CRAIG CHAPMAN
Partner: April Chapman
Children: Rebecca (48), James (45), Jack (23). Haley (23)
Grandchildren: Dominic (16), Isabella (13)
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: Caroline Anderson (cousin)
Favorites at Oxy: Quad sitting with the "Stewie Table Gang", hanging out in the computing center (OK, I was and still am a geek), ATO fraternity hijinks, dining at the Stewie Table, playing Pong on the way into Clancy's. Favorite professors: Barbara Yin and Tom Slobko (both math) and I honestly can't remember most of the other names!
Funniest memory: Does anyone else remember the phone booth in the fountain or ransoming Dean Knauer’s desk? Lots of fun times at "the Breeze". I loved having two VERY different friend groups: Stewie Table gang (started in freshman year) and my ATO fraternity brothers and I have some crazy memories from both groups - some of which I still haven't shared with my kids! Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Honestly, I’d be hard-pressed to name a single memory. I truly enjoyed every moment at Oxy from my very first night in Stewie (which some may recall was not my finest hour) to graduation It was a wonderful experience shared with many great friends I’m sorry to miss the reunion due to a long-planned trip with my extended family, but I look forward to seeing photos and reading what others have shared in this memory book
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Oxy taught me a framework for thinking and learning that I’ve relied on since graduating. Throughout my career, I’ve frequently had to master entirely new subjects, technologies, and skills and I’ve always felt empowered to do so; in fact, I learned to love the challenge of learning entirely new subject areas. What happened after Oxy? I married my soulmate, raised four wonderful children, and built a career in software technology that I truly loved I worked as a software engineer including an exciting decade at Microsoft founded a successful technology company (if you use a navigation system with traffic information, you’re welcome), and even served as a dean to help launch a new technology school at a small Christian university. Most importantly, I’ve used my skills in Christian, faith-based “assignments,” and now, in my third retirement, I feel more empowered than ever to serve. What’s next? Well, my wife is in the prime of her career now that our kids have grown, so I'm enjoying supporting her. That said, we both love traveling to new places there’s still so much we haven’t seen and, when I'm not serving or traveling, you'll find me in my woodshop. I feel like I’m finished with traditional “job” work, but I’m eager to discover what volunteer opportunities God has for me in this technology-heavy future
PAUL WIDERGREN
Partner: CarolAnn Gratton (married 1995)
Children: Alex (50), Andrew (46)stepsons
Grandchildren: Werner (22 - B.A. University of Arkansas Fayetteville), Vittoria (21Georgetown), Evelyn (19 - School of Art Museum of Chicago)
Favorites at Oxy: German professors: Virginia Sease, Eric Frey, Leland Babcock, Andreas Aebi, French professor: Annabelle Rey, Linguistics professor: Elizabeth Barber. And, of course, History professor: John Rodes. Funniest memory: Take the fifth on that one.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Travelling all over Europe during junior-year abroad experience.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Junior year in Saarbrücken, Germany
What happened after Oxy?
Grad school in German, High School Teacher of German / Latin/Spanish / Math in IL, WI and AR.
What’s next?
Not so fun or exciting, but I proofread Swedish books on Wikisource and take care of my disabled wife of 30+ years. Unable to travel.
CANDACE G. KELLER
Partner: Michael
Children: Willem (32), Luke (31)
Favorites at Oxy: hangouts: the cooler, bottom floor of the library. Professors: Mlle Rea, Mr. Hansen.
Funniest memory: Pranking a teacher
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Hanging out in the Quad.
What did you learn or experience a biggest impact on your life so far?
That time spent in school or college is one of life s greatest experiences. What happened after Oxy?
20 years working in publishing, then Columbia University Teachers College followed by 20 years teaching high school English in a public school. What’s next? I spend my days painting in our attic.
KENNETH (KEN) FARRIS
Favorites at Oxy: Like many, I really liked hanging out in the quad after having lunch in the Old Union, talking with friends and listening to KOXY. It was great when we heard a song by Stevie Wonder and we would break out with one of the latest dance steps from Soul Train! My favorite professor was Mike McAleenan, Sociology In 1975, I traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii for a summer school class, taught by Mike for six weeks and stayed in the University of Hawaii dormitory. It was a great cultural experience studying the different Hawaiian educational systems. I also majored in Sociology/ Urban Studies.
Funniest memory: Hurrying down to Sunday night dinner and finding out Clancy was serving "greasy cheeses" instead of "with or without " (maybe not so funny!)
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: My fondest memory was walking up Jacaranda Road to our commencement ceremony at the Hillside Theater AKA the "Greek Bowl."
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
I have a deep appreciation for experiencing learning in a diverse environment with people from varied socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, intellectual, and political backgrounds, that prepared me for my future working career in banking and sales
What happened after Oxy?
Wow, after 50 years, a lot has happened. I did obtain a MBA in 2012. My most significant accomplishments have been my community activities with my local church, singing in several Gospel choir organizations, chairman for all of my High School class reunions and my Oxy alumni affiliations. All have helped defined who I am and keep me very active in my home town of Inglewood, CA.
What’s next?
Next year I will be attending the 60th National Convention for the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc , where I serve as the National Treasurer for the Chapter Representative Division I've been a member for 47 years.
LONNIE (CHIP) ADAMS HILLIARD, III
Partner: Dr. Terry J. Larsen
Children: Stephanie Larsen (Step-daughter)
Grandchildren: Zachary Goodman (godson)
Favorites at Oxy: French classes with Dr. Annabelle Rea; African Studies classes with Dr. Brice Harris; Russian Experience with Dr. Larry Caldwell; I enjoyed being Arts and Entertainment Editor at The Occidental (The Voice of L.A.). Also, playing pinball in the Cooler!
Funniest memory: Attending the candlelit Opening Night Dinner at McDonald"s on York Blvd.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: My friendships with David Williamson, Christiane Taeuber, Gloria Duffy, Diana Jones, Johanna Baker, Ellen Quinn, Jennifer Wade, Eric Petty, Tim Sanford, among others
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Meeting an Interpreter with the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program at the home of Dr. Brice Harris. This encounter led to my 37-year career with the program!
What happened after Oxy?
Meeting my beloved husband of 41 years, Dr. Terry J, Larsen and receiving 3 National Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the International Visitor Leadership Program.
What’s next?
Completing my visit to all seven continents by traveling to Antarctica. Completing Marcel Proust's epic novel " A la recherche du temps perdu" in French AND English!
ERIC MCKINLAY
Partner: Karen McKinlay
Children: Emily (39), Colin (37)
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: My son Colin, class of 2012
Favorites at Oxy: Playing pinball after meals, Dr. Joselyn and Dr Taylor (religious studies), Hall frisbee battles in Stewie, 1908 reality construct
Funniest memory: Singing "The Impossible Dream" at full volume with Carl (god, we were obnoxious). Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Getting to know other Stewie residents (and myself).
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
The breadth of courses that I took at Oxy has greatly enriched my life. If I had gone straight to CalTech rather than via the 3/2 program I would have had a much narrower perspective on history, politics, life, pretty much everything! What happened after Oxy?
Married my wonderful wife and raised a family. What’s next?
Lots more woodworking and DYI projects.
DAVID (DAVE) ASKREN
Children: Triplet Daughters, age 40: Emily Lynne, Laurel Faye, Natalie Brooke
Grandchildren: Yes
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: Simon
Askren (1 yr) - not sure this was solely because I attended Oxy
Favorites at Oxy: Cross country/track teammates
Funniest memory: I must have been out running :) :)
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Not sure of one moment from Oxy but I do remember unexpectedly running into Lindsey Harlan at breakfast in a restaurant in Boston in 1978 when I was there to run in the Boston Marathon. Quite a pleasant surprise!
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Math/computer science classes led to a 45 year career as a software engineer What happened after Oxy?
Worked as software engineer at JPL on the Voyager project my senior year at Oxy, then Burroughs (Pasadena) for 3 yrs, then got my MS at UCLA. After UCLA, moved to Boulder, CO and worked for Ohmeda writing real-time software used in medical monitors used in ERs, ORs, and ICUs. Also became a very good mountain runner. Got married and had my daughters. My then wife had grown up in St. Johnsbury, VT and wanted to return so that's how I ended up in Vermont. Worked for 15 years for another small software company Continued to run, joined the St Johnsbury Band (3rd oldest continuously operating community band in the country, www stjohnsburyband org) Went through a very trying divorce, got laid off and became an instructor in math/technology classes at Community College of Vermont (CCV). I also started my own business repairing wind and brass instruments (www.kissmywindsandbrass.com) . Retired from CCV after 10 years and started collecting Social Security and continued to run my business. What’s next?
My business just had it's 17th anniversary (I'm very busy) so that will continue. I exercise everyday (even on those subzero winter days). I've been the Treasurer of the Northeast Kingdom Classical Series (www nekclassicalseries org) for 17 years and will continue in that position I'm in my 32nd year with the St Johnsbury Band playing the french horn and trumpet I enjoy living in St Johnsbury and Vermont so will stay here. I hope to visit Pat O'Bannon in Maine sometime this year. Who knows what else will happen??
PATRICK (PAT) O’BANNON
Partner: Amanda
Children: none - but two steps: Henry (32) and Lucy (30)
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: my wife's nephew Flynn Aldrich
Favorites at Oxy: Favorite pastime was probably spending time with friends and hanging out in the quad. Favorite professorsCliff Kroeber, Bob Winter, Mike McAleenan
Funniest memory: Bob Ostrove & Andy Adler running around campus prior to a screening of "Citizen Kane" putting up flyers that said "Rosebud is his sled." And the sponsors of the screening in hot pursuit trying to take them all down.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Discovering the blues and the Grateful Dead.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? I learned how to think critically (or somewhat critically). And I experienced life outside Orange County - which may have saved me. What happened after Oxy?
PhD in American History from UC San Diego followed by a career in historic preservation and cultural resources management. Live and worked in Philadelphia, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Providence before retiring to Maine. President of a couple of national professional organizations, and the local historical society here in Maine. What’s next?
We hope to travel, and hope to keep our health. Fingers crossed
CHRIS (MOONEYHAM) RHODES
Partner: Tom
Children: Ash Rhodes (46), Amy Rhodes Marshall (44)
Grandchildren: Sophie Marshall (16), Chloe Marshall (14), Malcolm Rhodes (14), Georgia Rhodes (12)
Favorites at Oxy: Geez, who can remember? Late night runs for fast food.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Senior year, living in the Alpha House.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Details matter; pay attention to them. Be organized. What happened after Oxy?
Moved to Phoenix; met my husband on a blind date; married in August 1977 (yep, still married to the same guy); worked at a number of different jobs but did volunteer work all along, usually involving education; named Mesa's Woman of the Year in 2006. Have traveled a lot.
What’s next?
More travel and still involved in volunteer work. Is that fun and exciting? When does it end?
JILL SMILEY ASBJORNSEN
Partner: Stuart Asbjornsen
Children: Ian (40) Anders (33)
Grandchildren: Oliver (5) Bridget (3 )
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: My nephew, Kenneth Smiley, Class of 2015 and my 2nd cousin once removed, Patrick Egan, Class of 2008. We are a family of almost thirty who graduated from Oxy, not including in-laws who attended. My parents and grandparents met there!
Favorites at Oxy: My Oxy hangout was the library. Sometimes I would take naps there. My favorite professor was Dr. Cole, who understood my senioritis in my last term and allowed me to drop the score on my final so that I wouldn't end with a poor grade. Yikes!
Funniest memory: Going to see the movie "De Duva". I was tricked!
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: My fondest memory was junior year, living in Erdman. It had a great mix of fun and friends.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
I learned the importance of opening my mind to understand and value other perspectives, which served me well in my life and career. What happened after Oxy?
As an LAUSD teacher, I touched the lives of hundreds of students who are now adults. As a Teacher Expert working in the district Title I Office, I learned how to survive in office culture and manipulate hundreds of Excel sheets. What’s next?
I'd like to finish my Ancestry family tree that I've been working on for fifteen years!
GLORIA SANCHEZ REYNAGA
Partner: Victor Reynaga
Children: Valerie Reynaga Valencia and Ruben Reynaga
Grandchildren: Iliana (12) and Isaac (5) Valencia
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: Daughter, Valerie Reynaga Valencia, ‘01; brother, Daniel Sanchez, ‘79; brother-in-law, Tom Olvera, ‘79
Favorites at Oxy: The Cooler, in front of the bookstore, in front of Clancy’s (see photo). Dr. Stanchfield was my favorite in the Education Department.
Funniest memory: Walking with a friend, wearing my platform-wedged espadrille shoes and doing a spiral fall, in front of the gym. The uneven pavement and platform shoes wasn’t a good fit, ha ha. Thank goodness there weren’t a lot of people who saw this!
Fondest memory or moment from your time at O Upward Bound was key to learning about Occide the campus, meeting people, and living in the Ch Q p connect with students who came from similar backgrounds as I navigated through a very different environment. All these fostered the establishment of new and lasting friendships and a network of people throughout Oxy who went on to have very successful careers.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? I loved the education classes which prepared me for a career in Education, from teacher to administrator.
What happened after Oxy? I got married as a sophomore at Oxy. I began my teaching career as a bilingual third grade teacher in Glendale, then fourth and fifth grade in Lakewood. We were blessed with the best children, a daughter in ‘79 and a son in ‘82, and two grandchildren After 11 years in the classroom, I ventured into various administrative positions and obtained an administrative credential. I was an elementary school principal in two school districts. Retirement came after 35+years in Education. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for 52 years and still enjoy living in Southern California. I also maintain close ties with several accomplished Oxy alum friends.
What’s next? Retirement allows more family and friends time We travel more, visiting several countries Europe, Central and South America, Canada, the Carribean and 39 states in the USA.
DOUGLAS ARMSTRONG
Partner: Joan Armstrong
Children: Alan Armstrong, Amanda Armstrong-Nadal
Grandchildren: Wesley (6) and Wyatt (4) Armstrong; Alexandra Armstrong-Nadal (7 months)
Favorites at Oxy: softball, frisbee, Pete's Blue-Chip burgers.
Funniest memory: Prof. Kroeber simultaneously writing a sentence with both hands (beginning to end - and end to beginning)
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Oxy provided me with a college of good memories.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Oxy reinforced the importance of listening. What happened after Oxy? After Oxy, I went to gr archaeological research in Jamaica, and earned m Joan who completed her DDS at UCLA (1983) Upo Atlantic Program at The Johns Hopkins U. In 1986, I accepted a position teaching in the Anthropology Department, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Joan joined me in Syracuse. We bought a wonderful Victorian house that needed more than a bit of restoration. Joan set up her dental office in the house, and we restored the house while raising two kids, and adding a dog or two. We also added a well-worn farm which we lovingly restored. I continued to do archaeological research in places like Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, Dominica (and in our "back yard" in New York), while building a strong historical archaeology program focusing on Africa and the African Diaspora that has produced fantastic scholars spanning the globe! Along the way, Joan and the kids put-up with me serving too long as Department Chair, and on way too many university committees and both scholarly and community boards. Meanwhile, I wrote several books and hundreds of articles and papers (most recently "The Archaeology of Harriet Tubman's Life in Freedom" (2022), and "Pre-Colonial and Post-Colonial Archaeology in Barbados" (2019). I loved being a professor, but with the nest empty and new generation of nests emerging in Chicago and Durham, Joan convinced me to retire in 2023. However, I still had NSF funding for a cool contact period site in Dominica...so I continue to be involved in research Joan and I are now resettled back home in California (Los Osos) In 2026, I was honored as the recipient of the J C Harrington Medal by the Society for Historical Archaeology What’s next? Family, travel (and a bit more archaeological research and writing as time allows!)
PATRICIA (TRISH) O’NEIL HOYING
Partner: John Hoying MD
(rheumatologist)(was an Ohio farm boy)
Children: Charlie (32) med school, Kat (29) teacher, Chris (29) LA City fireman
Favorites at Oxy: I really liked night hikes on Fiji, playing sports, focused study in the Robinson Jeffers room in the library. My favorite professors were Drs. Beebe, Atchity, Stockhouse, Josselyn, and Ryf.
Funniest memory: It is not my funniest memory but one of the highlights of my time at Oxy was sleeping outside all year. (I had a room with a sleeping porch)
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: I have lots of fond memories. I remember the plant taxonomy field trip to the Sierras as one of them.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that h ? I went on a “dig” to Caesarea Maritima, Israel the summer of 1975 for 6 weeks through Oxy. Being far from the familiar was a great education and also it really reinforced that I loved and was good at learning outside the classroom. What happened after Oxy? I taught religion in Catholic high schools for 3 years, then got a degree in nursing I worked at Little Co of Mary Hospital, Torrance as a telemetry nurse, the admitting nurse, and as a diabetes educator. I married and adopted 3 children. (Parenting has been an eye opening education). I’ve served in many ways as a volunteer, teaching Confirmation and Pre Cana classes for my parish, teaching nutrition education in primary grades with Beach Cities Health District, distributing food with St Francis Center and the House of Yahweh.
What’s next? I am active in my church as a lector, volunteer at Little Co of Mary in the pastoral care department, and am playing recreational badminton weekly. I have a couple of 90+ year old friends who don’t drive and I help them as needed. I’m a gardener, house keeper, dog feeder and walker, and love to read, so I keep busy. We skied this winter at Badger Pass; drove up Friday night, skied Saturday and drove home that night. (We were pretending we were young) We hope/plan to get in more days of skiing next year We will visit Chicago in the fall for a reunion of my husbands classmates from St Joseph’s in Rensselaer, Indiana.
JOHN BUNYAN
Partner: Karen Specter Bunyan
Children: Allie (36)
Grandchildren: 2 grandcats:
Charli and Lucy
Favorites at Oxy: The Quad, pinball, Asian Quad at Norris, Greek Bowl events, working at Clancy’s
Funniest memory: The day we were enjoying a live concert on the quad and at 1:00 somebody scaled the Union wall and turned the clock back so we wouldn’t have to go to class. I don’t know of that’s the funniest thing that happened - I’m sure there were some funny things that happened but got erased from memory under the influence of alcohol or pot.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Too many to really pick one. Either the dinners in Chinatown and other activities with our group of friends (they know who they are) or our New Year’s Eve parties at peoples homes during break, or a myriad of other good times.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? The relationships with my friends and the diversity on the campus probably had the biggest influence on my life. Rooming with Hart Lee gave me material that got me started in stand up comedy. And finally Woody Studenmund telling us that we were in college to “learn to read, write, think, and learn something if were had to” stuck with me
What happened after Oxy? Career in accounting, getting married, moving to Cincinnati, having our daughter, writing for a comedy radio show (Gary Burbank in Cincinnati), starting standup and winning the “Funniest Person in Cincinnati” contestalso greeting paid for writing and for stand up. What’s next? Nothing really big. I’m trying to learn to draw to provide a new hobby and creative outlet. Otherwise I intend to visit and spend time with family and friends as much as possible.
JO ELLEN HOSE & JIM HANNAH
Children: Lauren (43) and Brendan (41)
Grandchildren: Lauren has 2 sons, Max (6) and Alex (1.5)
Favorites at Oxy: the VANTUNA, the Old Cooler, Moore Lab
Funniest memory: Dr. John Stephens popping a jalapeno or two before his 8 AM class to wake himself up
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: We met the loves of our lives!
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Confidence and the knowledge that I could accomplish whatever I wanted
What happened after Oxy?
Jim was a surgical pathologist in San Luis Obispo for 35+ years and continues as a board member for a medical education foundation. I did biological consulting and taught at Oxy and CalPoly SLO. We enjoyed planting a 45 acre vineyard in Tasmania but sold it after we got locked out for 2 years because of COVID. Just finished helping to build and landscape our new house. What’s next?
Trying to decide on something meaningful for the rest of retirement
NICHOLAS PANZA
Partner: Rita
Children: Nicholas E Panza (40) William Panza (38)
Grandchildren: Not yet
Favorites at Oxy: Yes fun to meet other interesting people and the intellectual experiences.
Funniest memory: Graduating.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: I can’t say …..
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Don’t fool around.
What happened after Oxy?
Married, career, children, home, travel. But I did not make it into space.
What’s next?
I am a pickleball expert at the moment and finally picked up French after four years in Tahiti and a fun PCC course.
PAM RAYMER-LEA
Partner: Eric Lea
Children: Charlie Lea (27), Michael Lea (23)
Grandchildren: 0 but hopeful
Favorites at Oxy: I enjoyed the life-long friends I made and working in the dorms. Funniest memory: Oh there are so many, but my friends stretching surgical tubing between the rooftops of Norris and bombarding the quad with water balloons...seemingly from nowhere comes to mind.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: "Jessica" by the Alman brothers playing while we sat in tipped-back chairs of a Norris balcony watching the sunset. I also enjoyed quad-sitting with Pat O'Bannon almost every day.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Just about everything. Life, love, success, and disappointment. When I got out into the world I was surprised to find that I had a much higher level of education than my peers in graduate school and a lot more life experience. What happened after Oxy? Masters in College Administration & Guidance and Counseling from Indiana University, working professionally in University housing and career development, Masters in Cinema and Televisiion from USC, documentary film editor, and by far the most important was marrying the best man in the world, Eric Lea, and raising our two amazing sons, Charlie 27 (in law school and married to Aline) and Michael 23 (aspiring Stage Manager). What’s next? Top of the line hearing aids and the adventure of recovering from strikes in the film industry and the Eaton fire. What I really learned at Oxy was that we can make it through anything if we use our wits and kindness.
ZENA GREENSPAN
Partner: Steven H. Step
Children: Samantha N. Step (30 this year)
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: Pearl Greenspan (a.k.a. Pearl Greenspan Hakim)
Favorites at Oxy: Seeing "the Skier" from my balcony in Haines Hall; Enjoying a SINGLE Room in Stewie Hall
Funniest memory: Sitting on steps between buildings with large group of fellow Class of '76 sharing "X-rated" curse words and expressions in different languages (covering about 12+ languages); Missed opportunity-Kevin Finch showing up to my door in Stewie Dorm "without a fig leaf" to spare Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Fondest memory--Remaining close to very dear Oxy friends who came from very diverse backgrounds from me, from where I grew up and lived; Appreciated moments--General Studies with Dr. Sanders "Laws of Matter, Laws of Man" and Listening to Dr. Jennings as he pined with love about "human 'Perception;'" Going into the field for Mike McAleenan's "Deviance" Project (in Sociology) to take my Stuffed Animal (a favorite Rabbit) to Lunch at a very busy cafeteria in Century City (buying food and feeding it). Taking off a quarter during my Junior Year (in 1974), I traveled to Israel, the USSR and Poland during my Junior Year during time period when America was still in a "Cold War" and Israel had NO communication with Israel--exchanging airplanes from Israel in Romania when Yassar Arafat was disembarking from the same plane I was connecting to take to Russia!
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Critical thinking and analysis; NEVER being shy to ask questions in my quest to learn as much as I can, as long as I can live and contribute to those around me, to help our troubled World; Being among SO MANY SMART People; Learning to Explore and Take Adventures outside my comfort zones; Defending the disabled, unincluded and undervalued members of society merits fighting the bullies of the world; fighting the scourge of Anti-Semetism and Anti-Zionism What happened after Oxy?
Still married after 38+ years; Became a Mother to the Perfect Daughter; Still working as a CPA; Graduated from Law School; Served on several Community, Civic and Synagogue Boards (including LA 1984 Olympic Committee); Became a Real Estate Developer and Built Apartment Building; Traveled Near and Far Across the Miles; Survived a man putting a Gun to My Head and able to talk about it; Survived Life Threatening Concussion after falling; Walked over Land mines on the Golan Heights; Went to Obama's 1st Inauguration What’s next?
Loads of Travel to Countries through non-US Continents; Becoming a Sharp Shooter (guns and Bows & Arrows); Contining my short-distance (10K) walks; riding a bicycle (successfully!); re-starting ballroom dancing; Moving into my "forever home;" creating content for an unfinished book; finally starting my photo-albums I keep putting away! Fighting loud and proud against Jew-Hatred in all of its forms
FRED DUVAL
Partner: Jennifer Hecker DuVal
Children: Will (33) and Monte (17)
Favorites at Oxy: Dinner at Clancy's
Funniest memory: Anything involving Grant Woods
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Best friends for life: Grant Woods and Chris Hamel
What did you learn or experience biggest impact on your life so far? Feminism and gender equality. What happened after Oxy?
White House, candidate for AZ Governor, Chair AZ Bd of Regents, Chair of Gunnison Copper, two great kids and a fantastic marriage! What’s next?
travel, more sailing and hopefully grandbabies!
CARL YAECKEL
Partner: Kate
Children: Eric (41) and Kevin (38)
Grandchildren: Olivia (9) and Jack (7)
Favorites at Oxy: So many!
Stealing Dean Knauer's table
Putting a phone booth in the Fountain?
Funniest memory: See above
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: So many good people, I miss you all!
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
I learned how to learn
What happened after Oxy?
Public Defender, civil litigator, climate activist, childcare provider
What’s next?
DR. SHEILA (ANDERSON) QUINTANA
Children: JoAnne Maxine Locklar
Grandchildren: Steven Locklar Jr and Xavier Locklar
Favorites at Oxy: Moving into the African American Quad in my Sophomore year.
Funniest memory: One of my Master Teachers at a High School during my Student Teacher year.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: The many fun times with my Oxy roommates.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
Being accepted and completing my Teaching Credential as the first Black student in 11 years to complete the Oxy Teaching Program. What happened after Oxy?
My most significant accomplishment at Oxy is a lifetime teaching credential, my Masters and a double doctorate (Sonoma State University and University of California at Davis) in Educational Leadership. I retired in 2019 after 43 years in the educational system. What’s next?
I plan to write a book on my educational experiences including as a high school Principal and open a business as an Educational Consultant.
SUSAN ESTHER (SALIBIAN) HOWE
Partner: Gary Patrick Howe, deceased
Children: Jessica Nichole
Howe-Flores (42), Melinda
Marie Watson (40), Daniel Gary Howe (39)
Grandchildren: Madeleine Watson (13), Cash Watson (11), Zoey Flores (12)
Favorites at Oxy: The plays in the outdoor theater
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: All the friends I made.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
To be involved in the community and come alongside others
What happened after Oxy?
At age 50 I went back to school and earned a degree in high school counseling.
What’s next?
Lots of traveling.
ANNE G. (GORDON) BEATTY
Children: Jennifer (35) and Jessica (38)
Favorites at Oxy: Living in Norris Dorm with friends
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Singing in the Gospel Choir
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Longterm Friendships
What happened after Oxy?
High School English Teacher 1/20/00 to 6/12/26
What’s next?
Perfecting my golf game
IRA PASTERNACK
Partner: Jill Mally
Favorites at Oxy: Sitting on the Quad enjoying the beautiful SoCal weather.
Funniest memory: Spring break 1975 I worked for Professor Birman's Geothermal Surveys, Inc company conducting groundwater exploration in Tecate, Mexico for the brewery. I have received countless chuckles from admitting my greatest claim to fame as a geologist is I helped find the water used to brew Tecate Beer--just wish it was better tasting--but don't blame it on the water!
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Turning in my Tick Canyon map.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
I was able to make a career as a geologist, despite the skepticism my father expressed after I changed my major from engineering. What happened after Oxy?
Post Oxy I moved to Colorado where we have lived for the last 50 years--44 years in the same Denver bungalow, 42 years happily married to Jill. I pursued graduate studies in geology and earned an M.S. and Ph.D. studying Cretaceous rocks in Alaska, Wyoming and Colorado. I published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals and gave many technical presentations --receiving awards for both best paper and best presenter. I served on the board of directors of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists five times including as 2011 President. I was able to stay gainfully employed in the petroleum industry for 39 years until the Covid pandemic shut everything down. Outside of my career, I have learned how to play guitar, kept a passable garden, and maintained our old bungalow in good shape.
What’s next?
Continuing to study Cretaceous rocks in southern Colorado where the ash layer resulting from the dinosaur ending meteor impact is preserved.
ANNE EGERTON
Partner: John Wiley
Children: Matt (37) and Lou (35)
Favorites at Oxy: Fiasco Tours tri to Mexico spring break senior yea
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Sitting on the steps of what was then the art ba with the gang: Emily, Christy, Carolyn, Mike, Fritz, Fred, and Joh
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
To think critically, to challenge conventional wisdom, to value community, to treat others with kindness and understanding What happened after Oxy?
Graduated from law school, clerked for a federal judge, became a partner at a law firm, worked inhouse at NBC, served 25 years on the bench. Married to the love of my life for 45 years. Two wonderful kids. What’s next?
Retiring in September. Continuing to travel, including travel with Christy Strauch.
ROSS A. THOMPSON
Partner: Janet ‘77
Children: Scott (42) and Brian (38)
Grandchildren: Three grandchildren, all below the age of 4
Favorites at Oxy: Being an RA in Haines during my senior year was memorable for the people and activities we staged, such as a performance of The Wizard of Oz in the chapel, directed by Joe Rohde Funniest memory: The antics of overtired students (including me) pulling all-nighters time and time again just before papers were due.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Having worked with university students my entire professional life, I retrospectively appreciate the poignancy of our lives at Oxy, driven by anxiety over succeeding and trying to find ourselves in new relationships, roles, and envisioning a future for ourselves. We might have benefitted from the advice that most of us would offer our younger selves, if we could, from the vantage point of maturity: relax, have confidence in yourself, things will work out. It is what it is have been telling the college students I teach for years.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
I think I learned that although I am often surrounded by brighter lights than myself, dogged persistence is often successful at getting just as far I also developed a lifelong love for Shakespeare from Lewis Owen's course, a course that I took only because my adviser, Dave Cole, alleged that I was taking too many psychology courses!
What happened after Oxy?
Straight to graduate school in psychology, awarded Ph.D. in 1981; 22 years on the faculty of the University of Nebraska (go Huskers!) followed by 20 years on the faculty of the University of California, Davis (go Aggies!) as a developmental psychologist. Studied early parent-child attachment relationships and young children's emotional development, which moved me into policy and practice concerning early childhood mental health, child poverty, child abuse prevention, grandparent rights, and a variety of other psycholegal issues Also became a devoted teacher of classes ranging from small graduate seminars to 500+ undergraduate courses (a couple taught online during the pandemic) which I attribute to my experience with the stellar instructors I encountered at Oxy. What’s next?
Lots and lots of traveling, combined with time with children and grandchildren. And at home, serving as a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and at church, indulging in reading of all kinds, and witnessing early evening sunsets by the pool. I couldn't have dreamed of all this when I was at Oxy
SUSAN HOWELL MALLORY
Partner: Peter Mallory
Children: Emily Peperis (40), Philip Mallory (step, 40), and Katie Mallory (step, 36)
Grandchildren: Nicholas Mallory (10), Meredith Coulter (9), and Natalie Coulter (6)
Favorites at Oxy: Too many to name, but I do remember well the first day I visited the campus and fell in love with the beauty of it and feeling that Oxy was (and is) a very special place.
Funniest memory: I wish I could share that, but it's too embarrassing!
Fondest memory or moment from your time
Oxy: Again, too many to choose just one!
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life s
Many things, but two, in particular come to mind - one was learning to think beyond right and wrong - moving away from traditional binary thinking. The other was to ask the question "why?" I found both to be invaluable throughout my life and career. What happened after Oxy?
Professionally, I became a commercial banker and ultimately ran the Wealth Management Banking business of Northern Trust in Chicago. I am now "reprogrammed," (I say that instead of retired), and I sit on both corporate and non profit boards. I am happily married to my husband of 23 years, Peter Mallory. Between us, we have three children and three grandchildren. We primarily live in San Diego, but spend time in Philadelphia where we have an historic row house. We are very involved with animal rescue and welfare and enjoy rowing, classical music, and traveling to historic sites and elsewhere.
What’s next?
Continuing to enjoy life!
LESLEY DANIEL HOLLAND
Partner: Susan Morgan Holland
Children: John (41), Hilary (38), and Daniel (34)
Grandchildren: 5 grandchildren: Curtis (15), Zachary (13), Darcy (7), John (6), and Elle (3)
Favorites at Oxy: Tied for first place: Quad sitting; the whole Stewie experience (as curated by Steve Silver); the "1908
Construct" experience; fine dining - El Arco Iris, Pete's Blue Chip, Donut Lady, and of course Clancy's; playing for Huevos Grandes, hiking to Fiji's tippy-top, and running Escarpa Drive; shopping Poo Bah Records; and seeing Little Feat at the Roxy. Funniest memory: One hears rumors of a top-secret spec ops strike - very hush-hush. No one saw anything. Whether it involved Brig Knauer's desk cannot be confirmed or denied.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: In my senior year, my largest class had just eight students. In my time at Oxy, and because classes were small, classmates and I were invited to dinner at professors' homes on many occasions (shout-outs here to Profs Axeen, Cohen, Kroeber, Rhodes, and Sippel (who, most memorably, donned his doctoral robes and performed an irreverent (albeit enthusiastic) recital of "The Raven"). Good times.
One doesn't get this kind of experience at bigger schools. I am forever grateful to have lucked into Occidental College.
What happened after Oxy?
Graduated law school; practiced as lawyer; served on the Superior Court; retired (sort of) and now practicing as a mediator/arbitrator. Married since 1981; coached our kids (soccer. basketball, life); now helping the grandkids.
SAMUEL YOUNG
Partner: Karla Young
Children: Samuel (48), Sharonda (45), Grant (38), Veronica (37)
Grandchildren: Jayden (16), Peyton (14), Nathan (12), and Mason (8)
Favorites at Oxy: So many great memories were made at Oxy, however being a part of the record setting Mile Relay Team.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Being mentored by some of the great minds like Dean Ben Culley, John McAnally, and Steve Haas
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far?
The importance of being yourself and comfortable with with you are.
What happened after Oxy?
Completed Doctorate at Harvard School of Dental Medicine 33 Year Navy Career from which I Retired in 2013. Currently an Associate Professor at Loma Linda School of Dentistry
What’s next?
Traveling to places of interest like Alaska and Europe
FRITZ HANSEN
Partner: Katherine
Hinds ’75 (Katherine, NOT Kathy)
Children: Harper Hansen
Favorites at Oxy: Hanging out on the Art Barn steps
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Too many to choo What happened after Oxy
Moved to Oakland; played flute & saxophone in some good bands and in theater pits; went on vacation with Dona McKenzie and Katherine Hinds and then married Katherine; adopted a really impressive girl from China. I'm currently playing lead alto in two big bands in Connecticut. Winding down a freelance graphic design business, but still doing some work: as a client at Yale said when I asked if he was going to retire soon, "Well, they're still paying me."
DEBRA COMBS
Children: Jaisan Williams, Frederick Guillory, Jr, and Joseph Guillory
Grandchildren: Simone Williams (21), Saniya Williams (18), Julian & Christian (twins 11), Kristabella Guillory (20), Kingston & Tiara Guillory (twins 14), Kamauri & Xavier Guillory (twins 11)
Favorites at Oxy: Talking in the quad
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: There have been many wonderful moments laced with surprising reactions, dealing with the multitude of learned racial behaviors. It all boils down to us, remembering we are all human irrespective of our diverse environments.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Never give up
What happened after Oxy? Awakened soul. Check out my new business venture www.theskyhouse.org.
What’s next? Building friends, community village by helping those with mental health issues
KARIE MEYERS
Partner: Chris Morrison
Children: Elizabeth (38), Ethan (34)
Grandchildren: Sam (5), Lillian (2 months), George (4 months)
Family members or friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: Caroline Anderson (cousin)
Favorites at Oxy: My best times were working with other physics students in the physics library. Funniest memory: Freshman year in Stewie, I had a secret admirer who would write me funny notes. I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have at the time, but it was both sweet and funny
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: My fondest memories are of hanging out with my two roommates, Ellen Mooney Cryder and Reese Lawton Our sophomore year Ellen and I were in Erdman, and our senior year the three of us shared a room in the Dean's House. Both rooms had balconies! I have many memories of having other people come by, doing homework, practicing Germa mostly just talking. It was such a fun time! What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? During my freshman year, I joined a science club and went to a lecture on black holes from Dr. Hudson. The next year I switched into being a physics major. I went on to graduate school, got a PhD in astrophysics, and went on to have a very long career teaching physics at many different levels. I even taught for a couple of years at Oxy. What happened after Oxy? As mentioned, I had a long career teaching physics at all levels from 4-year college to high school I taught at Oxy for two years, then my husband and I moved to Tucson, where he had a job offer at the National Observatory I floundered a bit but ended up teaching high school at an inner city school for 10 years I think it was my best 10 years, I loved the high school students and felt like I changed many lives I moved to the Community College and learned about physics education research, and I was able to teach some great students and mentor many young faculty members as chair of the Physic Department
I ended up being divorced from my first husband, and met my second husband in a volleyball league Teaching was very compatible with raising children, and of course I'm very proud of my kids. We are a science family, and they both ended up as engineers. My daughter works for JPL in Pasadena and my son is an engineer for Volkswagen.
About six years ago, when I retired from teaching, my husband and I bought a cabin near Estes Park Colorado. It's very beautiful and we spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and photographing nature during the summer. When our grandson was born, we decided to sell our Tucson house and spend the winters in Pasadena, to be close to our grandson, and to help our daughter. That's been great, we love both places. What’s next? I spend a lot of time now being a grandmother, and that's fun. I work on some projects I put off, mostly sewing and fabric-related, and I'm very into baking, so I'm sure that will continue. We plan to do a little traveling, a lot of hiking, and a lot of grandparenting
KAREN (HOWARD)AMMONS
Partner: Mark Ammons
Children: Kevin Neal (47) and Marcia Ammons (45)
Grandchildren: Elias(14), Kevin(12); Ramiyah (10), Riley, Harper and Karsyn (girl triplets 6)
Family members / friends that attended Oxy as a result of you being an alum: I brought a group of students for a Oxy college tour and I believe at least one student came from Foshay High School graduated from Oxy.
Favorites at Oxy: Singing in the Oxy Gospel Choir
Funniest memory: Smelling the skunks at night
Fondest memory or moment from you classes, professors, pledging a sorority, gospel choir and going to off campus events on the Bengal bus.
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Developing best friends for life! What happened after Oxy? I always wanted to give back to others who had similar experiences when I was in high school. I had no one to guide me through the college process. I was able to work with the USC Neighbor Academic Initiative which prepared underserved middle and high school students for the rigors of college. At the completion of their high school, the vast majority of the students went on to public and private schools across the US. Many graduated in careers such as education, medicine, law, nursing, social work, military and public service. I personally served as a counselor and mentor to over 1,000 students for 17 years. This was a very rewarding experience for me. What’s next? Hopefully more traveling
CONSTANCE ROSARIETA HYTER CHAVERS
Partner: William H. Chavers
Children: William S. Chavers (37) and Brianna J. Chavers(35)
Grandchildren: Liam J. Chavers (3)
Favorites at Oxy: Singing with the Occidental Gospel Choir and making long life friendships
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Meeting some amazing people who became my dear friends for life
What did you learn or experience at Oxy t impact on your life so far? I believe that I feel that is where I truly learned to love p me there I surrendered my heart to Jesus and found what it meant to put my full weight on him and started my journey of trusting and growing in Him as I faced various challenges and overcame.
What happened after Oxy? I earned a Master of Science in Public Health with emphasis in Epidemiology from UCLA in 1981. I got married 2 years after leaving Oxy in 1978 and we celebrated 48 years of.marriage in April of this year We have two children, William Sterling and Brianna Chavers. I have a new daughter via marriage to William Sterling named Charity They blessed my husband and I with one 3year old grandson. I will have worked as a Research Analyst for Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for almost 30 years.
What’s next? Still working so retirements is hopefully in the future in a couple of years. I sing in a wonderful Gospel Group called Donald Webber and God’s Promise.
TERREL (TRELIS) L FRENCH
Favorites at Oxy: My friends from the Black Women’s Quad supported my by showing up in their PJs one morning in a classroom to be my congregation for a sermon I had to do to pass my class ��
Funniest memory: I sat in the front row in entire hall in a Biology Class and suddenly heard a loud noise that startled me and I awakened from sleep. My biology class professor clapped his hands near my ears and everyone laughed at my reaction.
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: The many long term friendships I developed over the years that started with Sheila Wills recruiting student from all around Los Angeles and seeking to recruit me from The Athenian School in Danville CA. She reassured me that I had much more potential than my school counselor had led me to believe. Thank God !
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the invited me to join them to attend a summer PreMed prog Children’s Hospital along with other students The ER Physician held me back from getting on the school bus to ask me what I woud do with my life. I said I was still exploring. He briefly told me how impressed he was with my questions and responses and that I already had the qualities of a Medical Resident. So when I answers the 2nd time, I said that I guessed I would become a doctor. He told me that it was a great answer, patted me on the back, then told me to get on the bus…… So I became a Pediatrician My Medical school (Creighton University) used Dr Graef’s Pediatric ER Manual What happened after Oxy? After Oxy, I attended UCLA graduate school and worked in a research program and at the UCLA Terasaki Blood Bank After 1 year in the program, I received a call to come to Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska for their medical program i graduated from there and was accepted to Cedars-Sinai Pediatric Residency Program Finishing there, I was given n assignment is St Louis, to work in a community clinic in the neighborhood where I spent my childhood I also worked at at 2 hospitals attending deliveries and overseeing the nursery and NICU on nightshifts On a different night, at another hospital, I covered Pediatrics ER and ICU Patients.Subsequently, Kaiser Permanente in Bakersfield CA begged me to come and interview with them and they rolled out the carpet. The pay was far greater than I imagine so after 1 week, I agreed to the job. Kaiser in Kern county was fairly new at that time.I helped set up a couple of community health fairs along with Doctors at my Bakersfield Southside Seventh-Day Adventist Church and coordinated support from Kaiser Permanent Physicians. I helped see patients at a homeless shelter - adults and children. I joined Your Best Pathway to Health which is a heath team organized by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.with a variety of Medical Providers and associated who staff travel to cites throughout the USA and overseas bringing free medical and dental care to families in need of support. I am also in my 12th year as an SDA Executive Committee Member and also a participant on the Central California Conference SDA African American Advisory Committee What’s next? I enjoy traveling to other countries and hope to go to Singapore and Austrailia some day
ELLEN YEANY
Children: Only fur-children
Favorites at Oxy: The friendships formed as a student. Discussions in th Cooler after class solving the world's problems, or so we thought.
Funniest memory: In November 1975, Haines Hall presented a fractured version of "The Wizard of Oz" in Herric Every character was slightly twisted. Fondest memory or moment from you time at Oxy:
Participating in Oxy's Model United Nations delegation for three years. What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Research and writing skills learned at Oxy were essential to every position I held. The presentation skills I gained in Dr. Freestone's public speaking class prepared me for various roles in both my professional and personal life. What happened after Oxy? My entire career centered around retirement plans and planning. I spent 30 years in trust administration and consulting, then eight years as an investigator at the US Department of Labor, ensuring that employers respected employee rights to retirement and health plan benefits.
Since 2008, I have been an active member of the Shakespeare Club of Pasadena, a non-profit women’s club that focuses its philanthropic efforts on issues facing women and children. The Club also provides scholarships to graduating seniors of Pasadena’s five public high schools. I served as its president from 2020 to 2023. What’s next? Travel, both in the US and internationally, in the near future.
SHARON COLEMAN
Children: Sydney Coleman Preston
Grandchildren: Jamir Preston (5), Jahkari Preston (17 mo.), Baby Preston (On the way)!
Family/Friends attended Oxy: Nephew, Warren Logan ‘11 Favorites at Oxy: Friendships
Funniest memory: Had just left the hospital (knee surgery). Got drunk after 4 glasses of Seder wine, then went to Emmons to recoup from surgery (not the wine!).
Fondest memory or moment from your time at Oxy: Friendships, Dorm life, and Being a Girl Scout leader
What did you learn or experience at Oxy that has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Friendships, critical thinking, and exposure to children with special needs and from different economic circumstances.
What happened after Oxy? Graduate school (about 20 years!), Teaching and school principal, Single parent adoption, Lots of community service and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Enjoyed singing in church and community choirs, and Moved from hometown San Diego to Albuquerque area. What’s next? Get to know my new hometown and travel
