CLASS NOTES

Marie Baumann ’67 lost her husband of 38 years when he passed away on June 14, 2021. The couple lived in Arlington, Virginia for their working careers and relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 2015.

Gene Johnson ’71 retired as a Professor of Psychology at Central Washington University. Gene is spending his time between Ellensburg, Washington; Venice, Florida; and Charlestown, Rhode Island.

Dianne Wolf ’73 along with Janet Hortin, Linda Brandberg, Barry Smith, and Carol Toris had a lovely Zoom conversation this spring.

Peter Bouxsein ’75 retired at the end of January 2022 and, along with his wife Cathy, is planning a cross-country road trip that includes stops in Alaska, Georgia, and the East Coast. Along the way, Cathy and Peter will make use of their National Park pass and visit some friends from Rockford University.

Kosala Wickramanayake ’83 nominated to the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The institute is a think tank that provides insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.

Marianne (“Fudge”) Pelletier ’84 founded the Staupell Analytics Group in 2012. The company serves nonprofits through database management, process improvement, and data science. Marianne also speaks around the country about improving fundraising through analysis and business intelligence. She and her wife, Laura, are restoring their 1880s farmhouse in upstate New York, and Marianne is trying to learn how to grow her own vegetables. So far, the deer are enjoying the veggies very much -- so learning how to install better fences is in their future. So is a real (but small!) tractor. Brad Dineen ’85 took a three-hour tour around Rockford that included a look at the Rockford Casino, which features many hometown touches thanks to Rick Nielsen and Cheap Trick. Brad also drove through Rockford University’s campus, which he has not visited for 15 years.

Steve Rudnicki ’85 visited family in Rockford over the summer and stopped by campus. He enjoyed a few rounds of disc golf, visited the alumni office, toured a few classroom buildings, and bought some great swag.

Tom Sandquist ’85 left his law practice at WilliamsMcCarthy after 33 years to start a new career adventure. He is currently serving as the executive director of the Rockford Community Investment Fund, a community development financial institution that provides financing for the rehabilitation of dilapidated housing in Rockford’s low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

Tim Anderson ’87 successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in Hispanics Linguistics in June and graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies in August 2022. Tim began his 16th year at Kishwaukee College, where he is an associate professor of philosophy.

Mary Ann Cascio Laudicina ’91 was named Chair of the Rockford University Addams Circle in January 2022 and is working with members to increase alumni membership, education, and mentorship of female students at the University. Mary Ann also has announced her new partnership with Megan Preston, CFP®, Financial Advisor, with whom she shares the same values and investment philosophy. Together, they have formed The Laudicina Preston Group under Baird and will continue to serve clients along with team members from their current offices in Rockford, Illinois as well as in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This partnership will expand the services provided to include advanced financial planning, guidance to young adult children, and further insight into the myriad issues facing an aging generation. Additionally, Mary Ann and her husband, Frank, are celebrated the wedding of their son Andrew and his fiancé Alexandra in September 2022. Their oldest son Nick lives in Los Angeles, California, and works at the NFL while youngest son Luke is a junior at Hononegah High School in Rockton, Illinois. They are all looking forward to being together for this joyous occasion with family and friends.