus ride. Katharine Baum Wolpe, who lives in the East Village of NYC, is part of a monthly reading group on the historic Israel-Palestine struggle. She is a member of the choir at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery and the Village Independent Democrats. She continues her weekly attendance at movies, dance and musical performances, and occasional local

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theater presentations. She is well but facing minor health issues. We hope she will recover and return to her role as class reporter for the next issue. Your temporary reporter, Jeanne Duncan Jehl, has lived in Annapolis for more than 20 years. We travel as much as we can, and we’re looking forward to visiting Greenland this summer, if it hasn’t been sold.

1962 Jane Hoskins Bollman jbollman@goeaston.net Judy Hammond Blatchford reports a pleasant Christmas with Parker and family at their camp in the Adirondacks. She was amazed that her daughters-in-law and three grandchildren went swimming on Christmas Day, when the temperature was about 20 degrees. Brr! The news from Doris Dalziel Kimball was sad: daughter Marian died after a long battle with cancer. Now, Doris and George live in a retirement center, about 15 minutes from their other daughter, where there are many enjoyable activities. Love to you, Doris. Another sad message came from Phoebe Adams Marshall. “Unfortunately, 2024 was not a good year for me. My husband Al died in Feb. My sister Shirley Adams Beheler ’56 died in Oct. Other than that, I am in good health and play tennis twice a week.” She also keeps busy with her house and yard. From Sally Zimmerman, “I am still preaching occasionally at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, most recently on the 16th-century Reformation and illustrating the sermon with lots of art slides. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, our extended family in MD, WI, OH, MA, TX and PA shared news via the magic of Zoom. My grandson Henry is now in Edinburgh for a semester abroad, and his sister Helen thrives in music and theater as a high school senior in Milwaukee.” Linda Katz Schleifer writes, “Just a bit of news: I am still living in the West Mount Airy section of Philadelphia and have not moved for 57 years, as I love my neighborhood and can’t give up my garden! I am active in local politics and relish the time that I spend with my amazing 16-year-old granddaughter, a 10th grader at Germantown Friends. My daughter lives 10 minutes away, but my two sons live in AZ, a great place to visit. I would love to hear from any classmates who live in the area.” Liz Decker Rogers appreciates being able to live in her house and having her oldest son Matt, his wife, 16-yearold granddaughter and 14-year-old grandson at the end of the next block, living in the house that he grew up in. Being so close means that

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she sees them a lot, which has been rewarding. Son Eben, wife and two daughters are in the Santa Cruz area close by. Matt and family lived in the Los Angeles area before moving here, so they have many friends who have been affected by the fires, with many losing their homes. Liz says, “The fact is we are all at risk, as the consequences of human activity are being felt. Glad I am 84, putting one foot in front of the other and making the best of it.” News of others from Liz, in case you don’t hear from them: “Regina Schlank Pyle is in an assisted living facility in Cambridge, MA. Saw her there in 2023, and she has reported not having anything to complain about. I talked to Jodie Merritt Watson last week. She and Peter are liking their CCRC, as it provides the extra support that Peter is needing with the progression of Parkinson’s. Fortunately, their kids Andrew and Nora are nearby and able to help. As I write this, the CA fires continue. I hope they are out by the time this magazine is printed and perhaps reconstruction has begun.” From Susan Shinnick Hossfeld on her way to Steamboat, CO, “Carl skis with the International Rotary Ski Club every year, and I roam around the town and museums with the other retired skiers. Temperatures are in the single digits, so I am packing lots of sweaters. In a month, we leave for Snowmass with the family. Our weather in Baltimore has been really cold, with the nights also being single digits. I was just outside taking down the last of the Christmas decorations at 29 degrees, and I thought I was in FL it felt so warm!” Following up on Susan’s weather report, I agree that it really has been cold in MD. The Bollman’s are fine—yes, cold at the moment (note: I am writing this in Jan.) but surviving.

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

My class ring reminds me of the fun and long-lasting friendships made more than 50 years ago. — Lorraine Sharp Kish ’73

1963 Dorothy Snyder Engle dengle3699@aol.com Pat Cook says Jack is in a memory unit, but she is still doing well in assisted living. She boasts 12 grands and one great-grand. Sue Oster

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CLASS NEWS Robinson has a new lease on life after getting a bovine heart valve in Jan. In Oct., she drove up to ME and enjoyed looking at the breaking dawn over the ocean at Old Orchard Beach for two weeks. Louise Fisher Waynant is fully retired from teaching, but she volunteers, facilitating her book group. She loves working in her garden and activities with her family, such as granddaughter Julie’s wedding in Sept. World traveler Gail Kloeblen Spertzel had an amazing adventure on safari in Tanzania, staying in lodges including Treetops, a raised experience in tented rooms where one needed an escort to the “potty” and the outdoor shower at night. Many animals were cooperative, so she came home with loads of photos. I’ll show you mine, Gail, if you will show me yours. In June, she will take a cruise along the waters off Juneau to Vancouver, and a cruise from Barcelona to Venice in Oct. She is taking a daughter on each of the cruises. Some people think it’s too hot in AZ in the summer, but Katy Bienfang Curtis loves it all year. She is a realtor in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. She’s just cutting back a bit. Some of her adventures include a month in London, which spoiled her, and a cruise down the Danube. She enjoys visiting her oldest grandson and his wife in Austin, where he has a job with Tesla. Her older grandson is working nearby. She is involved with church and helping her clients and says her best accomplishment is being a successful realtor. Katharine Van Tine Harford is in State College, PA, still living in her home after the death of Geoff in 2022. One son lives in town and the other in Seattle. One grandson is at Penn and the other has been accepted to USC in aerospace engineering. Kathy is a member of an international organization that supports women’s education. She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting and outings with friends. Phyllis Kamp Zoon is learning to play Celtic harp. She retired from her church job and is glad to have Sundays off. A trip of a lifetime to Egypt was an amazing adventure for Sue Colton Gibbons, including her Viking cruise down the Nile. She says Cairo is chaotic, with the worst traffic and the best museums she has ever seen. Back home, she continues to teach ESL and has two grands graduating from high school and two from college. Kathie Anderson Houchens tells me she and Dave are in a wonderful retirement community in OH. They live in the only real “house” just outside the city of Granville, home of Denison University, which provides lots of activities they enjoy. They see wildlife daily and have land to garden. She is still her church organist and plays cello in small groups. Dave has discovered bocce and chair volleyball. Kathie and Lexie Horne Bickell ’65 both lived in French

House, taught French at the same high school and later met up in Columbus, OH. Now, they enjoy a monthly French conversation group. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but our lovely sister Nancy Craven Jacobus passed away on Dec. 8, 2024, in Burlington, NC. Jo Cissel Doyle writes, “I registered 180 retired folks for 13 courses offered by the Association for Lifelong Learning. I’ll be taking two short story courses, one on Shakespeare and one on 19th-century American literature. Yes, I was an English major! Busy with several book clubs, fitness classes and my morning walking group, and I’m on the board of Friends of the Library and Institute for Retired Persons. Philanthropic Educational Organization meets twice a week—are any of my Hood sisters also PEO sisters?” As for Robin and I (Dottie Snyder Engle), we had many adventures in 2024, but they were overshadowed by loss: my 91-year-old brother and his wife, husband Ron’s 102-old-sister-in-law and her 82-year-old son, Ron’s nephew, who is just four days younger than Ron, and all of Robin’s photos on her phone that disappeared in Paris. We spent half a day and 100 euros to report it stolen. When we got home, it pinged in Algeria! Adventures for this year include Tucson in March, AK in July and Canada in Oct. Stay safe and sane, my friends.

1964 Barbara Maly Fish barb2fish@yahoo.com I send the sympathy of the class to Ellen Roberts Glaccum, whose husband Tom passed away in Nov. 2024. Ellen writes, “Losing Tom after 55 years of marriage has forced me on a new path. I have good and not so good days, but the latter are fewer and the former more frequent.” Ellen is also learning to walk again after a bad skiing accident left her with a broken leg and in a wheelchair. She had surgery recently at the University of Utah Medical Center and is slowly mastering walking with a cane. Soon, she will be able to drive again. Ellie Berklite Harris and husband Alastair have just moved to a senior living community that provides assistance, which fortunately they don’t need just yet. Now living on Daniel Island, SC, the Harrises have put their Kiawah Island home up for sale. Ellie is still an avid reader and a self-described “news junkie.” Alistair’s multiple myeloma is in remission, and their children and grandchildren are doing well. The oldest grandchild has graduated from college, and two grandsons will graduate this spring. “We are grateful for all the traveling we did. I am not sure we’ll be doing much in the future.” Still traveling far and wide

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is Pam Wallace Johnson, who was about to embark on a cruise to Brazil when she wrote. She still goes back and forth between her two houses, one on Cape Cod in Marshfield, MA, and one in Naples, FL. The Naples home sustained no damage during hurricane season, but the private beach was ruined and closed for a month. Pam keeps in touch with Chris Santangelo Blenke, who has lived with husband Henry on Cape Cod for 19 years. Chris was glad to have a coffee date with Marylou Herrmann Foley recently. She also reported on an interesting coincidence: the Blenkes’ granddaughter is in the Czech Republic on a Fulbright Program, the same one as the granddaughter of Kathy Anderson Houchens ’63. The girls are on opposite sides of the country but have met and will hopefully get together again soon. Like Pam, Henry and Chris are still enjoying traveling. Betty Weaver Wheeler and husband Bob have moved to the Charlestown Senior Living Community in Catonsville, MD, where she describes them as “happy, making new friends, busy with volunteering opportunities and playing lots of duplicate bridge.” Betty had plans to attend our 60th class reunion and contacted French House friends to encourage them to come back to Hood too. On Mother’s Day 2024, Betty celebrated with two of her sons and their families in Hunt Valley, MD. The very next day, she fell down a short flight of stairs at Charlestown and suffered a fractured skull. Six weeks of recuperation and therapy followed, which explained her absence from reunion. Connie White Rinehart reported that her husband Gary died in March 2024. Connie had relocated to Easton, MD, to be near him as he was in memory care. JoAnn Winer Sutton died in April 2024. Efforts to contact Barbara Richardson Houck failed.

1965 Emily R. Kirby erkilby44@gmail.com I am old—so goes my preferred excuse for my shortcomings these days. The following column exists solely because two classmates provided some sharable details of their lives without any prompting from me. Thank you, Debby and Kathie, for taking the initiative. I have so many projects already hanging over my elderly head. First, there’s the business of our 60th reunion that will take place on the weekend of June 6-8. No doubt, you received the initial mailing about the event and returned the letter confirming or updating your basic information. Barbara Casey Ruffino is our reunion chair, who’ll be seeing to the class-specific details of the event.

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CLASS NEWS She and I attended a Zoom meeting about the planned schedule. There will be changes from the reunions we’ve enjoyed in the past, including Saturday lunchtime, when classes will have lunch and then gather in assigned spaces outdoors on the Quad rather than in Coblentz dining hall. On-campus lodging will be in a new dorm with suites and private bathrooms. Details of the reunion will be arriving in your mailbox any day now. Here’s Deborah Demmy Thomas’ pitch for your attendance, along with a wonderful account of her French adventures last summer and 60 years before: “I see that the Class of 1965 will be having a reunion this coming year. Sixty years seems impossible. However, through the

kindness and organizational skills of my daughter Jean, she and I just returned from an incredible trip marking another event in my life 60 years ago. During the summer of 1964, I went to France with the Experiment in International Living that involved a home stay with a French family. To conclude the experience, the 10 Americans and our leader joined with 10 college students from the host families to go to Corsica for two weeks of bicycling and camping. Unfortunately, I became ill on the overnight boat ride from Marseille to Ajaccio, Corsica. I was carted off the boat the following morning and placed in an ambulance and taken to a quaint little hospital, where I had my appendix removed that morning. When the

surgeon learned of my scheduled activities during the following two weeks, he said I could not be discharged because Corsica is very mountainous. For the rest of my life, I have always said that I spent two weeks on the island of Corsica but only saw the inside of a hospital room during that time. Jean planned our trip so that I could see some of Corsica. We also spent time in northern France, where she spent a year teaching English in a French high school following her graduation from Lehigh. She was eager to connect with a couple who had befriended her that year, and we had a delightful time in an area of France which is not a tourist mecca. I am hoping that quite a few of us will be able to gather at Hood

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT HOOD COLLEGE The Dalí Quartet Photo Credit: Ryan Brandenberg

Saturday, June 7, 3 p.m. | Coffman Chapel Blending their classical and romantic repertoire with Latin American compositions, the Dalí Quartet’s “Classical Roots, Latin Soul” program has been performed for audiences across the U.S., Canada and South America.

Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio Monday, July 21, 7:30 p.m. | Coffman Chapel The Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio unites three distinguished soloists: pianist Yael Weiss, violinist Mark Kaplan and cellist Peter Stumpf. Celebrated for their dynamic performances, the trio offers fresh interpretations spanning three centuries of masterworks.

Organ Concerto With Wayne Wold Sunday, August 3, 3 p.m. | Coffman Chapel Wayne Wold, DMA, professor emeritus and college organist at Hood College, is also an accomplished composer, author, performer, church musician and clinician. In this concert, he will captivate the audience with a diverse and engaging program of organ music.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, NO TICKETS REQUIRED.

For more information, please contact Associate Professor of Music Noel Verzosa, DMA, at verzosa@hood.edu.

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CLASS NEWS next June. God willing, we will see each other.” Katherine Cribbs Tromble sent her annual Christmas roundup of her activities and those of her accomplished children—an educator, two lawyers and a doctor—and their talented, athletic children. Widowed two years ago, Kathy remains in her Finksburg, MD, home but also travels to visit the families of one daughter in Dayton and another in Longmont, CO. She participates in scripture study and sodality at her church and belongs to a teachers’ group. Emily Kilby (me) has found that what started out 12 years ago as a curiosity about local history has turned into a life-consuming “occupation.” At this moment, I have two detailed histories of early 18th-century properties to be completed, two Mason-Dixon presentations (with my sister) scheduled for later this year, repeated Sunday afternoon history hikes to lead (when weather permits) and unforeseen requests for history information/ interviews. Last April, a CA video production crew came to interview me about 18th-century Cecil County agricultural practices for a billionaire family’s private genealogy program because their colonial home is just down the road from me. In Oct., it was a BBC producer wanting to film a Mason-Dixon marker and interview my sister and me for a three-minute program that aired in England just before the election. A few days ago, a man researching William du Pont, Jr., creator of his neighboring Fair Hill estate that’s now a state park, emailed about an interview. Who knows what’s next? See you in June.

1966 Dianne Beebe Barske eldibarske@gmail.com From a blank page to my plea to classmates for news and a generous response from several—this column is the result. I am grateful. Mary Melville lets us know that she is now fully retired after having taught gifted/ talented students for more than 20 years. She has eight grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren, a multigenerational collection. “They range in age from 32 (the oldest grand) to 6 months (the youngest great-grand).” She keeps busy with many volunteer activities, such as Matthew25Ministries (a disaster relief organization), theater and music organizations, and her church choir and church committees. Mary has kept in touch with Marty Vogt Snyder at Christmas and on their birthdays—“a big one this year.” Betty Schmidt Martin lets us know that she and her husband Harold are moving from Gainesville, FL, to an area southeast of Orlando. Harold had a mild stroke in June, so he

has difficulty walking, and the move brings them closer to their son Todd and his family. Betty states it is difficult to leave Gainesville, where they have lived for 44 years, but she adds, “The bonus is being near two of our grandchildren, Mackenzie, age 8, and Bryce, age 5.” Being closer to family was also the catalyst for a move for Margy Bard Brownstein. She, husband Marshall and daughter Rachel moved from Las Vegas, NV, to Peoria, AZ, late in 2022, bringing them closer to a son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Margy comments, “Marshall was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and it was time to be closer to more family support.” Their new home is in a 55-and-older community called Trilogy. They now can enjoy weekly family dinners with grandchildren and their significant others. Their oldest granddaughter was accepted to ASU law school, and the youngest grandson will be attending Franklin & Marshall this fall. Sandra Bounty Wooster and husband Tom celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary last Dec. Tom is a 1962 graduate of UVA. They are currently living in Bluffton, SC, playing a lot of golf, traveling and volunteering in their community. A Christmas note from Pat Chapple Wright and husband Noel let me know that they are fine and not yet ready to retire. They were on their way to Madagascar as she wrote. Pat is the founder and international director of Centre ValBio in Ranomafana National Park, a research station dedicated to the protection of Madagascar’s unique environment and to projects that benefit the local people. Shortly after their return to Madagascar, devastating fires threatened the park, fueled by an unprecedented drought. Experiencing this, Pat wrote in a Facebook post in early Jan., “The fires are horrific, and few resources are on hand to fight them.” This was at the same time as the devasting fires in CA. With great relief, Pat was able to comment on Jan. 14, “It rained, and the fires are out.” I’m sure there is a communal sigh of relief from all your Hood classmates, Pat. I think many of you will remember Eva Redvall, an exchange student from Sweden while we were at Hood. Eva and I have kept in touch, and I was even able to visit Eva in Stockholm a few years ago. Eva had long been involved in a huge, intriguing writing project, the creation of a book about the dressing rooms at Stockholm’s Royal Dramatic Theatre. In a jubilant Christmas note, Eve stated that her “seemingly everlasting project” had come to fruition. “Lo and behold, my oeuvre was actually published in May 2020.” It’s been greeted with rave reviews in Stockholm newspapers. Bravo, Eva! A happy side note related to Eva: my Hood Little Sister Margie Arnold Creek ’68 was planning a trip to Sweden

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in 2023. Margie asked me for Eva’s contact information to help with her trip planning. Eva more than came through. She put Margie in touch with her cousin Kristina in the small city of Mora, Sweden. Kristina became Margie’s tour guide. Such a testimonial to the value of Hood connections and kindness in today’s world in general. I’ll end this column on that happy note, and again express thanks to all who shared news. Elliott and I (Dianne Beebe Barske) join other classmates who are finding homes in a senior living community. We are at Hillside, in McMinnville, OR, and enjoying it very much. Our three adult kids and six grandkids all live nearby. Come visit!

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

When I look at my ring, I think of my mom, who went to Hood but never graduated. It makes me proud to wear it for both of us. — Charlotte “Bambi” Volatile-Goebel ’88

1967 May Mumma Ohman eohmanjr@gmail.com Jane Rowell Arnold shares, “Things are quieting down as I close in on age 80! I retired from my job as director of admissions at a school in NYC. My husband and I spend our time between NYC, Marblehead, MA, and Peru, VT. Also spending more time with five grandchildren. Hood College prepared me well for my career in education, from kindergarten teacher to admissions director. Thank you, Hood. Hope all is well with all Hood’Lums!” Angela Milea Mogin says, “All good here!” Johanna Van Wert Thompson: “Had a knee replacement and am doing well. Several graduations this spring—granddaughter from high school and our twins graduating from UVA and VA Tech on the same day! We managed a wonderful Viking cruise to Norway and had lunch with Bob and Joan Peschel Young. We will be leaving Williamsburg in fall 2025 and moving to a retirement place in Richmond, VA. Our three children and their families all live in Richmond, so it seems like the right thing to do. Meanwhile, the best of 2025

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CLASS NEWS to everyone!” Debbie Smith Aldrich: “As I approach my 80th year later this month, I feel such gratitude for this wonderful year (memory doesn’t remember the bad or off things). I am blessed with a wonderful family of two kids, six grandkids, four great-grands and a great-greatgrand. How did that happen? Newburyport is the best place to live on the ocean, with beautiful New England charm. Somehow the days speed by with a happy me.” Suzanne Turner Hanifl: “As in past years, Paul and I spend the winters in Naples, FL, and summers in North Oaks, MN. Due to Paul’s health issues, we are not traveling out of North America. I was able to take a theater trip with family to London in Oct.-Nov. 2024—my first real trip out since hip replacement in April 2023, major ankle break in Aug. ’23 and various other setbacks to my otherwise active self. I am fortunate to have good neighbors and family.” “We’ve had a wet winter in northern CA,” writes Laurie Seymour Carlson, “but, unfortunately, SoCal has been very dry, causing awful fires to spread so easily. It will take years to recover. I continue to enjoy my Etsy shop and daily walks in my neighborhood. My eldest granddaughter will be starting college in the fall. Didn’t I start college

not so long ago?” “Life continues in Simpson House full of friendships and arty activity,” writes Judy Lehman Ballinger. “I teach some, but try to keep up my personal painting, mostly silks and acrylic. It’s like being on campus at Hood. I enjoyed taking Amtrak to Utah to visit Arches and Canyonlands, photographer’s heaven for my husband. I hope to train-travel to CA to visit grandkids in May. Sorrow fills me at the contrast of my safe easy life with people in Sudan and Gaza. I see images of a school where I once taught and neighborhoods I loved now in ruins, and the best I can do is send money.” From Kris Campbell Joyce, “BJ and I enjoy a monthly Zoom during which we have an hour’s chance to see not only Judy Lehman Ballinger, but also a time to meet some interesting people from all over the U.S. Judy and I usually talk on the phone after the Zoom, and all is well with us and triple roommate Cheryl Wray this time of year. In Jan., BJ and I are taking a Road Scholar trip to Panama City and the Canal. We have been reading Daniel McCullough’s ‘Passage Between the Seas’ to prepare.” May Mumma Ohman: “We had a wonderful Christmas with our ‘kids’ from Denver home to Arlington, VA. Granddaughter Hazel

is now 3 years old, so all the wonders of the season were fully remembered and enjoyed. Come this April, we have been in our house in Spy Hill for 47 years. Our backyard view remains unchanged all that time—Washington Monument to our left, Masonic Temple in Alexandria toward the right and the rolling hills of MD along the Potomac River are all along that part of our skyline view.”

1968 Sandra Gerwin Herndon sandraherndon@gmail.com Pam Nicholson Neuman shared the sad news that after enduring two long-term illnesses, Barbara Ratigan passed away on Sept. 16, 2024. She had spent a lifetime taking courses on subjects that piqued her interest and engaging in a myriad of hobbies. Several of our class members were able to attend her memorial service. On a happier note, Pam met up with Sharon Burns Walsh and Debby Mattas Willis for lunch in Easton in Sept. Mary Simmonds Palmer and her husband Bill were delighted to have Sue Marano stay

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CLASS NEWS with them when she was traveling to visit her grandson in Brockport. Mary and Bill have lived in Elmira their entire married life. Their three girls live in CA, New Zealand and IL, with their grandson living in IL too. Mary also reported that she often hears from Sue Keppler Sweetser and Sharyn Duffy. The most recent news from Carrie Wissler-Thomas is that she and her husband Scott spent two weeks in Islay, Scotland, in Oct. Janis Peterson is excited to report that she and her husband are busy gifting, thrifting and throwing out years of accumulation, as they pare down and move to their dream home (a townhome in Willow Street, PA). Eric will be limiting his teaching schedule, as his chiropractic written/legal work is increasing, and Janis will hang up her real estate sneakers for painting/knitting/gardening, etc. Phyllis Gimbel Schnitman continues to guide principals to be better leaders through her two recently published articles. She also loves spending time with her grandchildren. Janet Fales Morris and her husband have moved into a wonderful retirement community. She’s been sampling various activities in their new community to decide where to get more involved. She was blessed to have a rapid recovery from heart surgery in late Oct. Linda Winter-Blacksher had hurricane damage from the same storm to both their NC and FL homes (700 miles apart!). They took cruises to the Mediterranean and to the Caribbean. The big news from Gail Davis Williford’s neck of the woods is that her daughter Jean is getting married this year for the first time at age 45! Gail broke her tibia in a fall a year ago. After two surgeries, she is aware of how precarious her health and balance are, so she is preparing to move to Austin into an independent living facility. Kaye Allen went back to work a year and a half ago delivering groceries for Walmart in a small coastal town in SC and finds Georgetown County an amazing study in sociology. She volunteers at church and enjoys her knitting group, aerobics, yoga, kayaking and pickleball, while keeping in touch with her two children and roomie Diane Stehle Simmons. Sharon Burns Walsh is pleased that her 99-year-old mom is able to remain in her own home with round-the-clock caregivers and regular visits from hospice staff. Sharon and her husband Ron continue to be active in their local historical society, and she has multiple responsibilities at her church. Gwen Ebersole Lehman and husband Don live near Ocean City, and both have many volunteer activities that keep them busy. To amuse herself, Gwen started writing “blurb” books on a variety of subjects to share with family and friends. She also loves painting abstract landscapes and photographing rusted and decayed things.

Fay Tripp Ruotolo is currently on the board of her lifetime learning group (lifetimelearners. org) and says that this is a fabulous way to keep active and maintain skills. She and John enjoy visits to see family and their Cape Cod cottage. Charlotte Sizoo Whitenight had a great trip to Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and London in Dec. and would recommend visiting these cities. This past year, Marjorie Field Trusler enjoyed the benefits of her local community, with organized plays, festivals and a weekly summer farmers market. Dick and Cheryl Bonynge Harker were married 15 years ago and have enjoyed traveling in the winter when not at home in PA and summering in an old beach house in NJ. They have exchanged all that for a new lifestyle in a 55+ shore community. Rather than downsizing, they now have a large, two-story house, so they can still entertain their ever-growing family. Now comes her favorite part—interior design! Margie Arnold Creek is still just loving the opportunity to travel. Maxine Shupis DeSanchez asks us to pray for the government of Spain.

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

The Hood ring means a sense of family. — Jacki Resop Amato ’95

1969 Sayre Roney Steere sayre1126@gmail.com Can it be? 60 years ago, we graduated from high school, and three months later stepped foot onto the campus of Hood College for the first time as first-years. Fortunately, most of us continue to live and thrive and remember with fondness our years at Hood—and the friendships that ensued. Barbara Shipley Cober ventured to FL and TX over Thanksgiving to see family and friends, including grandchildren Allison (23) and Kyle (14). She’s off to AZ in Feb. Jill Stanley and Adam continue to attend three to five square dances a week. Jill’s exhaustion (ongoing for three years) reduces her floor time, but she shares Adam with the single ladies—on the dance floor, that is. Susan Taylor Shoch planned to spend Christmas with Barbara Hoagland Ziegler and Deborah Dick Holbert, then continue to FL to visit Susan Korff Hammer, following a surgical procedure. Connie Meek recounted a recent three-week National Geographic cruise she and

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her husband took around New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands to the south. The highlight was walking around thousands of penguins and seals on various beaches. Betsy Seele Gotta and Roy celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 22, 2024. To commemorate, they sponsored a baseball game at a local minor league team because on their actual wedding night, they attended a Phillies game. They had a luxury box with 40 friends. Roy threw out the first pitch, while Betsy and a group sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” on the field during the seventh inning stretch, and there were fireworks after the game. Patricia Warren Carlson continues to play golf, recently in the Ozarks and Cabo. She celebrated New Year’s Eve with her son and his family, including two granddaughters and her two stepchildren and one stepgrandson. She’s off to Hilton Head and Orlando in Feb. and the Greek Isles in early May. Linda Israel Lamm and husband Doug are doing some major downsizing, moving from their home outside Chapel Hill into a continuing care residential community in Durham, NC. She plans to donate much of her art to the Nasher Museum at Duke and the NCMA. Marty Silcox Hankins was thrilled to have her whole family for the holidays. She has four grandchildren. One granddaughter is a first-year at NC School for the Arts; another volunteers at the Maryland SPCA; a third is a junior high track enthusiast; and her eighth-grade grandson competes nationally in soccer and lacrosse. Christine Diehl sends greetings from southern CT. She continues to volunteer with the library, historical society and church. She and roommate Marya Rusinak still reminisce about their days in the music department and are pleased that Brodbeck Hall is being renovated and is still the center of music at Hood. Karla Leum Stoner, who has long since retired from the Gillette Company Research Institute, and Bill have lived on a farm in Urbana, near Sugarloaf Mountain, for nearly 50 years. Karla has a small boarding stable business with six horses. She keeps in touch with Karen Baab Harley, Judy Baab Sunderlin, Linnea Linden Morettini and Jane Pickard Hahn. I had a touching note from the husband of the late Katrina Rebert Tregoning, who passed away last year. He noted that in the early years of their marriage, they moved five times, during which Trina had five babies, including a set of twins. They finally settled in Mt. Prospect, IL, where they had almost 44 years to cherish their children and 11 grandchildren. A celebration of life was held in May, and many came to honor her. I, Sayre Roney Steere, keep active with long daily walks, frequent mahjong games and stitchery projects. I’ve yet to return to pickleball following shoulder surgery, but

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CLASS NEWS hopefully by spring. Summer/fall trips included Portland, OR (for a 55th anniversary getaway), Lake Chelan with the family and majestic Crater Lake. Our five local grandchildren keep us on our toes.

1970 Marj Menchey Berkheimer mench49@gmail.com Time for another newsletter and time for our 55th reunion in June. Sam and I are your chairs again and hope to see you there. Peggy Muncie: “After Thanksgiving, Stephen and I went to the Wilmington, NC, area. I reconnected with my Hood Little Sister Marcia Hackett ’72. We hadn’t seen each other in more than 40 years, but we spent the day chatting like we had not left campus. I can’t wait for her to come to Greenville, SC, and spend time with Stephen and me. We returned this week from a 16-day cruise to the ABC Islands, Colombia, through the Panama Canal, Ecuador and four magical days in Lima, Peru.” Ellen Sacks: “In Oct., I hosted an NYC gathering of alums at my house in Brooklyn. This gathering was postponed from the original April date because two weeks earlier I broke my arm (surgery, 29 screws, 3 weeks in pajamas!). In addition to President Ricker, Nancy Gillece ’81 and Kellye Greenwald ’86 from the College, we had about 15 or 16 alums from the Class of 1960 to the Class of 2024. It was the first time the group met in Brooklyn, but really, Brooklyn is the center of the NYC universe! Everyone had a good time. I only wish we were able to have met in the spring, as originally planned, because we could have been outdoors on our patio, and my Ditmas Park neighborhood is breathtaking in the spring.” Ronni George: “I haven’t written in a long time but thought I should share my crazy life! In the last six and a half years, I have been so lucky to greet five wonderful grandchildren. Two are in ME, and we see them often, and three are in NY (we see them as often as we can). For Christmas, they all came to ME to ski at Sunday River. Benj (6), Eloise (6), George (4), Alex (4) and Gideon (3) are fabulous friends. Sending positive thoughts your way!” Sally Lottich Thompson: “I am still living in Seattle in a little house on a hillside overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I work at my church’s food bank and play in the bell choir, plus I belong to a bi-monthly book club and a weekly discussion group. My daughter Lesley lives in San Francisco, and my daughter Liz and two grandchildren, Ethan and Leslie, live in Charlotte, NC. I just returned from the Christmas holiday in Charlotte and

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was in SF for Thanksgiving. I text regularly with Dikte Kirchheiner Holm, who was a foreign exchange student at Hood from Denmark, and I keep in close touch with Mary Holmes Dague on Facebook. Dikte’s two daughters are both grown and married with children and living near Dikte in Denmark. Dikte volunteers providing legal advice and information to immigrants. Mary has two grown sons and lives in MD now.” Martha Herbert Bounoure: “All is well for me here in the south of France. I keep in touch with Lauren Frankel in Minneapolis, and she has had back surgery again and is struggling with recovery but retains her sharp intellect and beautiful smile! We FaceTime with

Georgeanne Madouros Contoyannopoulos in Athens, who has a new granddaughter. I have had ankle replacement surgery, which was a big help for me. My daughters’ families are all fine, and we see them often so are very lucky indeed. Would be wonderful to see some ‘old’ Hood’Lums.” Wendy “Chips” Parker-Wood: “Taking time to absorb what the 2024 election results say about this country and mean for the future, rather than simply reacting with horror, which won’t accomplish anything. If there were any good news, it was our success protecting the southern NM Congressional District from a MAGA Republican challenge. NM remains solidly blue. Busy with a bungalow rehab downtown and navigating the challenges of compliance issues with historical property. Whether it was cranking tunes in the car or Grateful Dead concerts at the Fillmore East years ago, neither helped my hearing—in April, I finally got a cochlear implant. Great decision and far less off-putting than I’d feared, so ask away if anyone is wrestling with hearing loss. That’s it—oh, and marrying my partner of 40 years in Feb.!” From me ( Marj Menchey Berkheimer): Frederick continues to charm us with many activities. I’m involved with my grandchildren, 3-year-old Aoifé and her 1.5-year-old brother Caiseal. Love them so much, and they live only blocks from me. Take care, stay well and come to reunion!

1971 Mary McMunigal Burland mburl5@verizon.net Mindy Laighton Wilcox mlwilcox3@gmail.com Kathy Nield reports that she moved in Nov. 2023 from her rural 65-acre farm to a small newish bungalow in town. Much less work and more time for fun! She got involved in pickleball, quilting, line dancing and playing mahjong. While she missed the views and wildlife, being near

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people was a good trade from being so solitary. Her aging body was happy with the move, and she spent less time driving. Then her life got complicated. Her dog needed emergency surgery to remove her gall bladder, she tore a tendon in her foot which required surgery and a long recovery, and her dog developed epilepsy. 2024 was a nightmare! She is hoping that 2025 is more positive—if nothing else, she discovered how resourceful she can be. Sue Montag Wood said she had little to report but was enjoying the warmth of summer in Australia, reading some great books and using her creativity with fabric. Last year, they did some traveling in Japan. Mary McMunigal Burland and I (Mindy Laighton Wilcox) did not receive much news for this issue, and we are hoping to hear from more of you next time. It’s always interesting to learn what our class has been doing for the last 50+ years, so please let us know.

1972 Carol Bradford cbradford043@gmail.com Cynthia A. Clifford cynthiaclifford999@gmail.com Nancy Williams Bishop has been busy with family and spent about nine months in Australia playing with her grandson Beau. My daughter Sam, Joel and Beau visited her in Malibu in Dec. Linda Cumber Gifkins hails from snowy VT, reporting that she and her husband had a two-week trip to Ottowa, Algonquin Park and the Thousand Islands to do some ancestry research, visit a camp her husband went to and enjoy cribbage for their 50th anniversary. A trip to Edinburgh with their daughter-in-law and 14-year-old grandson ended with Linda tripping and breaking her kneecap, meaning that they needed to cancel a visit by Betsy Briddell Kipp and Daryl. Robin Shaw Leto reports that she and Ken moved to a retirement community last summer, about a mile from their home, and love it—a great villa, wonderful people and non-stop activities. They had a great visit with Natalie Rich in her lovely new home in MA. Lucia Grabenstein Kline reports that she and Chris had great trips this year—from the fjords of Norway to safaris in Kenya and Tanzania—and are meanwhile happily keeping up with grandkids and their many activities. Virginia Procino Hartmann and Tom practiced bicycling all summer and then traveled to Bruges, Belgium, for a Bike and Barge trip last fall. With 40 others, they biked 185 miles in six days before reaching Amsterdam, spending nights in a cozy room with good meals on board and

SPRING 2025

POINT OF VIEW

The Birth of

Blazer Radio By Al Weinberg ’75

n 1985, President Martha E. Church, H’95, Ph.D., asked me to start an FM radio station. Naively, I said, “Sure, how hard could it be?” Nearly impossible, it turns out. Why? Available FM radio licenses aren’t just sitting around in a filing cabinet somewhere. In or near largely populated areas, almost the only way to get on the air is to buy a frequency from an existing license-holder, and they aren’t cheap. In our case, the price started at $200,000, and let’s just say, the College had other priorities.

In the ensuing years, there were fits and starts (carrier current, low-power, smoke signals), but the effort stalled until we had a bit of luck. A frequency the College had sought was purchased by the NPR affiliate in Baltimore, and Hood had to sign off on the sale. We did, and we also loaned WYPR space to build a remote studio with internet broadcast capability. The appreciative folks at WYPR said the College could use the facility if they didn’t need it. As it happened, they didn’t, and we did, so Blazer Radio was born in the basement of Alumnae Hall after a 20-year quest. Thanks go to President Ronald Volpe, H’15, Ph.D., for his undying support. The first year, 2005, was exploratory and educational, as I undertook the various steps required to start a new student organization and train student DJs. Radio programming isn’t rocket science, but it’s not simple, either,

although it may seem that way to the casual listener. A core group of students spent that first year learning how to run an internet radio station, and after spring break 2006, we went live. Blazer Radio, with a “college eclectic format,” could be heard by anybody anywhere with an internet connection. Man, it was fun!

and I like to think that Blazer Radio, with a peak of 40 on-air hosts, was among the more popular activities on campus. One DJ turned alum wrote to me recently that as much as she enjoyed the experience, she also learned that broadcasting was not her career path—a positive outcome. Today, she’s a successful journalist.

It was also a lot of work for the student staff and for me, but I think we all loved it. There were highs and lows, positives and negatives. Some people are radio naturals. Others are, well, not, but everyone enjoyed it. What’s not to like? Sitting in a sound booth at 11 p.m. blasting out your favorite tunes by popular artists such as the Pussycat Dolls or James Blunt for friends and family and talking about whatever interested you—within limits.

Another DJ alum wrote that “Blazer Radio had a profound impact” on his career by teaching him audio editing, marketing content creation and live sound skills. “I still find myself building on that skill set that I learned at Hood College and Blazer Radio.” For me, it was a chance to enhance my alma mater by building a student activity from scratch. I appreciate the College giving me the opportunity.

Well, it was fun for the DJs, anyway. For me, it was constant worry about the safety of students alone in the basement of Alumnae Hall in the middle of the night. We had security measures in place, though. One was me, trying to listen as often as I could, which I will admit could be excruciating. Let’s face it, my musical tastes don’t exactly align with those of most 19-year-olds. Otherwise, it was almost always enjoyable and sometimes lots of fun, such as the trivia contest that drew in President Volpe or the events our staff covered. Former Dean of Students Olivia White, H’20, Ph.D., was supportive of our needs,

Al Weinberg ’75, the first full-time degreeseeking male student at Hood, retired as a professor emeritus of journalism in 2015 after more than 30 years teaching. He also served on the College’s Board of Trustees.

Scott McKinney ’07 (right) and Amanda Jimenez ’08 (left) work in the Alumnae Hall Blazer Radio studio circa 2006.

HOOD MAGAZINE

CLASS NEWS visiting museums by day. We were so sorry to learn that Constance Dawley Rogge passed away Nov. 28 in Charleston, WV, from pancreatic cancer. Her family wrote to say that Connie had a lifelong passion for traveling, arts and crafts, and genealogy, and she was proud to have linked her family back to the Mayflower. Sarah Sonne O’Donnell and Bruce visited their son’s family over Christmas, including a trip to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Jan Williams Martin spent the summer at their farm in PA and CT cottage, visiting their two sons and their families. Helen-Mae Reisner retired from the federal service as nurse consultant at the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety headquarters in Washington, D.C., this spring, and she is happily living in Bethesda, MD, near her daughter, who lives nearby in Potomac. Becky Riehl continues to be happy, healthy and active at The Villages, FL, and is close to her goal of achieving a life master in bridge. Our heartfelt condolences to Becky on the passing of Tom Green, her partner of 30 years. Jane Hively Zarfoss writes that she’s

leaving sunny FL in Aug. for a new permanent home in Richmond, CA (across the bay from San Francisco), to be near her children and grandchildren. She adds, “Please stop by if you get out my way.”

1973 Leslie Hawkins hawkins.leslie.a@gmail.com In 2024, Lorraine Sharp Kish and husband Pete enjoyed a summer vacation in England, Scotland, Isle of Man and Ireland and met up with a third cousin who lives near York, England, and shares her Sharp surname. She connected through Ancestry DNA and enjoyed comparing family trees and how they’re connected. In Dec., she cruised with her daughter and her family, including grandkids aged 2-6. In 2025, Lorraine and Pete will be cruising various European ports, including Spain, her first trip back there since her junior year study in Madrid, and she is looking forward to visiting Bilbao, Sevilla, Valencia and Granada. Peggy Weinbeck

continues to enjoy life in Virginia Beach, with son Matt, daughter Lindsay and her 3-year-old granddaughter Rylin. Besides loving the outdoors and natural beauty of the beach, she loves lots of arts events sponsored by the Virginia Festival of the Arts and especially performances by the Governor’s School for the Arts. She enjoyed the celebrations marking her granddaughter’s 3rd birthday, and is looking forward to an upcoming trip to Disney World and the chance to see WDW through a child’s eyes (again!). Peggy will soon be on a cruise with seven friends to the Western Caribbean, and next fall, she is cruising from Boston through the Maritimes to Montreal. In the meantime, she has resumed ballroom dancing in a new studio and is meeting new friends along the way. Bonny Barncord Berger and husband Richard are enjoying their new home in Scottsdale, AZ. It’s been a dramatic change in their lifestyle. They are traveling during the heat of summer. This past summer, they did a hiking/ golfing trip through Scotland and explored the Big Island of HI. They have two grandchildren, Will and Ella, ages 17 and 14, and are waiting to

O O D! COME HOME TO H

REUNION WEEKEND 2025 | JUNE 6-8 Meet Your 2025 Reunion Class Chairs: 1945 1950 1955

1975

1990

2015

bmd2128@comcast.net

cbhairston@gmail.com

brig.ayerphoto@yahoo.com

Marcia Ritter Doiron

The Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

alumoffice@hood.edu 1960

Maryann Whitehead Scherzo

scherzocpa@msn.com

Jeanne Boley Glascock

jglasc6475@aol.com

1995

laurahickman@verizon.net

jresop@yahoo.com

Laura Lee Hickman

Beth Sheppard Kline

eckline75@gmail.com

Anna Kluth VonLindenberg

vonlina@comcast.net

1965

Barbara Casey Ruffino

Cherilyn Widell

barbara.ruffino@gmail.com

cwidell809@yahoo.com

1970

1980

ljallan523@gmail.com

dluttrell76@gmail.com

mench49@gmail.com

bmm80@msn.com

Deedee Randall Luttrell

Linda Allan

Marj Menchey Berkheimer Myra Holsinger

mlholsinger@starpower.net Elaine Hubert

eahubert@aol.com

Mary Ryan Reeves

mryanreeves@yahoo.com

Carla Jackson Hairston

Brenda Main

1985

Susan Bond Kearney

skearney@harfordday.org

Jacki Resop Amato

2000

Nikki Swartzlander Bamonti

bamonti@hood.edu

Suzanne Benson

HOOD MAGAZINE

Travis Gilbert

travisgilbert11@gmail.com

Sarah Tapscott Rosier

sarah.tapscott12@gmail.com 2020

Megan Enright

meganenright23@gmail.com

sbenson@dredge.com Melissa Kelly

mkelly55@gmail.com 2005

Tiffany Still Grant

tiffany.still.83@gmail.com 2010

Alyssa Moore

alyssa.moore87@gmail.com

Karen Elm Wirth

kewirth@hotmail.com

Contact your class chair to learn more about what is planned for Reunion Weekend 2025. 48

Brigid Ayer-Luttrell

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

SPRING 2025

HOOD.EDU/REUNION

CLASS NEWS hear where their grandson will go to college next year. Their youngest daughter is expecting their third grandchild in July. Bonnie talks with Alison Alder Kennedy often, who lives in Cambridge, MD, and had lunch with Ann Jones and Ann’s sister Meg (who lives in Phoenix) just before Thanksgiving. She said it was a relief to see Ann, who now lives in Ashville, NC, and went through Hurricane Helene. Fortunately, she wasn’t hurt, and her house was okay, but the devastation will affect the area for a long time. Bonnie is also in touch with Sue Tobelman, who lives in NH, and Sue’s in contact with Marki Bissell, who lives on Cape Cod. As for me, Leslie Hawkins, 2024 was a very busy (probably too busy!) year, with three international trips (Sicily in April, cruise around Baltic and Scandinavian countries in July, and cruise along the Coasts of Portugal, Southern Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco and Madeira in Nov. and early Dec.) I came back from the last trip feeling bad, and it turned out I had pneumonia. My left knee had gotten worse in the past year, so I had a knee replacement at the end of Aug., and I was happy to have my sister Sharyn fly out to AZ and help me out for a few weeks. I am doing better and look forward to a hiking trip in Feb. to Palm Springs and skiing at Big Sky, MT, in March. You don’t have to wait for my request for news. Feel free to drop me a line at my email whenever.

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

My ring represents everything that our Hood education embodies, plus friendship and permanence. — Mary Ryan Reeves ’70

1974 Patricia E. Kidd pat.kidd@hotmail.com Jane Dodge Armacost writes, “My husband John and I really enjoy traveling in our fifth wheel camper. In June, we took it to Harpers Ferry while attending that great Hood reunion! In Aug., we stayed a week in Wytheville, VA, with camping friends from TN. In Oct., we did a three-week trip. First stop was New Orleans to see the National WWII Museum and take a paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi to the Chalmette Battlefield, where Andrew Jackson defeated the British in 1815. The second stop was Kerrville in the TX

Hill Country to visit my Big Sister Kathy Martin Belikoff ’72 and hubby Larry—we had a great time catching up! We went to San Antonio to see the Alamo and to Fredericksburg to the National Museum of the Pacific War. (Remember, I was a history major!) Third stop was the MO Ozark region, where we saw two shows in Branson, took a cruise on Table Rock Lake, went to the original and largest Bass Pro Shop, and visited with our nephew and family in Springfield. Last March, we did a car trip to the Gulf side of FL to visit family, and we took in two Orioles spring training baseball games. 2025 trips are in the planning stages. We recently had our 50th wedding anniversary but will wait until warmer weather to have a proper celebration. Our children and grandchildren are doing just fine, and so are we!” Vicki Raeburn Benton has great-grandkid news: “2025 is shaping up to be another celebration-filled year. The last two grandkids graduate high school this spring. Jace will graduate in May in FL, while Ryan will follow in June here in NY. Ryan has been chosen as the salutatorian of his NFA class of more than 900 students, and he will receive his diploma on his 18th birthday. Both boys have been accepted to all the colleges they applied to, ranging from Siena to Oregon State. Now they have to make that final decision!” Dot Herdle Files’ news is always the first I receive, and she reports, “Eben and I are settling into our new house. As we started healing slower from injuries or arthritis, we downsized last July from a farm with horses to a house in the suburbs. It’s the first time in all our moves we had a newly built house instead of buying a used house. At New Years, we visited Bremerton, WA, to see our daughter Carolyn, her husband Jake and our only grandchild Lily. Carolyn is a commander in the Navy. We train monthly with a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). We also have our normal church and music work. Everyone who got married after our graduation is in the same year or two range for 50th anniversary celebrations. Our celebration will be an Alaskan Cruise next June/July. Want to join us?” My news ( Pat Kidd): my partner Davis and I just spent a month in Sedona, AZ—our fifth Jan. in Sedona, where the towering red rocks and green vegetation beat drab, gray NJ. Marti Murray Robinson ’72 visited for a week and joined us on hikes around Sedona (there are about 400 trails to choose from). A great place to ring in a new year. Marti, Deb Kohler and I are in regular contact, and all is well with Deb, as she moves on from her formal role as a minister (but of course, ministry never stops).

SPRING 2025

1975 Deborah Page Rath drath@nhhicks.com Arlene Bujese is chairing the 25th East End Hospice Box Art Auction in East Hampton, NY, to raise awareness and funds. Her interest began in the 1970s at Hood with Professor Dana Cable, who taught the importance of end-of-life care. Marcie Alling has many good memories: Hood choir, Professor Warner and Messiah concerts with the Naval Academy Glee Club. Life in the French House and French literature with Ms. Luiggi, Marva Edmiston Connolly, Debbie Deasy and Marcie. (Debbie was always halfasleep in her pajamas with a cigarette and Coke.) The wisteria-decked, bee-filled Pergola, playing practical jokes on Professor Sprigg in music theory class, spending study abroad with her roomie and forever friend Marva in Strasbourg, France. Susan Bleecker’s first-year roommate was a sophomore, so most of her friends were in the Class of 1974. Susan’s memory of Hood is that it was a great place to grow into adulthood safely, surrounded by people who wanted you to succeed, making lifetime friends and memories. Laila Grabowsky Bottomly remembers Sunday morning breakfast rides with Krebs Benchoff into the Catoctin Mountains for his delicious bacon and egg sandwiches. Night swims (Connie Bires), Strawberry Breakfast, Sunday evening Shriner treats, the Messiah—so many adventures! Lynda Strasser Brooks remembers a weekend at Camp Raudy when a group showed up and terrorized them, making noises and running sticks against the cabin. She thinks that they would have gotten them expelled these days, but back then it was just fun and games! Remember our freshman year when we had a curfew? If you could not get back to the dorm by curfew, you would be penalized. But if you called a friend and told them to mark you as out overnight, you were cool. Rhea BelJon Calkins’ fondest memories: roller skating races, late night talks and laughter on third floor Memorial and Tatem Arts Center. Elaine Gates, Hadley Tremaine, Mary Ellen Randolph and Dennis Hughes. Dancing at Brownie’s and the Gold Dust, Hood Theatre, the Mount St. Mary’s one-act play competitions and everyone who worked on them, especially Debbie Page Rath and Pat. Jackie Testa Ciminera remembers we received the name of someone on our floor for whom we’d get gifts and then deliver them anonymously. We’d surprise each other by identifying ourselves at the end before winter break. Debbie Page Rath was her “Little Angel” and gave Jackie a lovely copy of the writings of

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

HOOD MAGAZINE

CLASS NEWS Kahlil Gibran, which she still treasures. Cheryl Cuddeback is still in real estate and loves walking her neighbors’ dogs. She keeps her love of singing alive by preforming with the Forest Hills Women’s Club. Husband and daughter, Norm and Samantha, are still her gifts, along with her troublemaker cats, Merri and Pippin. Ann Wiggins Ely remembers playing guitar in the Pergola, singing with friends and being in a one act of Red Riding Hood. Professor Wolfe was the wolf, and she was “Red.” Laura Lee Hickman shares a memory: one night, she visited her Big Sister in Shriner and then a friend in Meyran. The doors to all the first-floor rooms were wide open, with “after dinner” music coming from within. Carole King’s “Tapestry” or Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” helped push her down the hall and provided the gentle warmth needed to calm her anxieties. Last fall, Dory Barrows Smith caught up with Trish Emery ’74 In AZ. They had a lovely time reminiscing about Hood and Coblentz and agreed that living above the dining hall had advantages. Trish wondered if Dory knew anything about Wendy Harris Silverstein ’74. Does anyone have info? Dory also lost touch with her former roommate Dori Slayden Reigner if anyone has info to share. Aldan Weinberg was the first fulltime male student at Hood. He was married and just out of the Army, so far from the typical Hood student! Al’s passions were history and literature, and he found mentors in the English department in Professors Tremaine, Ford, Cole and Turner. Cherilyn Widell loved spending time at Camp Raudy. On Sunday mornings, Mr. B would lead them on horseback to the cabin, where he cooked hearty breakfasts before returning to campus; more than once, she reserved the Raudy for an overnight party to listen to James Taylor, snuggled in sleeping bags by the light of a waning fire. I (Debbie Page Rath) had so many memories with Dennis Hughes and my Hood Theatre friends. I still have my stage manager binders.

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

My class ring represents one of the most important decisions I ever made— to attend Hood College and become part of the Hood family. — Joy Beveridge ’82

HOOD MAGAZINE

1976 Nancy Ludwick Warrenfeltz nlwfeltz@hotmail.com Kathy Anderson Jewell and Chip returned from a two-week cruise on Viking Ocean in Jan. The highlight was the day they sailed into the Panama Canal (even though it poured rain in the morning). By the afternoon transit back from Lake Gatun, the weather cleared, and the view was amazing. An excursion took them to the new observation area to watch ships go through the newer locks. Stops included Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico. Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in Feb. 2019. After doing well for years, a bone lesion on her hip changed her status to stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2023. She started regular treatments and had three cyber knife radiation treatments to the site of the lesion. She’s dealing with the side effects of the regular treatments. Right now, the tests show that the treatments are working! The prognosis is good, and her cancer status is stable. Jane Keely Holtje earned her yoga teaching certification and enjoys teaching at a local senior center and public library. In April 2024, her three brothers and their wives gathered at the Holtje home in Clemmons, NC, to celebrate Jane and her twin brother’s 70th birthday. Jane traveled to Slovenia for two weeks in April to visit her daughter, son-in-law and 5-year-old granddaughter. Her son-in-law is a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana. Jane’s mother passed away in Oct. 2024 at the age of 98. She had been in a skilled nursing unit in Solomons, MD. The whole family was able to give her a beautiful celebration of life at Jane’s parents’ church near Solomons. Fortunately, her daughter and granddaughter were able to travel from Slovenia for the service. Cheryl Kruse Rondorf and Neil celebrated her 70th birthday in Nov. They rented a big house at the beach and were joined by family and friends. Instead of gifts, Cheryl asked for canned goods for the food pantry. They collected 160 pounds of food! Amy Locker Krug and Bob enjoyed two trips of a lifetime. During Christmas 2023, they traveled to New Zealand for a two-week visit. On the North Island, they did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing—a 12-mile, 3,000-foot vertical, all-day trek up and over an active volcano. (In the “Lord of the Rings” movies, it is known as Most Doom.) The South Island tour included a bus, boat and plane tour of spectacular Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. It reminded them of Yosemite overlaid on a fjord. In June 2024, the Krugs took a three-week trip across Canada by train, continuing by ship through the inside passage to AK, then segued

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

into a bus tour of the Yukon, including Denali National Park. Diane McClelland Smith is still working three jobs—pastoral care for one church, supply pastor each Sunday at one of three churches and full time at their print shop. Her third grandchild Grace Elizabeth Anderson was born on Dec. 2, 2024, to son Diron and his wife Megan. Grace has two older brothers, Robert (8) and Peter (3). Jane Olsen Howe continues to travel the world with friends, visiting every continent except Antarctica. Her favorite trip started at the tip of South America and ended with a safari in Africa. Seeing all this reminded Jane how precious our planet is and how fast its non-human inhabitants are disappearing. Barb Woolmington and Craig took a road trip to Chicago in Sept. and loved playing tourist. They spent one day with their niece. They arrived back home just two days before Hurricane Helene hit western NC and completely washed out the road at the TN/NC border. They made it home safely and rode out Helene with minimal damage—one broken window, but they lost more than 20 beautiful trees. The area is still in recovery, but their home is on the mend. The media has turned to other stories, but western NC and surrounding states are still in need. Larry and I ( Nancy Ludwick Warrenfeltz) went to Annapolis for the Navy-Tulane game in Nov. 2024. I was able to visit with my Hood roommate Lois Vandermark Moore at half time. It was great to see her and Scott. Please email me with your Hood news. I will include it in the next publication.

1977 Elizabeth Anderson Comer ecomer@eacarchaeology.com The Class of 1977’s news begins on a very sad note. Dr. Rubina Patel, our class president, died in Aug. The class had planned a Zoom with Rubina before her passing, which we held as a memorial to share such good memories of the amazing woman she was. Sharon Thorpe Kourtz shared that Rubina widened her world. Rubina’s friends spanned the globe, and Sharon had experiences with her that enriched her soul, from a private tour of the Morman temple to watching Rubina take down the flag at Fort McHenry on the day she passed her citizenship exam to seeing Rubina’s joy in becoming American. Remember when Rubina’s mom spent a month at Hood when Rubina arrived late freshman year because her visa wasn’t in place? Sharon also recounts seeing Montgomery County schools call on Rubina to explain the religious differences in the community. She was an amazing woman and will be missed.

SPRING 2025

CLASS NEWS Gretta Tomb sent the coolest news: “I can’t remember if I told you that I opened a little dental practice five blocks from my house. I retired from the VA but still wanted to work. My practice is called By Word-of-Mouth Dentistry, and it’s kind of my rebellion against corporate-owned practices that are prevalent. I have a small team, but it’s the dream team. We are very happy and busy. This is my 42nd year. I’ll be the Betty White of dentistry.” Gretta also wrote that she just returned from 10 days in Guatemala on a medical mission with HELPS International. Her two middle sons, Tucker and Will, went with her on the trip. They had an amazing adventure. “What a great organization with amazing people! And I loved experiencing it with my sons.” I don’t know about you, but I would love to drive up to Corning for an appointment at Gretta’s office. Having both retired just as COVID shut everything down, Kas Kluth Rohm and Greg are finally catching up on their postponed travel plans. They are enjoying cruising and visiting Canada, Southeast Asia and Europe. They feel incredibly fortunate to have four young grandchildren living nearby, and Kas is still exhibiting and teaching watercolor. Last summer, Doug and I ( Liz Anderson Comer) escaped to Normandy and Brittany for an eight-day inn-toinn hike from Granville to St. Malo. Amazing food, but also beautiful scenery and historic sites. A highlight was our oyster breakfast on the beach at Cancale on our 40th wedding anniversary. Mark your calendar now—our 50th is coming up in June 2027!

1979 Virginia “Ginnie” Roth vjroth@gmail.com Hello, everyone! Here’s the news about fellow alums for this edition of the magazine. Debbie Eaton Thackston writes that she and Julie Murray McCaffery met up in Dec. for the Hood Holiday Party held at the Holly Hills Country Club and enjoyed catching up with each other. She is also very excited to share that the family awaits the birth of their fourth grandchild in late April 2025. After three grandsons, it’s a girl! This will be the first child for her youngest daughter Julie and her husband Rob, who live in Middletown, MD. Julie wants to remind everyone that, even though this is not an official reunion year for us, we can celebrate with our Class of 1980 friends at this year’s Party on the Quad. It’s scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2-4 p.m. Hope to see you there! Carol Miles Frentz writes that she enjoyed a cruise to Mexico in Nov. and has another one planned for Feb., in addition to visiting the beach. Her granddaughter Avery (8) has enjoyed riding

horses for a year now and adores it. Carol is still running her taekwondo school and teaching children on the autism spectrum, which she loves, in addition to her regular classes. We send our deepest condolences to Carol on the recent loss of her mom. Ruth Sikora Seel tells us that in Sept., she and Marshall spent an amazing 14 days visiting lots of places on their bucket list. “We started in Denver, then travelled through NE (20 shades of brown with huge silos, grain and sunflower farms), SD, WY, UT and CO. Highlights of the trip were Badlands National Park (more breathtaking than the Grand Canyon), Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park, where we saw 1,000 bison freely roaming—can you say, ‘Dances with Wolves’? Also, Devil’s Tower (remember ‘Close Encounters’?), Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons (truly the purple mountains’ majesty), Salt Lake City and Park City.” She reminds us all that we live in a beautiful country. They are excited to discover more of it this year. Karen Ochis Holloway attended a luncheon in Jan. and met a woman who mentioned she had gone to a small, private women’s college in Maryland. Karen was surprised to learn that Nancy Thorpe Kelley ’82 was sitting with her. She is the younger sister of Sharon Thorpe Kourtz ’77. They had a great talk, knew several of the same people and entertained the other women at the table with their reminiscing. They live close to each other and will probably see each other at future functions. As for me, Ginnie Roth, I spent most of Sept. traveling in Europe. My first stop was a week in Scotland. What an incredible place, full of history and friendly folks. Amazingly, it didn’t rain once! From there, I went to Milan to visit relatives. We didn’t realize it was Fashion Week, so the only way to get through the models, photographers and paparazzi was weaving in between cars at top speed on my cousin’s motorcycle. Most of the time, I had my eyes closed! Our trip ended in Austria and included a fantastic “Sound of Music” tour with visits to landmarks and tidbits about the actors. We also visited our family’s ancestral home, which was very moving for all of us. Finally, two important notes: if you know ’79ers who aren’t part of our FB 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) of any changes to your contact information.

SPRING 2025

1980 Jackie Valette Uglow jvu57@hotmail.com Lisa Lelli Tanner has been living with her husband in FL for the last five years and recently retired from the travel industry. They are enjoying time with family nearby, but as a few of us know, have been taking care of in-laws the last couple of years. They will be doing a lot of fun travel—Paris, Scotland and finally finishing in Dec. with a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. If you are in south FL, look her up. Finally, retirement for Sue Early Noriega at the end of Feb. She is looking forward to moving with her husband Steve to Fuquay Varina, NC, in March to be near family. Sue welcomes any Hood graduate to contact her if you are ever in the Raleigh, NC, area. Amy Falk reports of a fantastic Hood College friends’ getaway to ME last Sept. Katie McCombs Zirnkilton and her husband Kip hosted Amy, Ann Lawrence Brooks ’79, Ellen Higgins Kornfeld and Sarah Ann Miller at their home in Seal Harbor (Mount Desert) ME on Sept. 26-30, 2024. They thoroughly enjoyed their time together hiking (slowly), looking at gardens, taking glorious boat rides and eating a lot of lobster. They ran into a woman wearing a Hood College sweatshirt in Bar Harbor. Small world! Mary Newton Deighan sent me a lovely Christmas greeting from her family in VA. Mike and Mary are doing well, and her large family continues to grow with grandchildren and events. Sadly, her father Francis Newton passed away this year. Mary is also a caretaker for her mother, who has health issues and moved to an assisted living facility nearby in Charlottesville, VA. As for me, Jackie Vallette Uglow, we welcomed our first grandchild, a little girl by the name of Elyse Jennifer Uglow into the world on Jan. 14, 2025, with our son RJ and his lovely wife Anna. RJ is a commander of a Seabee underwater construction battalion in San Diego. Fortunately, we love going out to CA and look forward to meeting them this month. Our other son Scott recently married in Minneapolis and is very happy with his bride Katlyn. Ron continues to usher for the Twins in the spring through the fall, and I am a Master Gardener for U of MN Extension and do a lot of other volunteering. We go out to Sonoma every few months to help my mother, who just turned 94. She is doing great and living in a wonderful retirement village with family, friends and wine. I hope all of you can make it to our reunion in June. Please keep in touch with any news.

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CLASS NEWS

1981 Mary Thompson Calhoun hoodalum@msn.com Hi, everyone. I know you are all busy people, but maybe you’ll take time to read about some of our classmates. Nina Chomnuk Robertson and her husband Barrett purchased a home in Cuenca, Ecuador, in Nov. They have been expats in Cuenca for more than four years and love it so much that they decided to buy a home there. Nina keeps busy with many social activities. Barry enjoys his leisure time immensely. They have two adopted Cuencano street dogs, Scotty and Sinjin, who love their daily frolics in the riverside park by their home. Kathy Carangelo Butler reports that “2024 was a great year for us. Lots of travel. My sister and I visited Amsterdam in April. In Sept., Bill and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in Italy with dear friends. I spent July and Aug. in Narragansett, RI. We rented a cottage that allows cats, so we brought our COVID foster fail, Ray. We all enjoyed the relief from the FL summer heat. I continue to enjoy volunteering at a preschool and being a member of the garden club and a book club.” Leigh Moomaw McBride wrote, “We are enjoying our retirement with family and travel and are headed to South Africa in April for a trip and safari.” Luther Jett reports that he had two poetry collections released this year—“Flying to America” (Broadstone Books) and “The Colour Wars” (Kelsay Books). Good on, Luther! As for me, Mary Thompson Calhoun, WV Eastern Panhandle Corgi Mom, I am hanging in there, but down to one corgi now, Roscoe. I lost Teddy in Dec. at almost age 17— it’s never easy to say goodbye to a faithful long-time companion, as a lot of you know from experience. Anyway, you all take care of yourselves and try not to let 2025 be the grind that 2024 was for many of us.

1982 Elizabeth Bastian Chapin busybethc@aol.com Dawson Casey Bullock reports from sunny Palm springs, CA. After splitting their time between Cincinnati and Palm Springs for a few years, she and husband John made the permanent move. John is still running hard as senior director of trade for a pharmaceutical company. Dawson is retired. They play lots of golf and pickleball and have established great new friends. Daughter Caroline got married in Oct. 2023; daughter Gibson took a new job in Chicago. Dawson invites anyone out her way to look her up. In retirement, Bambi Maitland Grundwerg

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is experimenting with a variety of activities, including mahjong and baton twirling. Ellen Yodzis Patton (and husband Mark) visited over the summer while in NJ to see a new grandchild. Bambi and Linda Esterhoy Segur spent a week together in the fall. They saw “Roommates” on Broadway. Joy Miller Beveridge and husband Don enjoy their visits to AZ and CA to spend time with their “grand joys,” Lydia, Annabeth and Miller, their grandson who arrived in June. Joy spends spring through fall months tending to the Hood/Frederick Health Resource Garden in addition to her own yard gardening rhodies, azaleas, and other native flowers and vegetables. She recently joined the board of directors for Woman to Woman Mentoring, a local nonprofit dedicated to cultivating mentoring relationships that provide women with guidance, support and community connections. Joy continues to serve Hood as a member of the Board of Associates and the Alumni Executive Board, and she is on several search/recruitment committees. While packing for a mission trip to El Salvador to teach Vacation Bible School and aide with food distribution, Nancy Thorpe Kelley reached out. In Oct. 2022, she relocated to GA. She enjoys singing with the Peachtree Singers as well as a show choir at the active adult community where she resides. Nancy serves on the board of the Sun City Civitan Club as chaplain and correspondence chair. The nonprofit club raises funds to support local, state and international efforts, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nancy also belongs to PEO, a sisterhood organization supporting women with higher education scholarships. At a recent PEO Founders Day luncheon in GA, she met Karen Ochis Holloway ’79 (a new PEO sister from the Peachtree City chapter). In her spare time, Nancy volunteers at a local elementary school where 100% of the students are on free or reduced meals. Travel plans for 2025 include a return trip to Italy for cooking classes, touring and dining in the Liguria region. Lastly, Liz Bastian Chapin and Gretchen Steinmetz Keith see one another locally. Recently, she’s had contact with Lynne Towns Tucker, a top-selling real estate agent in Montgomery County and the D.C. metro area. Liz continues to work long hours with the growing tourism industry. Travels in the past year have taken her on multiple adventures to Europe and Africa. She’s looking forward to a return trip to Africa this May. Happy birthday to many of the Class of 1982 celebrating their milestone 65th birthday this year!

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1983 Mary L. Townley hoodmlt@aol.com Hello, Class of 1983! I hope 2025 has begun well for you, although I must say, it’s pretty unusual. Please keep yourselves safe and carry hope for our country. When I asked for your news this quarter, I added in a special request for you to share with us your favorite Hood tradition from when you attended Hood. Thank you to those who responded. I will share them throughout this column. First off, I heard from my friend Theresa Bielenda. She shared, “I had a nice and quiet holiday season. Started out with an enjoyable day and meal for a Friendsgiving and finished up New Years Eve with a couple of friends seeing ‘Wicked.’ As far as Hood traditions, there are so many memorable ones. If I had to narrow it down, I would say blazers/rings and Messiah are at the top of my list.” I also heard from Shelley Wagar, who shares, “Dave and I went to Amsterdam for Thanksgiving—it is our happy place. This was our fourth visit, and we still find new things and places to do and visit. Our grandchildren bring us great delight, and we are so very lucky to live near the kids and ‘grand girlies.’ We just adopted a pup from our local shelter. She is 9 months old and named Jenny. We fell in love with her as soon as we saw her and look forward to taking her camping. Wishing all the Class of 1983 a happy New Year filled with peace and love. My favorite tradition was a tie between the father-daughter weekend and the ring ceremony.” Sally Seward shares, “I loved so many of the traditions at Hood, from the dinks, Big/Little Sisters and Spring Parties, but my favorite traditions were the Blazer Dinner and the Ring Dinner. I think my preference for the dinners started when, in freshman year, we went into the dining hall for a ‘regular’ dinner, and there was a head table with college officials—Dean Kellog, Lois Geib and others—with a huge birthday cake that said, ‘Happy Birthday, Betty.’ I had no idea who Betty was; it turns out it was Betty Friedan. After dinner, I called my parents and told them about the dinner. They were shocked and not it a good way. I think they felt that I was being influenced in an extremely liberal way. But it turned out to be a great learning and eye-opening experience for me. I read ‘The Feminine Mystique’ back then and recently listened to it on Audible.” Laura Schauer writes, “In Aug., I hosted a mini-Hood reunion in Wilmington, NC. Sally Seward, Jill Feaster LaPan and Kathy Alexander Long took advantage of a super cheap airline to fly direct from three cities to ILM. The long weekend was packed with great storytelling and a few

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CLASS NEWS adventures. We enjoyed a taco party and passion fruit margaritas on the first night and planned for a boat day on the intracoastal waterway. The morning started with a Lilly Pulitzer meets Harley Davidson photoshoot! I have one Harley, and a friend who keeps his bike in my garage has a 1996 Dyna Wide Glide Harley Davidson with chopper handlebars. Sally Seward was our model wearing her mother’s Lilly outfit! We then set out to cruise on my 24-foot World Cat catamaran up to Wrightsville Beach and then took a refreshing splash in Carolina Inlet. Plans are underway for another get-together this spring or sooner. I think one of my favorite Hood traditions would be dad and daughter dance.” So glad to hear from a few of our Hood friends, and I ( Mary L. Townley) hope to hear from even more of you for the next column. Our daughter Emily is in the midst of her second year of five in her Psy.D. program in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Carol continues her work at VCU in Richmond, and I continue to enjoy spending time with our two chihuahua mixes and tabby cat. We just finished a bathroom renovation and are prepping for our 40th anniversary in just about a week. We are taking an eight-day cruise from Baltimore to the Caribbean to celebrate. From Richmond, VA, our family sends love to all our Hood family. Be safe and be kind to one another.

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

My Hood ring is a connection to all past, current and future Hood students. It is my wish that after I am gone, it will become a legacy ring to bless another student. — Christy Butler Carlson ’90

1984 Ellen-Marie Samsen Knehans goodhoodgirl1984@gmail.com emknehans@gmail.com

if you prefer—contact the alumni office for my contact info. I begin with some sad news. We all mourn the loss of another classmate, MaryBeth Eaves Kirlin. We send our sincere condolences to her family and friends. For our 45th reunion, we need to have a banner hanging in the Whittaker Campus Center. There are usually four areas, one for each year at Hood, highlighting some of the events of the year. I would love to have some help with this banner. I am willing to sew it, put the designs on, etc., unless someone else would like to take on the project. I do need ideas, including words, pictures, sketches or anything else you think deserves to be a part of the banner. Some of my thoughts include our unique dink color, World to Explore design, our blazer crest, blizzard our junior year, Marx Center, Maya Angelou (freshman year) and bus trips to D.C. Please be forthright with your opinions and let me know your ideas. I’d love to have a committee put together over the next year and then get to work so that we can have it hanging up in 2029. Please remember that reunion weekends are for all classes. We are encouraged to “crash” every year and celebrate with our friends who were in other classes. I am now a member of the Alumni Executive Board, where we discuss reunion and homecoming. Just two weeks ago, I was in Frederick making Valentine cards with students, faculty, alums and their families. It was absolutely amazing to see such great participation and creativity. That morning, the AEB met and talked about this year’s reunion, and some suggestions from us were included (water stations, all classes having a gathering spot, awards not during lunch but during the State of the College address). Thank you all for your suggestions. Keep them coming! Many classmates have been retiring, moving and having exciting life events. Please share those with us. I never take what is shared on social media. You must email me. We are missing several classmates. Perhaps if you are in contact with one or more, you can ask them to send in updated information. ( Frederique Bajer, Virginia E. Butler Leyendecker, Constance Diuguid Lofgren, Stephanie Ann Fussell, Gertrude Martha Lohr, Jacqueline Earl Oden-Eyler and Catherine Scott Spencer). Remember, it is “Our World to Explore” for the Class of ’84!

Greetings, all! Thank you for the feedback at reunion, and please feel free to send any questions, concerns and comments to me. No news is not good news. Send your news to: goodhoodgirl1984@gmail.com. I check my spam every week just in case. You can also text me

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1986 Alison Drum Althouse alison.althouse@gmail.com Sue Hastings shared that right after Mother’s Day weekend, her 90-year-old parents moved to a nearby assisted living facility, as it had become a safety issue for them to remain in the house where she grew up. Sue gets down to see them most Saturdays, and her brother sees them on Sundays. She’s glad he is local to help with finances, medical appointments, etc. Sue’s been working for R.H. Sheppard for six years now as a material planner/buyer, making the 32-mile commute each way every day. Chrysti Hogan is recovering from rotator cuff surgery in late Dec. All went well, and physical therapy should help her get back to bowling later this year. A couple times a week, she visits her mother Edee Howard Hogan ’59, who now lives just 10 minutes from Chrysti and her wife. They recently welcomed a new member of the family, Edee’s first great-grandchild, born in WI in early Jan. Some sad news you may have heard from Carla Merritt is that her son Kennedy Alan Merritt was murdered on June 23, 2021. His murderer was sentenced in Oct. 2023, and Kennedy’s best friend was killed April 20, 2024, in an apparent suicide by cop. On Oct. 12, 2024, Carla had a traumatic crash on Prince William Parkway that left her with a broken spine, four broken ribs and internal bleeding from a punctured rib. She’s learning how to walk again and to do everything differently without the use of her legs. She feels lucky to have survived the crash, and her progress has been good, though she has a way to go. Carla purchased a lovely cabin on Lake Jackson, Manassas, VA, in July 2024, and she loves the wildlife, peacefulness and many projects that keep her busy. Life isn’t always roses and sunshine, and Carla wants to be a beacon of hope for those of us that go through tough times. Mari Padilla Spina wanted to share that in Oct., she took her annual girls’ trip to celebrate our 60th birthday and went to Nantucket. Gina Oliveros, Lucy DeBrosse Ment and Mari turned 60 this year. Joining them were Maritza Bido, Kim Burns ’87, Mari Martínez ’87 and Khateeta Emerson. Gina and Mari are avid Elin Hilderbrand readers, and it was a dream of theirs to go together and share their love of Nantucket with their Hood sisters. Gina and Mari were also in Miami recently and had a lovely lunch with Ana Besu. Mari recently attended Maritza Bido’s 60th birthday party, which was an incredible celebration of her life. She said that it was great to see Lucy Ment ’86, Khateeta Emerson, Kim

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CLASS NEWS Burns and Mari Martínez. It’s beautiful to be able to celebrate such great milestones with our Hood sisters. I attended the wedding of Teresa Martinez-Rivera Bean ’87’s daughter Lily Bean ’21 to Ryan Pickrel on Jan. 25 and got to celebrate with dear friends Teresa, Anna Leventis ’87 and my roommate Janet Drogin Wilson. It was a fabulous Disney-themed evening, and spending time with lifelong friends was a dream, as always. Michael and I (Alison Drum Althouse) now have two grandchildren. Drew Althouse ’12 and his wife Kristen are the parents of Sammie (our first granddaughter) who was born in Sept. 2020. Drew is an assistant athletic trainer at Eastern Michigan, and Kristen is a PE teacher at a local elementary school. Evan and his wife Gabbie are the parents of Emmett (our first grandson), who was born in Dec. 2023. Evan is currently a SAHD, and Gabbie is a VP at Capital One. We never seem to get enough time with our grands, but as Mimi and Pip (our grandparent names), we love taking advantage of each and every moment of FaceTime!

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

People sometimes ask me what the H stands for—I say, proudly, Hood College, but really, it stands for home. — Mary T. Calhoun ’81

1989

1990

Deirdre Herman classof1989@hood.edu News from Barbara Jean D’Amico: “I currently live in Winter Park, FL, and worked as a manufacturer sales rep in the furniture business for most of my career. It was actually a career that I was unaware of when I went to Hood. At Hood, I studied fashion and interior design. I just left my job after 13 years with a company that manufactures furniture in Asia. Currently, I am traveling and spent six months last year traveling through 13 countries. I started in Sweden, went through all the Balkans and ended in Morocco.” I was also excited to hear from classmate Carol Stanley: “My official name at Hood was Eleanore Caroline Green-Thompson, but now I use my married surname, Stanley, and I go by Carol. My family and I moved to New Zealand in

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2000, and we lived in Whangarei on the North Island for 21 years. In 2022, my husband and I took a sabbatical and toured around New Zealand for six months, exploring this country’s beautiful tourist attractions. We then moved to Picton, on the South Island, where I am teaching junior science and senior biology as well as co-teaching a course called Education for Sustainability at Marlborough Girls College. This course, which works in conjunction with Auckland University, Marlborough District Council, local businesses and Sustainable Seas National Challenge NZ, has been recognized nationally as a new pilot senior program for secondary schools in New Zealand. It highlights student-led learning, building on the students’ interests, and encourages them to collaborate with stakeholders in the marine, farming, conservation and viticulture sectors to create sustainable outcomes for our country. We were interviewed about the course, and the article has been published in the New Zealand Ministry of Education Gazette: Learning in a Local Context.” Lastly, sending out congratulations to Rebecca “Beckee” Shaw, who wrote: “I am in my 28th year as a school psychologist in Baltimore City Schools. I work in an all-boys elementary/middle school and an alternative high school for over-age students. Memories of my brilliant Hood professors in psychology, social work and special education have kept me going through the years. My daughter Nicole is finishing college this year and was accepted to Johns Hopkins for a master’s in epidemiology. Guess I’ll be putting off retirement for a while! We have been having our share of winter weather, but I do love the school snow days. Miss my college buddies and hope everyone is doing well.” Keep those updates coming when you can. I really look forward to hearing from you!

Jennifer Portmann Riberdy jpriberdy@gmail.com Fayth Brice Smith fayth.hood90@gmail.com Hi, everyone! Thanks for your submissions. It is great to see that our column is growing. Kathleen Lawrence Constable is back in Frederick after years in CA and says “Hello” to everyone. After graduating in 1990, she went on to get a B.A. and a Ph.D. in English from Catholic University. She taught at Hood (and for one semester at Mount St. Mary’s) before pausing to write a couple of books. She never went back. Her life now is centered on left-wing politics, blues and rescuing senior dogs. Beryle Cosie Jackson wrote, “I recently returned

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to the DMV from Los Angeles after 29+ years and continue my work with the DOJ-FBI in construction property management. I currently live in northwest Washington, D.C., and I am glad to welcome alumnae for a visit! I’m a proud mother to Eve Jackson, who made history competing with the first Clemson University Gymnastics Team in 2024. Alums Carole Smith Neal ’89, Carla Jackson Hairston and Chandra Hawkins-Robinson all traveled to watch her competition meets. Watch the docuseries ‘Building Legends’ on Clemson+ or ACCDN to see what it takes to build an NCAA D1 gymnastics program from the ground up. Since returning, I’ve delighted in fellowship of food and great conversations with other Hood alums two or three times a year. Recently, Carole Smith Neal ’89 hosted the following: Benita Queen Stocks ’89, Alisa Washington ’89, Agnes Pierre-Antoine, Bernita Gross ’88, Carla Jackson Hairston, Josette Franklin Elliott, Kim McCrea Conaway and Tanyelle Hawkins Richardson ’92 for a charcuterie party. Earlier in the year, all listed above traveled together to southern MD, where Bernita hosted them on the shores of Calvert County—quaint and beautiful. I traveled to spend Thanksgiving with Chandra Hawkins-Robinson (who is godmother to my daughter) in Atlanta, GA, and rang in the 2025 New Year hosted by Dawn Oakley, Kim McCrea Conaway, Chandra Hawkins-Robinson, Tanyelle Hawkins Richardson and their families. Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing and having fun with more alums from 1990 at our reunion, with Chair Carla Jackson Hairston!” Christy Butler Carlson shared that she, Tibetha Owen, Melissa Hubbard-Allen, Julie Brinkman ’88, Kim Tordoff Sexton ’89, Jennifer Wilson ’91 and Eileen Lednum Downey ’91, MBA’09, attend reunion every year and then see Susan Boa and Betsy Young Mummert for a Saturday night dinner that weekend too. It is a great time to get away and connect in person with our Hood friends. Since April 2020, when Julie Brinkman sent out an email, several of us have also had a standing Zoom date on Saturday nights, which has been amazing, as we have able to stay strongly connected, chatting about everything, supporting each other through deaths of parents, and celebrating the marriage of our kids and births of grandbabies. I live in Cherry Hill, NJ, with my husband and son and am in the caregiving phase of life for my in-laws and my mother. My husband and I also support our adult son with autism. Our daughter Katie married her wife Meredith this past Sept. in Nahant, MA. Tibetha Owen, Kristen Koelbel Wannamaker, husband Drew and Marci Applewhite ’89 were

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CLASS NEWS able to come and help us celebrate.” Heather Taylor reported that she received her Ph.D. in mythology with an emphasis in depth psychology in May 2024 from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She co-founded the International Society of Mythology (ismythology.com) in 2024 with her peers. Her documentary website, breakingthroughtheclouds. com, is about the First Women’s National Air Derby at Hood, at the terminus of the current women’s air race. She was inducted into the Amelia Earhart Forest of Friendship and received an award from the National Aviation Hall of Fame from Harrison Ford, Eugene Cernan and other big names in aviation, and she has won many film festivals. As for me ( Fayth Brice Smith), I enjoyed spending time with Carla Jackson Hairston, Carole Smith Neal, Josette Franklin Elliott, Kim McCrea Conaway, Tanyelle Hawkins Richardson ’92, Alisa Washington ’89 and Bernita Gross at a Hood Girlz MD Sip and Paint hosted by Beryle Cosie Jackson at SWAG Works Studio Gallery in Washington, D.C. I hope to see you all at Reunion Weekend.

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

Wearing my ring is a reminder of all the students and traditions that came before me, ones that I participated in or helped start, and new ones to come. — Logan Samuels Bennet ’17

and I have about 20 concerts planned this year so far. She is looking at colleges now. Lots of planning and collaborating with the wonderful people at Hood to make this the best reunion ever. Please join me on my birthday weekend at Hood for lots of fun activities and events. I might even let you buy me a drink. Cheers—I hope to see you then!

1996 Tanya R. Sander-Marks tsandermarks@gmail.com Hello, Class of 1996 Hood’Lums! Happy birthday to everyone celebrating milestone birthdays this year. Alesia Gallego Brand has worked as a psychotherapist at WVU Medicine for years and shares that she will finally pursue her dream of becoming a physician beginning this July at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, with a tentative plan of specializing in pediatric psychiatry. Her daughters are pursuing their undergraduate degrees—the oldest is a fine art and design major at the University of Pittsburgh, and the younger is a biology major at WVU studying to be a physician assistant. Her sons are healthy and thriving, one working as a business manager, and the younger in his junior year in high school. Alesia recently joined Elisha Fridley Hawk, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Nancy Gillece ’81 and Hood’s new Vice President for Community and Inclusivity Tammi Simpson, J.D., at Change the Conversation’s Blossom and Bloom annual event in Frederick, and she reports they had a wonderful time. Christine Jennings shared a wonderful lost and found story. More than 15 years ago, she lost her Hood ring at BWI

1995

1998 Jennifer Barbieri Casey jenb.hood98@gmail.com Lauren Anthony Harris and her husband Raymond Harris have published their first book titled “Chronically Blessed.” It is a self-help/ motivational novel about finding meaning and purpose amid uncertainty. It can be found on Amazon and via Kindle. Lauren is pursuing a second master’s degree. Her first was in

Say “I Do” at Hood

Jacki Resop Amato jresop@yahoo.com Happy spring, Class of 1995! I hope you all will join me on the weekend of June 6-8 for our 30th reunion. Yeah, I know ... How is that possible? I have been busy as class reunion chair, member of the Alumni Executive Board (AEB) and class reporter. Closer to home, Fallston, MD, I have been helping my husband run Rocchi Construction, Inc., a company he bought about two years ago. Also, I have been involved at my daughter’s school, Fallston High, as the PTSA vice president and helping at events. I help as an interviewer at Senior Mock Interviews at my alma mater Overlea High in Baltimore County, MD, and other schools in the county. My daughter Julianna

Airport when she took it off to put lotion on her hands. Fast forward to Jan. 2025, when a perfect stranger found the ring at her parents’ house and tracked Christine down via LinkedIn to return it! It’s likely the parents found the ring but did not know how to find her. Chrissy was really touched that someone would go through the trouble to get the ring back to her after all these years. As for me, Tanya Sander-Marks, my husband and I recently celebrated our 22nd anniversary, and for those who know me, that always involves looking through pictures. One of my favorites is a group photo that includes Stephanie Auker ’95, Jenelle NiederbergerBeekman, Angela Schmuck Bond and Amy Martin Ziegenfuss ’95, among others. My older daughter is living it up as a freshman at WVU, and my younger daughter recently wrapped filming a featured role in the indie film “Chocolate for Christmas,” now in post-production for holiday release. On the work front, I was recently promoted to senior vice president of channel and content marketing at the global investment bank where I have worked since 2024. I look forward to hearing from everyone for the next magazine!

Your special day deserves a special place. Tie the knot in historic Coffman Chapel, one of Frederick’s renowned “Clustered Spires.” Visit hood.edu/conferenceservices or email events@hood.edu today! Inquire about our alumni discounts!

WEDDINGS | EVENTS | CELEBRATIONS | MEETINGS | CONFERENCES Photo by Caroline + Co.

SPRING 2025

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CLASS NEWS “Tory” Tanguay has volunteered to become the new class reporter for the Class of 2005 in her stead. Those interested in helping with our 20th reunion in June should email the alumni office at alumoffice@hood.edu.

2006 Sharia Barksdale hoodclass06@yahoo.com Audrey Grant Combs and her husband Austin live in Baltimore with their three children (Rowan, Beatrice and Petra). They return often to Frederick to see their family, including her sister Hannah Grant Paugh ’08. Audrey has taught in the occupational therapy department at Towson University since 2015 and earned her clinical doctorate there in 2022. Jennifer Orr Reynolds is living on the coast of ME and running the speculative fiction quarterly publication “Trollbreath Magazine.” Jen Jones just wants to tell her fellow Hood’Lums that there is nothing wrong with having no news. She hopes everyone is happy, healthy, surviving, thriving and living the best they can.

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. ■ Application fee waiver. ■ Priority admission. ■ Your last three graduate credits FREE.

2007 Lexa Chase Hayes aehayes@aehays.com

Ask us how ALTY and other scholarships can help fund your master’s degree at Hood.

hood.edu/ALTY

counseling studies, and her second will be in macro social work from Salisbury University. She has also been inducted into the Phi Alpha honor society. She has worked in human services as a case manager for 20 years. She will switch gears to focus on helping meet the needs of communities and organizations. Lauren will also pursue social work licensing. She and her husband have been licensed rental property owners since 2010. She and Ray have been married for 22 years. They reside in Owings Mills, MD.

2005 Victoria Tanguay antiquarian.veterinarian@gmail.com Sarah Robinson Rathbun started a position with the Department of the Treasury in Aug. 2024 and has been busy cramming all things tax code into her head since she started. Jessica Holthaus Badour began a new job in Jan. 2025

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with the Food Industry Association. She will be joining them as senior project manager for food safety training. Nilah Magruder co-authored a middle-grade graphic novel about horseback riding, “Creaky Acres,” that will be released May 6, 2025. Jenny Stiegler-Balfour is excited to share that she has been promoted from associate professor to professor of psychology in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of New England. This promotion marks the culmination of years of dedication to teaching, research and service, as the rank of professor represents the highest academic level in her field. She is grateful for the support of her colleagues and students along the way and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the field and her community. We are saddened to report the sudden passing of Leslie Beck Hughan on Dec. 1, 2024. Many Hood’Lums have reached out conveying their shock and grief at her passing, and we continue to keep her family and other loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. Victoria

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Hello, Hood College family! I hope everyone has been doing well and, as always, I’m thrilled to share a few updates from the Class of 2007: Laura G. Duncan, MBA’09, a practicing attorney with expertise in estate planning and wills, has been teaching in the MBA program at Hood College since 2015. Her courses include the Legal Environment of Business (which hosts a roster of guest speakers, including judges, mediators, attorneys and collaborative law practitioners) and Manage Stress to Gain Success. Laura also successfully proposed a core curriculum course called Stress and Anxiety Management for Hood College undergraduates, which she will begin teaching this upcoming fall 2025 semester. She practices estate planning and drafting simple will packages, and her law office is on Byte Drive in Frederick. After 16 years working in public affairs for the Department of Defense, Sarah Fortney Marshall is happy to report that she recently began a new career as the director of communications for the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health. Your class reporter, Lexa Chase Hayes (formerly Amanda Earp Hayes), has had a hectic year. After a four-month relocation to MI, Lexa and her 13-year-old child returned to Frederick, MD, in Nov. 2024 and are very happy to be back

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CLASS NEWS in the area! Lexa is a professional vocal coach, teaching both private lessons from her studio and working with Music & Arts in Frederick. To add to this music-related news, she was also recently invited to audition for a large opera company on the east coast. Fingers crossed! Meghan McDonald Olewiler welcomed a little girl, Addison Lea, into the world on June 3, 2024. Addison was born 10 weeks early, but after a 52-day stay in the NICU, she is home and being doted upon, especially by her 4-year-old big brother Nicholas. Best wishes to Meghan’s busy and happy family! Thank you to everyone for the updates. It is always so wonderful to hear from our class and to read updates from other classes. I sincerely wish you all good health, safety and peace.

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

It symbolizes my deep connection to a community with a rich history. — Julianne Berg ’15

2008

and studying computer science and competing on the swim team. Hood College pledge Isaak Christopher Hadley Enriquez, her nephew, a prospective mathematics major and lacrosse player, will start his academic endeavor next year. Best of luck to them both.

2009 Lisa K. Wells lkw14@icloud.com In March 2024, Andrea Raffauf McGinnis, her Husband Garrett and their 5-year-old moved from CO to PA. After more than a decade of working as a death investigator, she is now working in a local school district in an elementary autism support class. With all the changes came a difficult diagnosis, as she learned she has a nerve sheath tumor in her brain and underwent neurosurgery in Jan. 2025, followed by a few months of recovery. To hopefully celebrate a full recovery and return to health, Andrea plans to complete the Philly 5K with family—which is taking place at the two-month mark of her surgery, followed by a trip to Italy in the summer to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. Lisa Wells Warchola and her husband Thomas had a beautiful wedding and honeymoon in summer 2024. Then, Lisa earned her fifth promotion with Wawa in five years, and the couple is expecting their first baby in summer 2025. Things are certainly moving along!

Steven E. Delaney stevenedelaney@gmail.com

2012

Evonne Boykin was recently promoted in her

Laura Voelker lauragvoelker@gmail.com

position as a program analyst to a higher grade. Lenae Franey King celebrated five years at her business, Imaginarium Indoor Playspace, which offers indoor play, birthday parties, special events and a rapidly growing homeschool community. Dominique N. Marsalek, M.A.’19, was promoted to government affairs manager at the American Counseling Association, where she has led the landmark cross-state project, counselingcompact.gov. She has enacted the CC in 37 states and D.C. Dominique has moved to Chevy Chase, MD, with her partner and cat. Lauren Leese Carroll celebrated 15 years as an environmental specialist at Maryland Environmental Service, 10 years of marriage and the birth of her second boy (Fionn) in 2024. Her firstborn son Samuel turns 5 in 2025. Jamie Boden is newly engaged to Jacob Hahn ’12 and is excited for their Nov. 2025 wedding. They also recently rescued a dog named Lila. Lila and her brother Reggie are the best beagle buddies. Proud aunt moment for Annie Zollers Gladhill, whose niece Hannah-Grace Hadley Enriquez ’26 is now attending Hood

Ashley Nokes Reidenauer adnokes@gmail.com The Class of 2012 has been busy! Lauren Hagan and her partner Stephen got engaged in June 2024 while hiking in ME. Jess Henry got married on Oct. 26, 2024. Molly Poling Hjelle, who recently published two poems, continues to enjoy baking yummy treats, skiing and curling up with a good book. She was recently validated by getting official diagnoses for various afflictions. Edwin Franco is currently employed by U.S. NAVY NAVFAC in Washington, D.C., as a financial management analyst. Scott Mauer, M.A.’14, and his wife Angela bought a house in Kensington, MD. Meghan Coulbourne Neanover and her husband Damon are expecting their second daughter in March. Kasey Smith Plume, M.S.’21, is currently a mom of four beautiful children and continues to work as a special education teacher for FCPS. Doug Raftery moved back to Reno, NV, in Dec. to be the chief revenue officer of the Reno Aces Triple A baseball team of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

SPRING 2025

Zachary Roberson is working at Frederick Community College and is in his second semester with Hood’s Doctor of Organizational Leadership program. Laura Saad Voelker began her seventh year of teaching at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School in Washington, D.C., and is surviving toddler parenthood with her husband Bruce. Taurean Washington is still celebrating his success of having his artwork, depicting Opal Lee, published on the cover of Hood Magazine this past fall. Carley Davis Wescott and her family are expecting a beautiful baby girl in May 2025. April Smith Widdes opened a private practice, By Your Side Counseling Services LLC, for mental health counseling, with her business partner.

2013 Elaheh Eghbal hoodcollege2013@gmail.com Hello, Class of 2013! Kimi Brunot Humphreys and husband Brian welcomed a son, Logan, to the family in Sept. 2024. He joins his older sister. MJ Huntsgood, MBA ’16, is now working as a manufacturing specialist at AstraZeneca. In her spare time, MJ has published 14 horror and short stories in literary magazines in the U.S. and abroad. She is represented by a literary agent, putting her first novel on submission. Her spouse Geoff Huntsgood ’17 has been promoted to lead software engineer at Veterans EZ. In between his international and domestic travels, Geoff has started speed running video games competitively and is on every leaderboard for Donkey Kong 64. Jordan Atha Weaver and her husband bought their first home in Hedgesville, WV, in July 2024. Katie Triplett, MBA’19, got engaged to Chris Horan, moved to Frederick and recently started a position as communications manager with Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence. Andrea Zona Baker continues to enjoy life in Frederick with James Baker ’15 and their two children. Elaheh Eghbal continues her work in tech marketing and enjoys living in Downtown Frederick. Ashley Birdsell Gibson received her M.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling from William & Mary and is in residency towards her LPC at Westhampton Family Psychologists in Richmond. She received a promotion to regional marketing director, supervising mid-Atlantic touring Broadway markets for Nederlander. Jennifer McCullough Lewis celebrated her second anniversary in March in her role as director of treatment foster care at San Mar Family and Community Services. Brett Shelley, M.S.’16, started a new job as a research horticulturist with the USDA in Kearneysville, WV. Be well!

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HOOD MAGAZINE

CLASS NEWS

2014

2015

Bianca E. Padilla bianca.e.padilla@gmail.com

Sarah Tapscott Rosier sarah.tapscott12@gmail.com

Hello, Class of 2014! Here’s what we’ve been up to. In 2024, Brittni Souder Vitale and her husband Salvatore Vitale ’09 moved into a new home in Frederick and welcomed their second child Finley into their family just before Christmas. Olivia Sledzik and her husband Eric welcomed their first child Harrison Paul in Aug. Steven Powell got married to his wife Carlynn, got licensed as a psychologist in NC, moved to Durham, NC, and started a private practice working with autistic adults alongside his day job working with autistic children. Chelsea Young Espe and her family moved back to MD in 2022. Their daughter Rey is 2.5 years old, and they are expecting their next baby in Feb. 2025. Chelsea and Luke still own two gyms, which Chelsea operates while Luke works for the government. Congratulations are in order for Drake Halpern, who recently got engaged. Ellie Mundale Henson separated from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021 after six and a half years of service. In 2022, she married Frank Henson in Knoxville, TN. In 2023, Ellie earned a Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Selected as a presidential management fellow, she is now a licensed master social worker employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She and her husband reside in downtown Knoxville. Ashley Rose Bennett Khumalo relocated to TN and is currently serving as the director of housing at a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals living with mental health conditions.

Brigid Ayer-Luttrell, MBA’18, married Thomas Luttrell in Nov. 2024. Caity Battey

What does your Hood ring mean to you?

My ring represented a way for me to give back. I donated it for a deserving student at my 50th +1 reunion. — Nancy Matthews ’71

HOOD MAGAZINE

and her longtime partner Creek Lewis married in Washington, D.C., in March 2024. She joined PhRMA as the director of advocacy and strategy alliances in April 2024. Emily Eckard Leedy and her husband Andrew welcomed their son Clark in Oct. Their 2-year-old daughter Renee loves to sing to him. Julianne Berg recently started a new role at her current job. She is now the leader development coordinator as well as the virtual programs coordinator. She looks forward to new challenges and learnings that this will bring. Russell Meléndez recently received recognition for five years of dedicated service to the Harford County government. Russell has also taken up bonsai as a hobby and is beginning the State Master Gardener Program to further their passion for gardening and horticulture while providing valuable horticultural information to the residents of Harford County. Tara Biser Little and her husband Devon Little ’16 are expecting their second child this July. Megan Rodriguez Mercer and her husband Jared welcomed their second son into the world on Sept. 28, 2023, and she is living the “boy mom” life. With her 3-year-old and 1-year-old sons and her two dogs, the house is never quiet! In 2024, she was also promoted to technical director at her job with RealmOne and continues to push the boundaries of technology innovation with her R&D team. Giuliana Burton continues to reside in Frederick County, working as a transaction coordinator for a local real estate team. In the last year and a half, Adam Bir bought a house in Lewiston, NY, and got married to his now wife Rachel. They have two dogs and three cats with their combined household. Adam works as a healthcare recruiter with Maxim Healthcare in Buffalo, NY, and his wife works at Roswell Cancer Institute in the Pediatric Clinical Research department. Samantha Helmold Fowle is currently employed with Frederick County Public Schools as an instructional assistant in kindergarten. Samantha will be starting her master’s degree this fall in elementary education (grades k-6). Samantha is married (for more than eight years now) with two children (Delilah and Parker) and she lives in Brunswick, MD. In spring 2024, Natalie Hernandez Langan and her husband David Langan ’14 welcomed their first child Evan. They’re keeping busy with diaper changes, chasing after him as he crawls and preparing for his first birthday. Natalie has

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

also returned to work after maternity leave, resuming her role as a project manager at NJI Media in Alexandria, VA. It’s a joyful time for their growing family! In the last year, Sarah Tapscott Rosier and her husband Owen Rosier ’16 have traveled to Italy and HI. They dream of owning a Downtown Frederick home, and Sarah continues to help couples and their families plan weddings of a lifetime.

2017 Mary Milligan Jaskiewicz mary.r.milligan@gmail.com Cameron N. Rogers, M.A.’25, completed his M.A. in humanities from Hood at the end of 2024.

Kaylene Wright got engaged to her partner Rafee and is excitedly planning a 2025 wedding. Mary Milligan Jaskiewicz and her family welcomed their third child Henrietta Jaskiewicz in May. She also started working for Select Medical as a field social media manager and purchased a house in York, PA. C.J. Blickenstaff is a strategic communications specialist with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations. In Jan., she completed the Emergence Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

2018 Mat Molina matthew.molina2024@gmail.com Zachary Alexander and Elena Kozak ’19 met during Elena’s first year and Zack’s sophomore year at Hood and will be getting married. Their puppy Frederick will be there to support and cherish the time with friends and family. Bethany Montague recently started a job as a museum educator at the City of Raleigh Museum. During their time in the Hood Honors Program, they volunteered at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which was a huge help for them getting this job. Caitlyn-Jean Ward is still working as an archaeologist for AECOM in Burlington, NJ. Over the summer in Aug., their boyfriend proposed and is now a fiancé. Bobby McNulty popped the question on the cliff walk in Providence, RI. Amy Warren and husband welcomed their second child Evelyn Elle Warren in July 2024.

SPRING 2025

CLASS NEWS What does your Hood ring mean to you?

It is a bond with some of the best friends in my life. I just love when I am traveling and someone recognizes the ring, and we get to talking about Hood. — Daphne Byrd Gabb ’84

2022 Cathy Neves cmn5@hood.edu The Class of 2022 has been busy with lots of exciting news to share! Danny Brennan, MBA’24, received his MBA with a concentration in data analytics and a GPA of 3.7 from Hood in 2024. He began working in Aug. at the FDA in the Office of Acquisition and

Grant Services as a data analyst. Devon Carter is graduating in the spring of this year with an M.S. in clinical mental health counseling and a certificate in thanatology. Elizabeth Haney started an M.A. in teaching at Mount St. Mary’s University. She also got a very cute goldendoodle puppy named Holly. Molly Herdering is halfway through her third year teaching eighth grade English in FCPS. She is co-director of her middle school’s theater program, which will be doing Shrek Jr. in April. She is back at Hood as a graduate student and is part of the inaugural cohort of the creative writing MFA program. Hiba Usmani graduated in 2024 from the physician assistant school at Thomas Jefferson University and earned her PA-C certification. She is excited to begin her career serving patients in MD. Fabiola Melendez-Rivera is transferring from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine to another veterinary school to continue her education. Plus, she is earning a master’s in shelter medicine at the University of Florida. She is currently working at Banfield Pet hospital. If you have news to share, please reach out to me. I’d love to hear and share it with the Hood community.

If you are interested in being a class reporter, please email alumoffice@hood.edu. There are vacancies for the following classes: 1956, 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/blazerbricks.

20% SPRING 2025

DISCOUNT FOR ALL SENIORS & ALUMNI IN REUNION YEARS ENDING IN 5 AND 0!

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HOOD MAGAZINE

In Memoriam Remembering those we have lost. As reported March 15, 2025

Alumni Beth McKim Powell

Elizabeth Gillespie Parrish

January 2025

September 2024

May 2020

Beverly Rosenberg Sager

Patricia E. Russell

August 2024

May 2023

1946

Joan Gebhardt Tambling

Carol Decker Vitek

1967

Donna Price Ressetar

May 2024

September 2024

Helen E. Fisher

December 2024

Noradel Truxal Wilson

Marcia Burton Wilson

August 2024

October 2024

August 2024

Lorraine Ihlefeldt Bulba

1955

1961

Sandra Deemer Harra

January 2024

Margaret Flegel Bradley

Jane Collins Burnham

December 2024

Phyllis Tibbitts Lind

January 2021

December 2023

Barbara J. Ratigan

October 2024

Barbara Bliss Cayley

Alice L. Pearson

September 2024

Theresa Mathias Michel, P’95

January 2025

July 2024

November 2024

Charlotte Reed Hall

Mollie Ritter Randolph

April 2024

February 2025

Ann Drayer Hasle

Carol Treuhaft Schmidt

October 2020

April 2024

1970

Jane Leiner Jones

Carolyn Adams Sprinkle

Susan Gudiness Campbell

November 2023

April 2024

July 2024

Lucille Frey Brossman

Barbara Sullivan Paul February 2024

1962

Terrie Fiore Murray

November 2024

Ann Eberhart King

Portia Whitaker Shumaker

February 2024

August 2024

1950

1956

Fay Huggens Bechmann

Shirley Adams Beheler

April 2021

October 2024

1951

Margaret Beach Ungerleider

1945 Ada Anderson Strasenburgh

1947

1948 Nancy Eggleston Fraser June 2024

1949

Nancy Waite Arnall

January 2024

Elizabeth Appel Bailey September 2024

Elaine Valliant Cox

1966 Nancy A. Nye-Grindey December 2024

1968

1969 Katrina Rebert Tregoning January 2024

April 2022

Nancy Griffiths Worms October 2024

December 2024

1971

1963

Marjorie A. Belanger

Sally Bishop Fronk July 2024

Nancy Craven Jacobus

January 2025

Teresa E. Eckard September 2024

Sally Hirshberger Harmon

September 2024

1957

Virginia O’Connor Doyle

Sara Davidson Haney

B. Zoe Kunar LaGassa

March 202

January 2025

January 2024

1972

1952

Annette Powell Lindamood

1964

Ann Wilson Schuck

Elizabeth Flower Anton

December 2024

Beverly Butcher Byron

May 2024

November 2024

Constance Dawley Rogge

January 2024

1958

1953

Janice Wegener Bradbury

Joan Decker Saxe

August 2024

July 2024

1974

February 2025

1960

1965

Rebecca A. Betz

Martha Polan Landsman

Andrea Mills Courtright

Peggy Tucker Miller

April 2023

May 2023

July 2022

Joan Iversen Fraser

HOOD MAGAZINE

February 2025

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

SPRING 2025

November 2024

July 2024

Graduate Alumni Barbara Kotlowitz Ascher, M.A.’83

1977

1988

Albert E. Rossi

Opal J. Snyder

September 2024

December 2024

1978

1989

July 2024

Seán F. Lee

Carol Estabrook Dorrough, MBA’97

Daniel J. Friz, M.A.’02

February 2025

Larry W. Grove, M.S.’82

Ruth Martin Smith

September 2024

November 2024

Rosemarie Feffer Jacobus, M.A.’86

April 2019

1980 Julia A. Beall August 2024

Stephen E. Moore

1993

March 2022

Stacie Kennedy Ridgely

1981

November 2024

July 2024

Martin C. Coy, M.A.’88

October 2021

September 2024

Peg Trook Mauzy, M.A.’90 December 2024

Grant L. Coulson

1995

Aldeth Wade Moore, M.A.’75

May 2024

Janet Newcomb Frizzell

September 2024

Evelyn B. Zimmerman

November 2022

Chester P. Poslusny Jr., M.S.’81

December 2024

1996

1982

Ann Kessinger Chapline Dahms

Sylvia Kaufman Cable

July 2024

Melanie J. Retzke, M.S.’92 November 2023

March 2024

December 2024

Katharyn George Sunderman, M.A.’91

Patricia Woodworth Kelly

2000

June 2024

August 2024

A. Kathryn Nicolato

1983

December 2024

Maryann Bartley Dolan

2005

Faculty, Staff and Friends

Frederick L. Harris

Jane P. Chandler, P’96, Staff

July 2024

1984

August 202

Susan E. Flink

Leslie Beck Hughan

February 2025

December 2024

1986

2015

Mary Beth Pollock Freeman

David G. Ford

Linda Ace Hoskinson, Staff

March 2024

February 2025

Elizabeth “Liz” Chang, Faculty

Vincent L. Kohl Jr., Faculty

March 2025

December 2024

Thomas K. Davy, Staff November 2023

George E. Lewis Jr., Trustee Emeritus Joyce Michaud, Faculty

September 2024

January 2025

December 2024

Mary Ann Dvorsky, P’92, Faculty

1987

2028

March 2024

January 2025

Carole Shankle Jacoby

The Class of 2028 and the entire Hood community honor the memory of first-year student Subee Kc, who tragically passed away in December 2024. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Subee will be greatly missed.

Diana J. Firestone, Trustee Emerita

A. Kathryn Nicolato ’00, Staff

October 2023

Marcia D. Mackley April 2024

Lucy E. Noepel September 2024

Loc D. Pham, P’90 August 2024

February 2023

Robert N. Funk, President August 2024

James S. Grimes, Trustee Emeritus November 2024

December 2024

In Memoriam Remembering those we have lost.

The Right Man at the Right Time Remembering Robert N. Funk, Ph.D., President, Provost and Dean of the Faculty.

November 9, 1930-August 30, 2024 Robert N. Funk, Ph.D., served as interim president of Hood College from 2000 to 2001, a pivotal time. His stewardship supported the initial inquiry to explore the College’s future transition to a coeducation model. Following his tenure as president, he was named provost and dean of the faculty, a position he held from 2002 to 2010. Robert was well respected by the faculty, who remember him as, in the words of one former professor, “urbane, humane, judicious and wise.” Robert had a long and varied career, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from Stanford University, where he held both teaching and administrative positions. Prior to Hood, Robert served as president of Cornish College of the Arts and academic vice president and dean at Stephens College. He was also interim president at Villa Julie College, Sierra Nevada College and St. Edward’s University. A proud veteran, Robert earned the rank of first lieutenant and captain in the U.S. Army and was a member of the counterintelligence corps and the judge advocates general’s corps. “Bob is warmly remembered by many Hood faculty, staff and alumni. He presided with intelligence, honor and wry humor,” said David Hein, Ph.D., distinguished teaching fellow at the Russell Kirk Center and professor emeritus of religion and philosophy at Hood, who served as interim dean of academic affairs under President Funk. “He was honest to the core and humble about his own achievements. He was with us at the right moment in history, and his presence and contribution made all the difference.”

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SPRING 2025

JOYCE MICHAUD

Professor Emerita of Art

May 8, 1951-January 6, 2025 Joyce served on the Hood College faculty from 1994 to 2019, supporting and cultivating countless students and professional artists. She was the founding director of the ceramic arts program and developed the Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts and graduate certificate in ceramic arts. As coordinator of the undergraduate studio arts program, she helped to build both the studio arts and art education concentrations. Joyce earned a B.A. from Lycoming College and an MFA from George Washington University. An internationally renowned ceramicist and potter, she exhibited and taught workshops across the globe, including in China, Australia, Denmark and Great Britain. Joyce was featured in 27 solo and small group exhibitions in the U.S. Several of her trademark “pinch pots” are housed in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. In 2020, the Joyce Michaud Endowed Scholarship was established in Joyce’s honor by her son Eryk Nice and her family. Joyce leaves an indelible legacy as an artist, scholar, mentor and teacher.

ELIZABETH “LIZ” CHANG, PH.D.

Professor Emerita of Mathematics and Computer Science

January 1, 1942-March 15, 2025

Elizabeth had a remarkable 46-year career at Hood College. She began teaching at Hood in 1972 and was a founding member of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology. Liz, as everyone called her, served as department chair for 19 years. She was instrumental in growing the department’s faculty and programs. She played a pivotal role in the department’s ABET accreditation, establishing academic excellence and national recognition. Liz earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Maryland. A versatile and inspiring educator, she taught undergraduate and graduate programs. Beyond the classroom, Liz chaired and served on every standing campus committee, contributed to several ad hoc advisory groups and was entrusted with notable administrative roles by multiple presidents and provosts. Even after her retirement in 2018, Liz’s commitment to Hood and its students was unwavering. Her remarkable leadership and profound impact on students will not soon be forgotten.

MARY ANN DVORSKY, P’92

Director of the Learning Assessment and Resource Center and Lecturer in Mathematics

November 17, 1946-March 28, 2024

Mary Ann directed the Learning Assessment and Resource Center at Hood for 13 years and also served as a lecturer in mathematics at Hood College. A lifelong champion of education, she earned a B.A. in mathematics from Montclair State College and a Master of Education from the University of Maryland. Following her time at Hood, Mary Ann went on to work as a magnet computer science teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools. Throughout her career, Mary Ann championed learners of all ages and impacted the lives of countless students.

KATHRYN ALBERTA NICOLATO ’00

Coordinator of Conference Services for the Office of Adult Learning Services

January 4, 1952-December 30, 2024

Kathryn was a staff member at Hood for more than a decade (1983-94), first serving as an administrative assistant at the Center for Education Resources and later as coordinator of conference services for the Office of Adult Learning Services. She earned a B.A. in management from the College in 2000. Kathryn was a gifted pianist and singer, and she frequently volunteered in the NICU at Meritus Hospital. She is survived by her two children, five grandchildren and four siblings.

SPRING 2025

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

HOOD MAGAZINE

A LOOK BACK

Turning Up the Volume: THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO AT HOOD By Mary Atwell, Hood College archivist Radio has a long and interesting history at Hood. The first commercially viable radio transmission system was patented in 1897 by Guglielmo Marconi, only four years after the College was founded. Radio brought news from around the world to campus without the delay of newspapers or letters from home. On campus, though restricted to the Y-Hut (later Carson Cottage), students could listen to music, dramas, comedies and commentaries without cost or travel. A May 4, 1923, Blue and Grey article, about the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt, pondered the permanence of civilization’s records—and sounds eerily familiar now: “We are living in an age of unprecedented progress in scientific and artistic matters, but the very rate at which we live is the death knell of any permanence. The marvels of the radio, telephone and telegraph have done a great deal to advance our civilization, but will there be any permanent record of these things left?” This century-old sentiment echoes discussions and fears in the archival world about the documentation of the 21st century, which is largely found in social media, apps, online forums and websites. The similarity makes sense, as radio was to the early 20th century what social media is to the 21st. Radio could not be easily captured until magnetic sound recording emerged after World War II. Likewise, the transactions within apps, many of which were created to facilitate transient activity, are difficult to document.

By 1932, Hood students clamored for radios in every dorm to allow easy access to radio programming; within a month, dorm radios were ordered, and eventually they were allowed in dorm rooms with permission given by all occupants. In 1949, the National Academy of Broadcasting began advertising a radio course in The Blue and Grey to train people for radio jobs. Later that year, the Radio Workshop club was created. Whether or not these ads spurred the club’s creation, interest in radio then was as intense as social media is today. The club began as an offshoot of the Marionettes, a performing arts student club that regularly gave dramatic and comedic performances. Radio Workshop members wrote scripts for a brief monthly program they aired on local radio station WFMD, which included radio plays, musical revues, children’s shows, poetry recitals and newscasts. This program grew quickly in popularity on campus and in town, so much so that the Frederick Chamber of Commerce sponsored a larger weekly program from Hood in 1950.

Students and faculty broadcast one-time programs as well. For dramatic readings and skits, they relied upon men from Fort Detrick to play the male roles. The club used the facilities at WFMD through the 1950s but moved to WMHI in 1961. According to The Frederick News-Post, WMHI first went on the air in 1960. WMHI was an AM station in Braddock Heights that played popular music. It is no longer around, but WFMD still entertains and informs the Frederick community. The club flourished for more than a decade but suddenly disappeared from The Blue and Grey in 1962. There is no available explanation in the archives, but I am guessing that WFMD and, a few years later, WMHI dropped Hood’s on-air programs in favor of those that appealed to wider audiences and, more specifically, to advertising businesses. WMHI was a “daylighter” station (only allowed to broadcast during the day), so programming slots were much tighter than a typical station. It would take nearly 50 years for student-run radio to return to Hood (Read more on Page 47). Needless to say, the programming is much different today than it was in the 1950s and ’60s. The enduring popularity of radio, however, is a testament to its staying power, and I suspect that Blazer Radio will be around for many years to come.

Four Hood students singing for WFMD (undated). Photo by William Rittase.

HAVANA THE AFRO-CUBAN EXPERIENCE OCTOBER 17-24, 2025 Join your fellow alumni and discover the profound influence of the African diaspora on Cuban culture during this enriching smallgroup, seven-night itinerary that benefits and supports the local people. Visit Guanabacoa and Matanzas, rich with Afro-Cuban history. Enjoy Havana’s jazz and art scenes, as you engage in meaningful conversations with entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders. This exclusive program, developed by AHI Travel, is operated in accordance with a People-to-People general license established by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Round-trip flights between Miami and Cuba are included. For more information about all Hood Alumni Travel, please go to hood.ahitravel.com.

2025 -26 AHI TRIPS ENCHANTING GEMS OF AUSTRIA

JUNE 11-20, 2025 HEART OF BRITAIN YORKSHIRE, LAKE DISTRICT & WALES

SEPT. 1-13, 2025 CHARLESTON THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

FEB. 15-20, 2026 FINLAND ARCTIC MAGNIFICENCE

MARCH 1-9, 2026 SWISS ALPS & THE ITALIAN LAKES

JULY 1-10, 2026 RICHES OF THE EMERALD ISLE

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