Reed College Magazine September 2010 by Reed College

Reed College

3203 SE Woodstock Boulevard Portland, Oregon 97202-8199

‰

Periodicals Postage Paid Portland, Oregon

september 2010

Ten From ’10 Who—or what—is a Reedie?

orin zyvan

From ear to ear: Religion major Allison Elizabeth Jones ’10 and fellow members of the Class of ’10 gather in the student union just before Commencement.

READING THE ODYSSEY—AGAIN page 2 THE PERILS OF PRAISE page 24 FEATHERED FRENZY page 64

cover spread.indd 1

7/26/10 11:31 PM

Save the Date

Parent & Family Weekend Friday Friday & & Saturday, Saturday, November November 55 & & 6, 6, 2010 2010 www.reed.edu/parents/pfw.html www.reed.edu/parents/pfw.html

PFW_Fall10 inside front.indd 1 PFW_Fall10 inside front.indd 1 Untitled-2 102

7/9/10 10:13 AM 7/9/10 10:13 AM 7/26/10 11:45 PM

‰

Features 18

Star Struck

A bizarre accident plucked Morgan Spector ’02 from obscurity and deposited him on the Broadway stage. By Adam Penenberg ’86

september 2010

Departments 02 From the Editor On reading the Odyssey—again

03 Letters Confronting Drug Use A Mother’s Thanks In Praise of the DoJo Remembering Joan White

Points East

Remembering Marilois Ditto Kierman ’43

Thomas Burns ’98 takes a fresh look at the south Caucasus. By Anna Mann

Life and Death in the Valley of the Moon

06 Eliot Circular

Ten from ’10

The Class of 2010 is Reed’s largest ever. Meet ten new members of our indomitable tribe, and hear what they have to say about their studies, their theses, and their experience at Reed. By Chris Lydgate ’90

ALUMNI PROFILES 40

From Hum to Tomb Richard Guillory ’53 explores Etruscan burial sites.

Found in Translation

News from Campus

Biggest Class Ever Our Brilliant Students 2010 Scholarship. Experimentalist Poet Creates Seven-Figure Scholarship Blessing Honored.

The Perils of Praise

Reed psychology professor Jennifer Henderlong Corpus suggests that praising your children effectively is more difficult than you thought. By Zach Dundas

Reed in the Thirties

Hampered by cold and exhaustion, a doctor struggles to save a life in the Himalayas. By Madeleine Martindale ’84

Inspired by Sappho

New Dean of Admission Perlmutter Elected Chair of Board

12 Empire of the Griffin

Connecting Reedies across the Globe

Strengthening the Bond Igor Declares Victory Rooting for the Other Side

36 Reunions Highlights. 14 The Last Lectures Honoring three retiring instructors: Craig Clinton (theatre), Nick Wheeler ’55 (physics), Bonnie Garrett (director, private music program)

38 Class Notes 51 Reediana 55 In Memoriam 64 Apocrypha

Tradition. Myth. Legend.

Feathered Frenzy

Jan Chciuk-Celt ’76 translates memoirs of his father.

01_TOC.indd 1

7/26/10 4:44 PM

From the Editor stu mullenberg

‰ september 2010

www.reed.edu/reed_magazine 3203 SE Woodstock Boulevard, Portland, Oregon 97202 503/777-7591 Volume 89, No. 3, September 2010 Magazine editor Chris Lydgate ’90 503/777-7596 chris.lydgate@reed.edu class notes editor Laurie Lindquist 503/777-7591 reed.magazine@reed.edu

The Man of Twists and Turns Last month I read a newspaper article about bered the vague outlines—the suitors, the a new trend in higher education—parent Cyclops, the Sirens—but I had forgotten the orientation. spellbinding details that bring the story to life. It seems that along with tennis rackets and I had forgotten Odysseus’ guilt as he teddy bears, students today are increasingly watches the monster Scylla snatch his arriving on campus with Moms and Dads. Col- hapless shipmates from the deck with her lege administrators, alarmed at the prospect tentacles and devour them, writhing and of parents roving the dorms unsupervised, screaming—shipmates that he could have grilling roommates and inspecting shower warned, but didn’t, lest they mutiny. curtains, have begun to include parents in oriI had forgotten the pathetic spectacle of entation. Reed was singled out for its unique the blinded Cyclops stroking his favorite approach to this issue. Instead of giving par- ram, asking why he lagged behind the herd, ents tickets to a football game, Reed invites wondering if it was out of sympathy for his them to read the Odyssey and sit in on the first master’s wound—never guessing that OdysHum 110 lecture, held at Convocation. seus lay concealed beneath the shaggy beast. I chuckled as I read the report, wonderI had forgotten shipwrecked Menelaus ing how many parents would take up the wrestling with the sea-god Proteus, holding challenge. I mean, I’m fond of proclaiming him fast as Proteus turns himself into a lion, the virtue of the classics, but would I read then a serpent, then a boar, then a torrent Homer again myself? Would I voluntarily of water, before he finally reveals the fate of sail back into that wine-dark sea, endure the Agamemnon—a fate that Menelaus wished dizzying genealogies, the lurching fortunes, he had never learned. the rosy fingers of dawn? The Odyssey has definitely been more fun But as every Reedie knows, it is an act of the second time around. It has also been hubris to issue a challenge one is not pre- more provocative. It has given me fresh pared to accept. To stay on Poseidon’s good insight into the value of a liberal education. side, I bought a second-hand copy of the Yes, it is about exploring new challenges. But Odyssey and dutifully waded in. it is also about exploring old challenges. It The first surprise was the immediacy of is learning to look at familiar territory with Robert Fagle’s translation. From the very fresh eyes, to question assumptions, to fight beginning (“Sing to me of the man, Muse, complacency, to wrestle with details, and to the man of twists and turns”) the epic reads be willing—when necessary—to go back to like a story, not the excursion into hexam- basics and start from the beginning. etry that I was secretly dreading. But my biggest discovery was the irresistible power of the narrative. Sure, I remem2

graphic designer Tom Humphrey 503/459-4632 tom.humphrey@reed.edu alumni news editor Robin Tovey ’97 development news editor Matt Kelly Reed College Relations vice president, college relations Hugh Porter director, public affairs Jennifer Bates director, alumni & parent relations Mike Teskey director, development Jan Kurtz Reed College is a private, independent, non-sectarian four-year college of liberal arts and sciences. Reed magazine provides news of interest to alumni, parents, and friends. Views expressed in the magazine belong to their authors and do not necessarily represent officers, trustees, faculty, alumni, students, administrators, or anyone else at Reed, all of whom are eminently capable of articulating their own beliefs. Reed (ISSN 0895-8564) is published quarterly, in February, May, August, and November, by the Office of Public Affairs at Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Boulevard, Portland, Oregon 97202. Periodicals postage paid at Portland, Oregon. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland OR 97202-8138.

Reed magazine september 2010

02_Editors Note.indd 2

7/26/10 4:49 PM

Letters to Reed Confronting Drug Use The June 2010 article “Fatal Overdoses Focuses Attention on Drug Use and Reed” left me feeling both saddened and worried. In confronting drug abuse, Reed cannot enforce our way out of the problem. Adopting the tactics of the “war on drugs” will only push the problem of dangerous drug use underground, where it will be less responsive to prevention and education. Drug abuse is a societal problem that touches all corners of our society, including elite liberal arts colleges. Reed draws big thinkers, experimenters, and seekers. All of these attributes make Reed the unique place it is. It also forms the backdrop for experimentation of a variety of types. Sadly, for some people this experimentation becomes drug addiction or worse. This is not unique to Reed and I doubt that threats will stop these problems. In Reed’s quest to deal with dangerous illegal drugs, I see a real risk of merely displacing the problem. The demand for intoxicants and alcohol is responsible for more than its share of college student deaths. To attack illicit drug use requires a holistic understanding of the problem and a complex understanding of the varied motives and risks that people experience. Meeting the dictates of the law, backed with vague threats, is important but it requires clear thinking and not reactionary policy. Another issue in addressing drug abuse at Reed is conflating Renn Fayre with the problem of drug abuse. It is worth noting that neither of the tragic overdose deaths that have occurred in recent years had anything to do with Renn Fayre. A public and media obsession with Renn Fayre and drugs does not point us toward the real problems that some individuals have with drug abuse. In sum, other institutions have tried and failed to enforce their way out of the problem of drug abuse. For Reed to conduct a three-pronged approach of prevention, education, and enforcement has potential, but there needs to be a recognition that enforcement has the potential to undermine the trust required to do smart education and effective prevention. In seeking to keep students safe, there must be a complex understanding of the problem, not a desire to just create good optics for the college. —Scott Beutel ’06 St. Paul, Minnesota I was saddened to learn of the death of two Reed students due to heroin overdose. It is good that Reed is responding with education, counseling and enforcement, but this is not enough. The Reed culture itself plays a part in this tragedy. The Reed culture, as I experienced it, was devoted

primarily to intellectual accomplishment, valued individualism, applauded nonconformity, and challenged the norms of society. There is much that is valuable and attractive in that culture, and like many Reed students I was proud of it. But the Reed culture also has a darker side. People need more than intellectual challenge and stimulation in order to thrive. Individualism often leads to isolated individuals. Some of the challenged norms are vital to sustaining people’s lives. The campus culture tolerated the abuse of alcohol and drugs. No doubt the Reed culture has changed somewhat in the years since I was there. From what I have gathered, however, the features that I mentioned above are still very much a part of the college. In particular, the abuse of alcohol and drugs seems to be even more tolerated than it was in the ’60s. With young people, it is not uncommon for a brilliant intellect to be in the same personality along with immaturity and vulnerability. A person who is isolated from others is even more vulnerable to drug addiction, and no one is likely to know about the addiction. Even if others know, they may not act if they believe it is none of their business. Two young men have died from drugs. There must be many others whose lives have been devastated by drug addiction. Institutional culture is very resistant to change. I hope this tragedy gives the Reed community (and especially its leaders) the courage and determination to reexamine the campus culture and change those parts of it that contribute to the college drug problem. If Reed is to continue to deserve our respect, the campus culture must insist that the destruction of young lives through drugs, or any other means, is not acceptable. —Chris Meyer ’66 Tacoma, Washington

A Mother’s Thanks I remember walking through Reed’s beautiful campus four years ago with my son, Ryan Lau ’10. I loved looking at the ivy-covered buildings and marveled at the breathtaking Reed College canyon. I attended the parents’ orientation and found out about Reed’s Honor Principle and philosophy of learning. I listened to questions from parents regarding drug use and campus safety, and thought to myself, is this the right college for Ryan? Flash forward to 2010. Next week, I will be walking again through Reed’s beautiful campus; however, instead of going to a parents’ meeting, I will be present for Ryan’s commencement ceremony. Ryan will be graduating with a degree in physics and will attend Cornell University for his PhD. There is no doubt Reed was the right college for Ryan. Ryan is an

Caption Contest!

What is going on here? Can you concoct an (im)plausible caption for this historic Reed photograph? Send us your submission in the enclosed envelope ; on no account should

you strive for historical accuracy. We’ll print the most amusing entry in the next edition, thus ensuring eternal fame among your classmates. If that’s not a prize, we don’t know what is.

independent thinker, self-motivated, academically inclined, and responsible—a true Reedie. I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge President Colin Diver and his outstanding faculty for enriching Ryan’s life with a passion for learning that will take him to new heights! Thank you very much for giving Ryan an incredible education journey that will last a lifetime. Mahalo and best wishes. —Gayle Lau Honolulu, Hawaii Editor’s Note: Ryan is one of the students featured in our article Ten from ’10.

september 2010 Reed magazine

03-05_Letters iii.indd 3

7/26/10 4:51 PM

Letters to Reed continued In Praise of the DoJo What a wonderfully different place Reed must be today compared to 1949–52! Tears streamed down my cheeks as I read this article (“Sharpening Skills at the DoJo,” June 2010). I never expected to see these problems openly addressed at Reed and found your words stunning in the way they brought back long submerged memories and feelings of my days as a confused teenager at Reed. “Bright” and somewhat self-important, I lacked the academic habits and skills of a serious student and struggled to keep up with more experienced and articulate classmates many of whom were G.I. Bill, World War II veterans in their mid-20s. It’s been almost 60 years, but the self-imposed “impostor” label still sticks. Did I fool the folks at Reed all those many years ago? Maybe, as in three years no one ever suggested remediation. No one, least of all myself, said anything at all about the possibility of a problem. In those days we all knew it was “sink or swim” at Reed, but some of us just couldn’t figure out what to make of that. In retrospect, it seem obvious that a few swimming lessons might have done the trick. Maybe if I hadn’t waited until age 55 to become the really good swimmer that I am now, I’d have been able to travel a much more productive and exciting 78-year life path. Who knows what would have happened if the DoJo Center had been there when I was? —Penny Pereira Johnson ’53 Falmouth, Maine

“ Tears streamed down my cheeks as I read this article . . . I never expected to see these problems openly addressed at Reed.” —Penny Pereira Johnson ’53 I was pleased to see (Reed, June) that the former residence of Dorothy Johansen ’33 is now the site of a program to tutor and assist students. The college is right to recognize that students new to Reed, no matter how bright, may need help in their study habits. Indeed, some students of former times might have benefited. I particularly applaud the creation of an antiprocrastination program. I had an experience with procrastination many years ago in that very building. I enrolled in Professor Johansen’s American History class, and once a week we students went up to her house to drink her coffee, ravage her supply of cinnamon graham crackers, and talk history. However, the main project for the semester was a long paper that each student was to write.

I chose a topic and kept assuring Professor Johansen that I was pursuing it and working on it, but I was being economical with the truth. I never did get the paper written. Dottie Jo, wherever you are in Historians’ Heaven, please forgive me; it wasn’t your fault. Michael Mahoney ‘62 San Francisco

On the Origins of Hum Play You reproduced a program for the Hum 110 play in the Reed magazine March 2010 issue. I’m the artist (and it was the cover of the program, not a poster). I was the program artist (and set designer) for the first four years of the play. A little credit please! Thanks. —Susan Reagel ’97 Portland, Oregon

Remembering Joan White I was saddened to see the footnote in Reed magazine, which announced the death of Joan White. Back in the day, Joan ran the campus events office, a smoke-filled room on the ground floor of Eliot Hall Hum 110 play program cover by Susan Reagel ’97. in which the nonacademic events on campus were scheduled. In Joan’s office, one could reserve a room, scholarships, I was assigned to Joan, or, as she schedule an event, or score one of the dozens of eventually was known, “Mother White.” There were several of us, different students jobs that arose as a result of her duties. Joan paid students to calligraph announcements and banners, from year to year, doing everything from usherto post the announcements, to record humanities ing at graduations to cleaning up after faculty lectures, to usher at graduation, and to bartend at meetings and alumni reunions. And, Joan stayed, trustee events. (Burt Lancaster liked his martini too, every time, until the last dish. The ’60s. Reed’s decision to forego federal loans dry.) The plum job was “art guard”—being paid to study for five hours on a weekend afternoon for its students (due to the allegiance clause) and while babysitting the artwork in the Faculty Office the early entrance of most everyone on campus Building gallery. Joan provided coffee (free, if you into the anti-Vietnam movement meant Reed didn’t have a dime), secondhand smoke, and a place students largely were perceived and treated as to blow off steam between classes while socializing “pinko,” anti-war radicals who looked ratty, smelled with the other regulars who came in to say hi and bad, and gave Portland a bad rep. I suppose much look for jobs. Best of all, Joan would occasionally of that was true, except the part about our odor. Through all of it, Joan gave us her support, as sit back, look you in the eye, and provide just the long as we showed up on time and in acceptable right piece of advice at the right time. Joan was also an accomplished cook and gar- attire. It didn’t occur to me, until much later, how dener. She once took up my challenge to make jelly much she shaped me during that tumultuous time. out of some ornamental crabapples I picked on A single mother with three children (John, Janet, campus. As she’d predicted, it was sweet, pink, and and James) thrust into needing to earn a living (just fairly tasteless. After Joan’s retirement from Reed, like me), she taught me perspective, unconditional Florence Lehman took up a collection from friends inclusion, showed me how to disagree—graciously. I graduated, kept in touch with her for sevof Joan for her to build a greenhouse. I like to think of her productively puttering and selling flowers to eral years, and stayed in her home on northeast local gardeners. Her office provided a haven from Alameda for my 15th (or was it my 20th?) class the stresses of academics, and Joan was a reliable reunion. She had finally quit smoking (almost), source for friendship, wisdom, and gossip for both and was still coordinating special events, still students and faculty. She is a treasured part of my helping shape lives, still being “Mother White.” Reed experience, and I’m glad to have known her. The issues in the world had changed; her passion —Randy Hardee ’80 for Reed and its students had not. So, when I read of her passing, I had to make Alexandria, Virginia certain that her contribution to Reed College is My Reed was a matriarchy. The important persons not forgotten. It stays forever in the hearts of all in my world at that time were Ann B. Shepard of us who were privileged to be one of hers, even (dean of students), Florence Lehman ’41 (alumni for a little while. —BJ (Betty Jo) Blavat ’66 director), and the “newbie,” Joan White (coordiSedona, Arizona nator of special events). As a student required (Mother’s Day) to earn her keep to secure necessary loans and

Reed magazine september 2010

03-05_Letters iii.indd 4

7/26/10 4:52 PM

Sappho and Mary Barnard Letters in the June 2010 issue of Reed—a discussion of Mary Barnard ’32 and the poet Sappho— reminded me of an article about the same subject from an earlier issue of Reed (“Afternoons with the Muse,” by John Sheehy ’82, August 1999). That earlier article had inspired me to write the enclosed poem, titled “Revelation”: The few phrases remaining From the ancient Greek poet Sappho’s poems Regarding maidens, moons, Bridegrooms, and trees, Make me deplore Wordiness. Intrigued, inspired, I resolve to write My own poor poems With pale pencils On scraps of paper— In humble tribute To Sappho’s brevity, Genius, immortality. —Eileen Reierson MAT ’67 Portland, Oregon

Serendipity on the Quad If you skipped reunion weekend at Reed, you missed a lot. To be sure, there are disappointments as well as pleasant surprises—downpours (no surprise there) and sunshine (wonderful), friends who failed to show up (why?) and almost-forgotten classmates who turn out to remember one another after all. And we all seem to have mellowed. There is also a better than even chance of serendipity happening, as it did to me during the “All Class Dinner” on Saturday. Wandering around looking for friends, my attention was caught by a warm and welcoming smile on the face of an elderly graduate—as did his unusual name, visible on his nametag. I stopped to inquire where in Central or Eastern Europe he might have come from, and although disappointed that he was not Hungarian, I thoroughly enjoyed our brief encounter. A mere two weeks later, in Berlin, I caught an item in the International Herald Tribune by regular New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof about the recent death of his father, Ladis Kristof ’55. I felt as if I had lost a friend, though the son’s tribute to his father was really my introduction—what a career he had! How proud Reed should be of the role it played in his life! And how glad I am that, thanks to attending my class’s 45th reunion, I had a serendipitous encounter with an inspirational individual I would otherwise never have met. —Constance Putnam ’65, MAT ’66 Concord, Massachusetts Editor’s Note: Ladis was an amazing character, even by Reed standards. Look for an obituary in the next issue.

PUZZLEd CORNER

Hunting For Clues

Compiled by Brandon Hamilton ’10

You know Reed—but how well do you know Reedies? A free bumper sticker to the first 12 readers who can correctly answer the following questions about our illustrious classmates. Note that the puzzle has been fiendishly designed to confound Googlers and to encourage good old-fashioned browsing. The answers are all in this issue! Whose work on the San Francisco improv scene helped him land 50 appearances on Cheers and a role in the film Office Space? Who swept the Atlantic for mines during World War II, helped start the communications firm that became Sprint, and argued a case before the Supreme Court?

Who left an American internment camp with a desire to prove his patriotism by enlisting in the army and becoming an award-winning cardiologist? Who was galvanized by the 1973 oil embargo to design a fuel-efficient vehicle capable of a top speed of 200 mph?

Got ‘em? Email your answers to puzzled@reed.edu or send postcard, letter, or other literary contrivance to Puzzled Corner c/o Eliot Hall 212, 3203 SE Woodstock Boulevard, Portland Oregon 97202.

Remembering Marilois Ditto Kierman ’43 In my first term at Reed, I was a sailor in the cast of Pinafore, directed by Marilois. She had perfect pitch of great accuracy, which is not always a blessing. During one rehearsal in the old student union, she finally could stand no more of the errant intonation of the Reed orchestra, so she told them to “take 10,” and while they were gone, went around and tuned all their instruments, after which they sounded better. She was dainty and slender with delicate features and an effortless femininity, so it was perhaps inevitable that her husband, Frank A. Kierman Jr. MA ’43, would nickname her “Butch.” I still have a visual memory of them walking across the big front lawn to Anna Mann, with Frank’s right hand at the nape of her neck, and I still relish an audio memory of her playing a Brahms two-piano piece with Art Wilson ’45 on two grand pianos that were temporarily in the chapel. What a joyous noise they made one Saturday afternoon. —Fred White ’50 Coquille, Oregon

Reed in the ’30s Thanks a lot for keeping me in touch with Reed. I majored in psychology with Professor Monte Griffith [1926–54], who was a true wit. Another faculty member I enjoyed was Alexander Goldenweiser [1933–39], who offered a course in anthropology. He was a chain smoker, and

I can still recall him lecturing with a cigarette in his mouth, not pausing even as the ashes lengthened to half the length of the “coffin nail” or else dropped off. I loved my time at Reed. Outstanding memories include Bessie Dariotis Twyman ’36, for her sexy beauty and intelligence. I remember dancing with her and enjoyed it tremendously! I’m sorry I didn’t have the serchal (Yiddish for nerve) to ask her on a date. (Editor’s note: we’re sorry to say Bessie died in 1982.) Reed changed the course of my life in many ways. Most notably by giving me the confidence, or was it that I profited from learning the fact that my building self-confidence was essential for a successful life? My profession has been as a clinical psychologist with a specialty in clinical psychotherapy. Buddies made life full of jolly times, and I recall Jack Glover ’36, Jack Witter ’36, and Bob Lucas ’36. I played tennis with Bob and others. Played in a quartet with Jack G. My instrument was violin. I conducted the Reed orchestra for a time, a very delightful experience, at graduate ceremonies. So I’ll stop on that note (doodle of some notes on a treble clef) and say: I loved my life at Reed and I’m most grateful to the two men who were at Reed before me and recommended I go to the college. Thanks to Reed for all that it meant to me! A great deal! —Albert Freeman ’36 Los Angeles, California september 2010 Reed magazine

03-05_Letters iii.indd 5

7/26/10 4:52 PM

Eliot Circular

News from campus

Biggest Class Ever Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, great aunts, wayward uncles, delighted grandmas, stalwart friends, and faithful dogs crowded under the gleaming big top in May to celebrate commencement. Reed’s 96th graduating class was the largest in its history, with no fewer than 343 proud seniors stepping up to the podium to receive their diplomas. As usual, the English department topped the roster with 41 graduates, followed by psychology (33). Anthropology (29) made a remarkably strong showing, edging out history (28) and biology (27). At the other

06-11_EliotCircular iii.indd 6

end of the scale, the less populous majors included Russian/anthropology (1), classics/ religion (1), and international and comparative policy studies (1). The commencement address was given by Larry Sanger ’91, the cofounder of Wikipedia, who spoke on the ambitious theme of “What Is the Meaning of Life?” and concluded with a rather old-fashioned answer: Contemporary life seems notoriously alienating and devoid of meaning . . . Our lives become scripted parts of efficient business and social processes. We follow the scripts willingly, which dictate how we advance in our careers and home life. In fact, right

now a script is coming to a conclusion for you. Commencement punctuates the end of one script, and marks the beginning of many others. We follow life’s scripts—even nonconformist Reedies do so—simply because we’re ambitious, we are naturally proud of our accomplishments, and we do not want to place our potential at risk. This is often not merely understandable, it is usually commendable. Following the scripts of postindustrial society can in time earn you a great education, an impressive position, a large salary, the respect of your peers, and a satisfying home and family life. Those are not bad things, of course, and all are worth working hard for. The trouble comes when you follow a script long after you have discovered that it

7/26/10 4:55 PM

Our Brilliant Students Fulbright Scholarship

requires you to act contrary to your principles, or that it would have you ignore more meaningful opportunities. The courage to act according to your best judgment, even when it goes contrary to the script, requires the virtue of integrity. If there is one guarantee of a sense of meaning in your life, it is living with integrity. But integrity is a sadly waning virtue in our postindustrial society. I think of it as the cornerstone of a group of related virtues, which are also neglected: humility, independence of mind, and the courage to do the unusual or unpopular thing . . . To read Larry’s speech in its entirety, see www.reed.edu/commencement/index.html.

Congratulations to Piper Wheeler ’10, Reed’s newest Fulbright Scholar. Piper, a Russian major who wrote her thesis with Lena Lenˇcek, will travel to St. Petersburg to translate Vladislav Khodasevich’s Silver Age memoirs, Necropolis, while studying Russian literature at Smolny College.

Mary Barnard Award It’s like a headache caffeine can’t fix. Thus begins “America,” by Christina de Villier ’11, winner of the 17th annual Mary Barnard Award from the Academy of American Poets. The verse competition was judged in the spirit of poetic license. What were the criteria? “There are none,” says Karen Bondaruk, assistant to the English Department and administrator of the prize. “It’s up to the individual judge.” This year’s judge was poet Maxine Scates, who has taught creative writing at Reed in the past. Christina was delighted with the prize. “As a poet, I feel this poem marks a shift in my style that I would like to keep. It has a lot of energy . . . and it’s sort of a milestone for me.” Also mentioned were Kelly Bolding ’11 for “Troilus and Cressida,” and Sophie Aschwanden ’11 for “Someone Has to Tell Her.” To read Christina’s poem, see www.reed.edu/reed_magazine.

Class of ’21 Awards

Biochemistry/molecular biology major Stephen Eichhorn ’10 and classics major Sam Hotchkiss ’10 were honored with the Class of ’21 Award recognizing “creative work of notable character, involving an unusual degree of initiative and spontaneity.” Stephen’s thesis sought to discover the mechanism by which micro-RNA regulates neuronal development—no small task. “Because his design represented uncharted territory,” said one adviser, “he was forced to develop the logic for his data analyses, something he also did entirely on his own.” Sam Hotchkiss broke new ground in his work on the metrics of Homeric poetry. “The idea of my thesis was to develop a way of reading that actively participates in the creation of a poem as opposed to a thing to be molded in the form of genius,” he said. His professors were impressed, noting “Sam has enhanced our understanding of how Homeric poetry works and done so in a way that challenges and expands our sense of what it means to be creative.”

Meier Awards

Nicholas Drake-McLaughlin ’09, Derek Rutter ’10, and Laura Turcanu ’10 received the Meier Award for Distinction in Economics for exceptional extracurricular involvement and course work. Among the group’s accomplishments: opposing environmental degradation in eastern Europe. “I worked some of my sophomore year for an NGO in Romania which was fighting a gold mining company,” said Laura, who helped local residents develop a viable economic alternative to mining: tourism. —Brandon Hamilton ’10 June 2010 Reed magazine

06-11_EliotCircular iii.indd 7

7/26/10 4:55 PM

Eliot Circular

continued

Experimentalist Poet Creates Seven-Figure Scholarship While being treated for pancreatic cancer this spring, award-winning experimentalist poet Leslie Scalapino ’66 created a scholarship that will be augmented by her estate to form a seven-figure endowment. Leslie passed away in May (see In Memoriam). After creating the scholarship, she talked about her experiences at Reed in an interview with archivist Gay Walker ’69: “The notion that you are devoted to the development of your mind is almost a dedication of yourself to the world, to making a contribution. Developing your mind is the nature of being, basically . . . It’s something that’s deeply exciting.” She found that same excitement in poetry. “Being a poet is a way of life,” she said, “a complete dedication.” Tom Fisher, assistant professor of English at Portland State University, says Leslie’s work “is exemplary of a central commitment of U.S. experimental poetry of the ’70s and ’80s and ’90s to disrupt and challenge conventions of reading and writing . . . Yet in most ways it is immediate and accessible. It is an attentive writing/recording of perception and appearance; a being with the world in language. To read her work with patience tests the traditional limits of reading and becomes an ‘experience.’” “I [always] knew that I wanted to write,” Leslie said. But it was a course on modern poetry from Kenneth Hanson [English, 1954–86] that awakened her interest in poetry. Leslie was also inspired by the way Reed offered many ways of looking at the same

at the time. Writing on the beat poets, she said that a characteristic of all avant garde movements has been “to remove the barrier so that the spectator can no longer be separate from their present, from their being phenomena.” This same idea shows up in the title of one of Leslie’s books: The Animal is in the World like Water in Water, a collaboration with the artist Kiki Smith. As an experimentalist poet, Leslie was freed from tying word to subject, able to Two of Leslie Scalapino’s many books, It’s go in horizontal and Floats Horse-Floats or Horse-Flows. choose phrases for sound and shape. But as a result, she was also sometimes misunderstood. She came back to Reed to present “ Being a poet is a way of life, a complete dedication” her mentor Ken Hanson with her first book. After reading it, “he looked at me as if I were —Leslie Scalapino ’66 stark raving mad,” she said with laughter. Regardless, her work earned many historical period. She enjoyed studying the from UC Berkeley and headed off to search accolades. Among others, her poem “way” intellectual history of the French Revolu- for something more akin to her Reed experi- received the American Book Award from tion in Hum 210 with professor John Tom- ence. She also began writing in earnest. “It the Before Columbus Foundation, the sich [history, 1962–99], while tackling a would be [as if] something would turn itself Poetry Center Award from San Francisco play from the same period in a theatre class on, a mind thing that would say, ‘Now, I’ve State University, and the Lawrence Lipton with Seth Ulman [theatre, 1959–73], while got to do this. It’s happening now.’ So I’d just Prize. Philip Whalen said of her, “Scalareading 18th-century poetry with Samuel sit down, usually with my morning coffee. pino makes everything take place in real Danon [French, 1962–2000]. time, in the light and air and night where I’d just start out.” At Tomsich’s suggestion, she pursued Leslie befriended poets Philip Whalen all of us live, everything happening at once.” graduate studies in history, but was disap- ’51 and Gary Snyder ’51. She had traveled in —Matt Kelly pointed in the program’s narrower, more Asia and lived in Japan as a child and was To make a gift to the Leslie Scalapino Scholarship, specialized approach to the discipline. Frus- conversant in elements of Eastern thought visit giving.reed.edu. trated, she instead earned an MA in English that were not widely understood in America

Reed magazine June 2010

06-11_EliotCircular iii.indd 8

7/26/10 5:10 PM

After reading the New York Times article last year that highlighted the growing demand for financial aid at Reed, seniors Emily Corso ’10, Michael Stapleton ’10, Gina Vorderstrasse ’10, and Ida Peric ’10 decided to take matters into their own hands. They formed the Class of 2010 Scholarship Committee to promote Reed’s first studentfunded scholarship effort. Their mission: to provide support to an entering student with financial need by harnessing the power of many to make a difference for one. “We really wanted to establish a way for students to act on the issue rather than just discuss it,” said Michael. “For the first time, [current students] are directly involved in financially supporting a future Reedie, and I believe that speaks to the strength of our community.” President Diver was so moved by their initiative that he pledged $5,000 of his own money to match the students’ gifts. “As a student and financial aid recipient,” said Gina, “I am very moved that Colin is so invested in Reed’s well-being.” By the end of the fiscal year, 213 Reed students had contributed $6,707. Adding President Diver’s match yielded a total of $11,707 to support an incoming freshman in the fall. “Reed is the only school I applied to,” said Gina, “and it is the only place I can imagine spending my undergraduate years. Next year, a freshman will be here because of the generosity of current Reed students. I hope this creates an awareness that lasts well into the future.”

Stu Mellenberg

2010 Scholarship Harnesses the Power of Many

Reed Welcomes New Dean of Admission Reed College is pleased to welcome international students and minorKeith Todd as the dean of admission. ity students. He is active in national Keith brings to Reed a remarkably admission organizations and has been broad and deep range of experience a spokesperson on admission issues in in the field of highly selective under- the national media. A first-generation college student graduate admission. He previously served as director of admission at Rice himself, Keith received his BA summa University, director of undergraduate cum laude from Southern Methodist admission at Northwestern University, University and completed his course executive director of the Institute of work for a PhD in British literature at International Education in Houston, Stanford. He was a Fulbright fellow in Texas, associate director of admission 20th-century German literature at the and financial aid at Rice, and admis- Universität Augsburg, Germany. “Keith impressed virtually everysion officer at Stanford University. At Rice and Northwestern, Keith oversaw one who interviewed him as a person dramatic increases in the total number who deeply understands and supports of applications, yield, and diversity of Reed’s distinctive academic mission the student body, including impres- and culture,” said President Colin Diver. sive increases in the enrollment of —Kevin Myers

—Matt Kelly

Portland Theatre To Honor Playwright Lee Blessing ’71 A ccl aime d pl ay wr ig ht Lee Fortinbras. In addition, Profile Chesapeake Bay retriever. In an Blessing ’71 will appear at Reed will present three staged read- attempt to push the boundaries in October to read his one-man ings of Lee’s work: When We Go of art and put the senator in his show, Chesapeake, as part of a cel- Upon the Sea, Independence, and place, Kerr embarks on a darebration of his work by the Port- A Walk in the Woods. ing dog-napping with hilariously land company Profile Theatre. Chesapeake, described by tragic results. Profile has selected Lee as Newsday as “a brilliantly offAs the divisional speaker for its featured playwright for their kilter fantasy,” tells the story the division of the arts 2010– 2010–11 season, and will stage of Kerr, a controversial perfor- 2011, Lee will read Chesapeake performances of several of his mance artist; Therm Pooley, a at the Reed Theatre at 7:30 pm plays, including Great Falls, conser vative southern sena- on October 4, and will conduct Chesapeake, Thief River, and tor; and Lucky, Therm’s trusty a question and answer session

afterwards. Reed students, faculty, and staff may reserve complimentary tickets after August 15 at info.reed.edu/theatre/tix. taf. Alumni and the general public may order tickets through Profile Theatre at www.profiletheatre.org. —Anna Mann For more about Lee, see www.reed.edu/reed_magazine.

June 2010 Reed magazine

06-11_EliotCircular iii.indd 9

7/26/10 5:11 PM

Eliot Circular

continued

Rooting For The Other Team

tom humphrey

Led by Selorm Fefeti ’11, a hearty band of Reedies cheered for Ghana.

Gripped by World Cup fever like soccer fans across the globe, a rabid crew of Reed students and alumni gathered at Mickey Finn’s Brew Pub on Woodstock Boulevard last month to watch the U.S.A.-Ghana match. Unlike the other patrons of Mickey Finn’s, however, the Reedies were rooting for . . . Ghana. Ghana boasts a surprisingly strong presence at Reed. Exact numbers are hard to come by, but assistant registrar Ben Bradley ’88 reckons that approximately a dozen students and alumni hail from the West African nation (including Nii Amarteifio ’09, whom we profiled in Spring 2009). In addition, Ghana’s status as the last African team in the World Cup persuaded many of Reed’s international students to deck themselves out in red and yellow and root for the underdog.

The Reedies’ raucous yells puzzled Woodstock passersby as the pub’s doors admitted fresh converts to the contest. “It’s not too late to change,” repeated Javed Parkes ’11 to late arrivals if they cheered for the U.S. team. All eyes were fixed on the pub’s three huge screens as students shouted commands to the Ghanaian players. The Reedies roared when Ghana scored in the first five minutes of the game, and were only briefly bested by the cheers of U.S. fans when a penalty kick evened the score. At the end of extra time, Ghana was victorious with a 2-1 lead, and the triumphant Reed contingent, led by Selorm Fefeti ’11, burst out into the streets, disrupting traffic on Woodstock and waving the Ghanaian flag to the tune of a vuvuzela. —Brandon Hamilton ’10

Perlmutter Elected Chair Roger Perlmutter ’73 was elected company, Roger brings relevant chair of the board of trustees in experience and ambition to the April. Roger is the executive vice role of chair.” Roger succeeds Dan Greenpresident of research and development for the biotechnology berg ’62, who has served as company Amgen, Inc., and has chair since 2002 and has been a served as a trustee since 2004. member of the board since 1975. “I am honored to have the Dan announced his opportunity to serve as chair- intention to resign man of the Reed board of as chair last year, but trustees as we observe the col- will remain a trustlege centennial,” Roger said. ee. The college made “Together with the students, fac- important progress ulty, and staff of the college, and in many areas during with my fellow board members, Dan’s tenure, includI look forward to charting a path ing the appointment for the next 100 years that will of President Diver in preserve the unique character of 2002, the launch of a this extraordinary institution.” $200 million campaign in 2009, President Colin Diver praised and significantly expanding the the election. “I am very pleased size of the faculty and the colthat Roger will lead the board lege’s land holdings. at this exciting moment in the “I am delighted that Roger is college’s history,” said Diver. willing to take on this assign“As a distinguished graduate ment,” Dan said. “I know that who leads a knowledge-based he too will take advantage of the

opportunities and challenges departments of medicine and the college faces as it approaches biochemistry and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the its second century.” Prior to joining Amgen in University of Washington, SeatJanuary 2001, Roger held a suc- tle, and later became a profescession of executive offices at sor and the founding chairman Merck Research Laboratories, of the university’s immunology including senior vice department. Roger is also a director of president and executive vice president Stem Cells, Inc., and chairman of worldwide basic of the board of directors of the research and pre- Institute for Systems Biology, clinical development. a not-for-profit research instiRoger earned his tute based in Seattle, WashingBA in biology at Reed, ton. He was previously president writing his thesis on of the American Association of the immune system. Immunologists, and is a fellow He received his MD of the American Association for and PhD from Washington Uni- the Advancement of Science, versity in St. Louis and conduct- and the American Academy of ed his clinical training in internal Arts and Sciences. Board members Richard H. medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and UCSF. He was Wollenberg ’75 and E. Randolph also a lecturer in the division of Labbe were re-elected as vice biology at the California Insti- chair and secretary, respectively. tute of Technology. He joined the —Kevin Myers

10 Reed magazine June 2010

06-11_EliotCircular iii.indd 10

7/26/10 5:18 PM

Ski Cabin Gets Fresh Coat The Reed Ski Cabin, which has served as the gateway to Mount Hood for generations of students and alumni, is undergoing a longoverdue renovation. Originally constructed in 1949, the cabin has seen considerable wear and tear over the years—and developed a distinctive aesthetic. (Its whimsical assortment of Scrabble tiles—including at least 3 Qs—has confounded many players accustomed to the standard set.) Now a group of donors, led by mountaineering enthusiast George James ’77—who built the cabin’s original sauna in the ’70s—is bringing renewed functionality to the place that meant so much to them during their time at Reed. George’s $700,000 gift will create more amenities, including a game room in the newly finished basement, a ski wax area for equipment repairs, and an outdoor deck. Reed has taken an inclusive approach to the remodel, as a glance at the project’s alumni roster reveals. Sienna Hill ’99 led the design team at ZGF Architects. Her Timberline-like frame will be filled in with fine strokes by furniture maker Todd Nopp ’96, who refashioned some of the cabin’s age-old furnishings with a rustic flair. “My experience at the Ski Cabin was super-comfortable, but sort of grungy,” said Todd. “I’m trying to make it an appealing destination.” Case in point: the cabin’s well worn inn table, once scraped and splintered, now sports iron paneling below its crest and an added drawer. In place of a typical knob is an actual railroad spike, a touch Todd added to make the space more interesting. Todd is also making new furniture for the cabin: inn tables, a coffee table, and an island for the kitchen are among the additions that will fill the spacious interior. Talk of these changes has raised some concern in the alumni community that the remodel would spoil the cabin’s original aesthetic, but Will Symms, assistant director of physical education, disagrees. “I think most people will be delightfully surprised with the changes that occur at the Ski Cabin,” Symms says. “The college has gone to great lengths to ensure that the olde Reed vibe and feelings remain in a new and functional design for present, past, and future generations to enjoy.” Towny Angell, Reed’s longtime director of facilities, is convinced that the cabin

The once (1958) and future Reed Ski Cabin.

will retain its quaint feel, in part because the wood for the new furniture comes to the project from another Reed connection. Sarah Deumling ’69 owns a sustainable forest a few miles west of Salem and has agreed to contribute Douglas-fir wood for the remodel. (Why? It’s the same kind of tree that dots the shoulders of Mt. Hood.) Sarah’s wood has more than sentimental value: cut from a sustainable forest, the trees are cultivated using the industry’s best social

and ecological practices. “I spend hours in the woods every day,” says Sarah. “And the way we do forestry is far more labor-intensive—if you’re not going to spray, there’s more work to be done. It’s a very interesting combination of art and science.” We predict that the Scrabble set will still contain a few surprises. —Brandon Hamilton ’10 For more about the once and future Ski Cabin, see www.reed.edu/sports_center/cabin

June 2010 Reed magazine 11

06-11_EliotCircular iii.indd 11

7/26/10 5:17 PM

Empire of the Griffin Connecting Reed alumni across the globe • Edited by Robin Tovey ’97

Strengthening the Bond By Erik Speckman ’91

In 1991, I sat in the damp spring air under a dark gown in a white tent on Reed’s front lawn, waiting for my name to be called at commencement. I never imagined that 20 years later I’d be welcoming a new class of graduates to the alumni community. I’d been too immersed in Reed to think much about my life after Reed. If I hadn’t been so preoccupied with graduating, I might have applied to graduate school. Instead, the summer was spent contemplating the realities of finding a job and paying rent. I managed to get both a job and rent squared away, but connecting with other Reedies was not something I gave much thought to. The biology department held a reunion a couple of years later, but I’d recently concluded I wasn’t going to pursue biology. I skipped the reunion, feeling that, somehow, I’d let my professors and fellow biology grads down. That decision, and the feelings behind it, I’d later regard as mistaken. A year or two after that, the Rainier chapter announced a new monthly brewpub gathering for alumni in the Seattle area. I quickly became a regular, and eventually jumped in to help keep it going. Volunteering for my 10th class reunion turned out to be more work and more rewarding than I anticipated. I saw lots of familiar faces at the reunion, but no one I’d really known very well, which worked out nicely—rather than sharing stories with old friends, I talked to people I’d not known when we were originally on campus together. I heard new stories, and sometimes, the other sides of old stories. Meeting people from a span of decades at brewpub nights, and meeting new people from my own time at Reed, gave me the chance to realize both how much I had in common with most Reedies, and how interesting our differences were. I’ve had the chance to see how other people have wrestled with the question of “life after Reed,” and the answers they’ve tried. If I’d had the

benefit of their perspectives as a new grad, if I’d talked to other alumni about their experiences, rather than isolating myself from them, I would have had an easier time. I don’t think I’m alone. I’ve become increasingly involved with the alumni association in the decade since. Over that period, the alumni association has devoted a lot of attention to celebrating Reed’s centennial in 2011. Dozens of alumni volunteers have interviewed hundreds of former students, faculty, and staff for the Oral History Project. Looking back at Reed over a century is a another reminder of the common threads in the Reed experience. Preparations for the centennial continue, and we hope the 2011 reunion will be the biggest ever, but my own interests run towards the question of how alumni can support one another. I’ve enjoyed working with the alumni board to chip away at this issue. We’ve organized pizza parties across the country where alumni welcome new grads. We’ve also worked to improve career networking and host career networking events in a number of chapter cities. This work is ongoing, and it is core to the plans we’ve been making for our efforts beyond the centennial celebration. In particular, I think narrowing the gap between current students and alumni can provide benefits for both groups. Drawing on the experiences of alumni can help current students and new graduates as they make plans for their own lives. Sharing those experiences, and facilitating the connections that make such sharing possible, is a way for alumni to make meaningful contributions to the success and happiness of Reed students and other alumni. I’ll expand on our plans in future columns. In the meantime, I hope you’ll make your plans to join us for the centennial reunions from June 6–12, 2011.

Local hosts needed! New grads: are you moving to a new community, and would you like to touch base with a local Reedie who can help you navigate unfamiliar waters? Alumni: are you willing to take an occasional call or have coffee once or twice with a fellow Reedie who is newly graduated or just new to your area? The “local hosts” option within IRIS is the key! By checking the “alumni local host” box on the volunteer page, you can let your fellow alumni know they are welcome to contact you (via your preference). Interested in finding a willing contact where you’re going? Go to the bottom of the directory search page, and limit your search accordingly, or send email to Marcia Yaross ’73 at marcia.yaross@alumni.reed.edu.

Reed Diaspora Pizza Save the evening of Thursday, September 16, for Reed Diaspora Pizza, when alumni around the globe will welcome new grads into the fold. This will be the sixth-annual pizza party to celebrate the class of 2010 as they join the Reedie diaspora, leaving campus for cities far and wide (or good old Portland!). Last year’s gatherings brought out alumni in 15 cities across the Western Hemisphere to eat, drink, and welcome new graduates to their respective areas. For locations, see www.reed.edu/alumni/ chapters/pizza.html.

Call for Nominations The board of alumni invites nominations for the Babson Award, which recognizes alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the college in 2010 through their different forms of volunteer generosity. Also, the Foster-Scholz Club is seeking nominations of alumni who attended Reed 40 or more years ago (currently the classes of 1970 and earlier) for its distinguished service award. This tradition was begun in 1975 and is designed to recognize a club member (in Portland or not) who has made major contributions to the community or the college. These awards are presented during Reunions. The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2011. Submit nominations in writing to alumni@reed.edu.

Erik is president of the board of directors of the Reed alumni association. Reach him at erik.speckman@alumni.reed.edu.

12 Reed magazine september 2010

12-13_EmpireOftheGriffin iii.indd 12

7/26/10 5:21 PM

photos, left and right: eric cable

Foster-Scholz Awards

Igor Declares Victory Political satirist Igor Vamos ’90 gave the keynote address at Reunions 2010. Clad in one of the ill-fitting thrift-store suits that have become his trademark, the professional prankster recounted the theory and practice of his adventures in mediajamming. As a founding member of The Yes Men, Igor has pulled off several outrageous hoaxes, such as impersonating corporate spokespeople on national TV and handing out thousands of fake copies of the New York Times. In a separate appearance covered by ABC, NBC, CNN, the New York Times, and MTV’s “Spring Break Party Weekend,” Igor parachuted onto the Great Lawn to declare “victory over bad things” before the heads of state of the G20 nations, the Dalai Lama, and all 265 popes. Brandishing the severed head of Dick

William Aegerter ‘85

Shirley Gittelsohn ’49 and Constance Putnam ’65 received the Foster-Scholz Distinguished Service Award, which honors alumni who have made major contributions to the community and the college. Shirley Gittelsohn has been vice chair of the Oregon Arts Commission; governor’s representative to the Western States Arts Association; and a member of both the Portland Performing Arts Center selection committee and the Cannon Beach Arts Complex planning committee. She has provided her support to Jewish agencies and organizations, higher education, and various political causes. She serves on the Reed alumni board and is an active member of the Reed community. Paintings and Reflections, a retrospective of her art, was published in 2009 and celebrated in an exhibition in the Vollum College Center. Constance Putnam is a celebrated scholar, an active alumna, and a dedicated volunteer. She has served Reed in myriad ways: participating in the current Reed Campaign Committee–Boston and in the National Advisory Council; as an admission volunteer; and as an alumni board member. A native New Englander, Constance has had a visible presence in her hometown, Concord, Massachusetts, where she has served on the Concord Human Rights Council and as a board member for Concord Family Services. Her scholarly pursuits on medical history and ethics include The Science We Have Loved and Taught: Dartmouth Medical School’s First Two Centuries; Hospice or Hemlock?: Searching for Heroic Compassion; Improve, Perfect, & Perpetuate: Dr. Nathan Smith and Early American Medical Education, with Oliver S. Hayward; and In Spite of Innocence, with Michael Radelet and Hugo Bedau. She was a Fulbright scholar in 2005.

Camp Westwind

Cheney on a 14th-century Swiss halberd, Igor then enumerated a list of accomplishments, including the end of global warming, worldwide redistribution of wealth according to need, and the creation of zero-calorie organic butter. “Now that the world has been put to rights, it’s time for me to take my rightful place at the right hand of Buddha in the Glorious People’s Paradise in the sky,” Igor said, chucking a tittering wood nymph under the chin. “You guys can take it from here.” Igor’s remarks were cut short when a community safety officer, responding to a call about rampant hoaxing in Reed magazine, gave him a stern lecture and escorted him to the edge of campus. —Marty Smith ’88

The weekend retreat at Camp Westwind for alumni and their families, sponsored by the Portland alumni chapter, will be October 15–17, 2010. Join alumni from a variety of eras, and swap Olde Reed stories and songs in a beautiful forested setting on the Oregon coast. A limited number of reduced-rate spaces are available for kitchen and cleaning crew people. For details and registration, please see www.reed.edu/alumni/westwind.

Camp Westwind from across the Salmon River at Cascade Head

september 2010 Reed magazine 13

12-13_EmpireOftheGriffin iii.indd 13

7/26/10 5:21 PM

The Last Lectures We salute three retiring (and not so retiring) instructors.

Craig Clinton

Bonnie Garrett

director, private music program, 1988.

To step into Prexy, with its elegant practice with no hammer action, as a musician you rooms, secret passageways, and marvelous must use timing to add dynamics to a piece.) instruments, is to enter Bonnie Garrett’s . . . Bonnie made Prexy a welcoming place of realm—a realm where music reverberates retreat on campus. I worked very hard at not just through the halls but throughout Reed; I think I was able to keep up a high students’ lives. Reed’s private music pro- level of intellectual intensity at Reed in part gram has undergone considerable growth because of the balance provided by my escasince Bonnie first began teaching piano and pades at Prexy. I think this was the case for harpsichord in the late ’70s: the number of a lot of Reedies. On a more personal level, students has doubled (last year topping 140) I remember having many healthy converand range has expanded to include every- sations with Bonnie about performance, thing from sitar to guzheng, a Chinese harp. academics, time management, family—all At the same time, the essentials have kinds of things; she was an extremely posichanged very little. “We get many students tive figure during my time at Reed.” who have never had formal instruction, At her final Friday at Four concert, Bonnie who just make incredible progress because says, “My harpsichord lid bears a Latin inscripthey concentrate and work hard,” she says. tion, that translated says ‘Music is a compan“Sometimes they have their heart set on tack- ion to joy, medicine in sorrow.’ It has been ling an ambitious piece that I would never a reassuring motto in the low times that we set them as an instructor, yet they often all experience, but also accompanies the joyamaze me with what they can accomplish.” ous aspects of my daily life as I listen to Reed Reed students are generally drawn to students engage in music making. According pieces from the romantic period, pieces in to the Greek writer Aristoxenus, ‘rhythm’ is minor keys, and Bach, Bonnie says, espe- an activity, a verb. In ‘rhythming’ something, cially preludes and fugues. one gives it organization, shape, form, and a “I had the opportunity to interact with distinctive life. I witness this when I walk into Bonnie in her capacity as a piano and early Prexy, the chapel, or Kaul and hear the ‘rhythkeyboard instrument teacher, as private ming’ of instrument and voice, the bringing of music director, and, less formally, as a men- inanimate objects to life. This is indeed my joy.” tor and confidant,” says Moira Gresham ’04. In retirement, Bonnie looks forward to “As a teacher, Bonnie inspired me to study playing more often; she plans on recording and play Bach. She also taught me how to some Bach sonatas for harpsichord and viola play instruments like the harpsichord and da gamba, to do some painting, to spend organ. (For example, due to the lack of direct time with her grandson, and to teach one volume control in keyboard instruments day a week. —Chris Lydgate

theatre, 1978.

Craig has brought the theatre department a long way during his 32 years at Reed, but some things have remained the same. When he came to interview for the job, no one on the search committee could figure out how to turn the lights on in the theatre. This is still a mystery, and learning their operation remains a rite of passage. Fortunately, Craig’s interview was in 1978, when many people smoked, so he was shown the theatre by match light. For many years, Craig was essentially a one-man theatre department, teaching classes, directing productions, and advising senior theses. He inspired an incredible number of people to found theatre companies, become managing directors and artistic associates of major companies, and to teach at prestigious colleges and at public schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Craig himself has made contributions to scholarship, not only through his teaching but also through his research and writing (including biographies of Mrs. Leslie Carter and Cora Urquhart Potter). Craig is also famous for his dry wit and understated quirkiness, revealed in this story from a theatre history class. “We were all required to perform different scenes and, under popular pressure, Craig agreed to do one as well, playing Sir Peter Teazle in School for Scandal. Before the class, however, he’d gone around the room and hidden many slips of paper with his lines on them in all these nooks and crannies, so that all of his ‘blocking’ consisted of drifting to the next spot to get the next piece of paper and say his line. The last line of the scene, of course, was taped to the bottom of his shoe, which he pulled off and read with great élan.” I think Craig’s firm belief in the vital connection between theory and practice,

14 Reed magazine september 2010

14-15_Last Lectures.indd 14

7/26/10 5:26 PM

Quantum Mechanic: Nick Wheeler ’55 explores

research and production, and his respect matter with J. Robert Oppenheimer. for all elements of production—and for all his students—played no small role in the department’s success in producing so many active theatre professionals. He really worked to foster a community of collaboration, which is what the magic of theatre is all about. I will close with a story from the first time Craig directed The Marriage of Bette and Boo. ing issues in physics become entwined with Erin Merritt ’89 (founder of the all-female San issues seemingly remote from physics. PhysFrancisco Shakespeare troupe Woman’s Will) ics emerges as a strand in the broad history hoped to play Bette, as did her friend Anne of ideas. Questions and discoveries located Washburn ’91 (recipient of a Guggenheim felwithin the history of physics serve today to lowship in playwriting), but they were also shape the thought and activity not only of both being considered for the smaller role research physicists, but all of us. of Joan. In high school, Erin wrote, she had “To be a physicist is to wonder, sooner or watched people read small roles badly and later, about the features of world and mind large roles well, while she read everything as that make physics possible. And to be a teachwell as she could and, perhaps therefore, often er—of physics or of anything—is to wonder ended up in smaller roles. about the features of mind, personality, and “When the inevitable happened,” she institutional arrangement that make such wrote,” and [Craig] cast [Anne] as Bette and accidents possible, probable, inevitable. It’s Nick Wheeler ’55 physics, 1963. me as Joan, he called me into his office and a mystery within a mystery. But it’s been a talked to me in kinder terms than I knew Nick Wheeler grew up in The Dalles, a wind- source of deep satisfaction to work daily in possible, letting me know that he knew it swept town in the high desert of Eastern the shadow of such mysteries, with students was hard for me, and that I had read just as Oregon, and came to Reed to study phys- and colleagues who share my mystification.” well. This time he took on my behalf made ics in 1951. While he was a senior at Reed, There are innumerable stories about more difference than I can ever explain and he visited with J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Nick; math professor Tom Wieting provided truly helped me get over my disappoint- director of the Manhattan Project. A photo this one. “In my second year at Reed, I gave ment and enjoy the role I did have. It also of the encounter documents that two distinc- a lecture in the Physics Seminar Series on made me more resilient in the real world of tive Wheeler traits were already well estab- crystallography. At one point, I drew one theatre, since I saw through his eyes the way lished: the giant forehead and the bow tie. diagram to represent the underlying matha cast comes together from different flavors After writing his thesis with Asim Barut, Nick ematical theory—a pristine, elegant little like a recipe; that one is not cast because earned a PhD from Brandeis and worked at rectangle—and another to represent the one is ‘best’ or ‘most deserving’ or any other the European Laboratory for Particle Physics refractory, recalcitrant real world—a tangle obvious thing, because there are so many before joining the Reed faculty in 1963. of squiggles. A voice rose from the audience: people that are good, even great at a role. In his time at Reed, Nick has earned a ‘That’s all very well, Tom, but you have the As I moved into directing, I have thought of reputation not only as a brilliant theorist pictures backwards.’” his conversation with me many, many times but as a singular teacher. The mere mention Nick is also renowned for his lucid style as I have passed over the best actor for a of his name provokes reverence from former of writing. For decades, physics majors have lesser actor who is just the right flavor for a students. “Nick Wheeler is a wellspring of treasured their “Wheeler Notes,” many comrole, or the actor who has worked hardest for inspiration to study and—more important— posed in beautiful longhand, which together someone who just personified a role. I have to do physics,” says Frank Morton-Park ’10. comprise a veritable encyclopedia of physics. tried to spread the kindness by letting these “I often left his lectures galvanized to further Unlike some physicists, who are content actors know they deserved better and that I understand the advanced concepts he pre- to communicate in jargon, Nick has always would be watching out for ways to cast them sented. For this I would turn to his lecture sought clarity. “My work at Reed—distracin the future. Craig made me a better person notes, which expounded the concepts with tions aside—consists of teaching and writand a more caring director through this little insightful clarity while motivating me to ing as clearly as I know how,” he once said. moment of his time and great kindness of explore them in detail.” Nick is an avid hiker and an accomplished his heart. And Anne and I are still friends.” Nick’s approach to the discipline is revealed cellist—he played for many years in string So we thank you, Craig, for fostering a in a statement he made in 1996. “Physics lives quartets and the Portland Opera. Sometime community of creative, productive theatrical not only at its cutting edge,” he said. “The ques- in the early ’70s, he began a project to build friends. You have made a tremendous differ- tions most lively at the research frontier all a period harpsichord, using wood salvaged ence in many people’s lives. And someday have roots—are variants usually of much from the old pipe organ in the chapel. We you’ll come for a visit and there will be a new older questions—and to be effective at the understand this project has been almost performing arts building—and someone frontier it is important to understand those complete for decades. Perhaps retirement will have to show you how to turn on the roots, which invariably are intricately tangled will afford him the time to apply the final lights. —Kathleen Worley and deep. Traced to their origins, the endur- coat of varnish. —Chris Lydgate september 2010 Reed magazine 15

14-15_Last Lectures.indd 15

7/26/10 5:26 PM

Chain Reaction

A.A. Knowlton

[physics 1915–48] Einstein said “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Tony Knowlton, a contemporary of Einstein, understood even the new subject of special relativity well enough to teach it to freshmen. Knowlton’s text, Physics for College Students, was a significant contribution to physics education, and in 1952 he received the Oersted Medal, the highest honor for excellence in physics teaching. His influence on Reed students is legendary.

Physics is just one department among many at Reed where strong mentorship paves the way for exploration, discovery, and a quantum leap for students in understanding the world around them. Teaching at Reed is enabled by gifts large and small—you don’t have to endow a chair to make a profound impact on the lives of students, and the lives of everyone they touch. Want to find out more about the impact of your gifts? Flip through this magazine; you’ll see a chain reaction on every page. —Matt Kelly

Howard Vollum ’36 Student of Knowlton, built an oscilloscope at Reed that he later perfected at his company Tektronix. Founded the Vollum Chair.

graphic by Tom Humphrey

Bruce Wilson ’29 Student of Knowlton, became chief of the mechanics division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, developed Tuckerman strain gauge, was later involved in calibration of thrust measurement for booster rockets in early U.S. manned space flight program. Created the Knowlton Scholarship.

A.A. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship

A.A. Knowlton Chair

Phillip Wertheimer ’48 Knowlton advisee, became a mechanical engineer and then director at Longview Fibre. Created the Knowlton Chair.

Jean Delord [physics 1950–88] First holder of Knowlton Chair, member of the French Résistance who escaped from a Nazi work camp. Expert in solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics; also worked at Tektronix, founded by Howard Vollum ’36.

Ted Edlin ’57 Student of Delord, pursued a career in data engineering, computing, conservation, and energy. Helped found the Delord Scholarship.

Dr. Jean F. Delord Scholarship Dr. Jean F. Delord Chair

key

professor

student

scholarship

endowed chair

Paul Mockett ’59 Student of Delord. Retired professor of physics at the University of Washington, developed muon detectors for the ATLAS project at the CERN proton collider near Geneva, Switzerland. Founded the Delord Chair.

16 Reed magazine september 2010

16-17_infographic.indd 16

7/29/10 11:20 AM

Darrell Schroeter ’95 [physics 2003–05, 2007–] Student of Wheeler, specialist in condensed matter theory, returned to Reed to inspire future students.

David Griffiths [physics 1978–2009] Second holder of the Vollum Chair, specialist in classical electrodynamics and elementary particle theory, author of influential undergraduate physics texts, recipient of the Robert A. Millikan Medal for “notable and creative contributions to the teaching of physics.”

Robert Reynolds [physics 1963–2002, 2006–08] First holder of the Brauer Chair, theoretical physicist, developed course in astrophysics, initiated optical observatory Spacelab.

David W. Brauer Chair

Howard Vollum Chair

David Brauer ’83 Student of Griffiths, holds computing patents, co-founded high tech firm Paltek. Created the Brauer Chair.

Richard Crandall ’69 [physics 1978–] Student of Wheeler, first holder of the Vollum Chair, also worked at NeXT and Apple Computer as Apple’s chief cryptographer, then Apple Distinguished Scientist. John Essick

Nicholas Wheeler Chair

[physics 1993–] Second holder of the Brauer Chair, specialist in solid-state physics and advanced laboratory development.

Anonymous Donor Student of Wheeler in the ’60s, retired software engineer. Has included a Wheeler Chair in his will.

Joel Franklin ’97

[physics 2005–] Student of Wheeler, specialist in general relativity, returned to Reed to inspire future students.

Nick Wheeler ’55 [physics 1963–2010] Student of Delord; second holder of the Knowlton Chair; surpassed Knowlton’s 34–year tenure by more than a decade; renowned for his “Wheeler Notes,” handwritten course material composed specifically for each class. See page 14.

How many lives will your gift to Reed change? To make a gift, visit giving.reed.edu or use the enclosed envelope.

september 2010 Reed magazine 17

16-17_infographic.indd 17

7/29/10 11:21 AM

Star Struck

A random accident transported Morgan Spector ’02 from bartending obscurity to Broadway sensation.

Joseph Marzullo/WENN.COM

Morgan Spector was just hours away from rehearsal for another play—he has short- jailed at their precinct to parry an internal his Broadway debut in Arthur Miller’s gritty cropped hair and near perpetual five o’clock- affairs investigation. “People loved it,” Morurban tragedy A View From the Bridge, when shadow, with tattoos on his back, shoulders, gan says. “It was funny and crazy and violent fellow actor Liev Schreiber pulled him aside. and elsewhere, which he got when he was and it was fun.” During rehearsal, Morgan had shown a ten- “stupid and wasn’t thinking,” since they’re He wrote his senior thesis on the idea that dency to rush, to skip over magical moments, “inconvenient for doing stage.” “self” is a set of performances and analyzed the and Schreiber had some advice. “What you’re social gains that take place in Samuel Beckett’s In Miller’s play, the streets of Brooklyn doing is really beautiful,” he said. “Just sit are menacing, the shadows sharp, and long- Endgame and Shakespeare’s King Lear. Like back. Enjoy it.” shoremen sweat out a meager and danger- many Reedies, he cringes when he thinks He told Morgan to look at his love inter- ous existence on the docks. Today, however, about it: “My introduction is actually not est in the play, to really look at her. “Take terrible,” he says, “but the thesis that follows her in,” he said, peering over at his costar. doesn’t really support it and there’s a perfor“She’s so beautiful.” mance chapter that’s incredibly dull.” NeverMorgan Spector It was a moment to relish. A couple of theless, “there was an interesting idea at the attending the after party months earlier, Morgan had been working as core of it that I think is valid, although maybe for the opening night of Arthur Miller’s A View a bartender, with what he calls an “embarrasswasn’t defended or elucidated perfectly.” From The Bridge. ingly minimal” stage résumé. Tired of playing After graduation he appeared in a low-budthe struggling actor, he thought about quitget movie filmed in Oregon and spent three ting every day—he even bought a study guide years at the American Conservatory Theater for the LSAT. Now, because of a freak accident, of San Francisco. In 2006, he moved to New he was about to take to the Broadway stage York, took a job as a waiter in the Meatpackand kiss . . . Scarlett Johansson. ing District, and set out to make it as an actor. That night, and for more than 100 perOver the next couple of years, he played formances, Morgan would play the dashing Morgan was backstage when the Marlon Brando character in David Mann’s Rodolpho, an illegal immigrant from Italy Corleone: The Shakespearian Godfather, which whom the volcanic Eddie (Liev Schreiber) a carefully choreographed retells the Godfather movie in iambic pentambelieves is a homosexual but who has been scene went terribly awry. eter; performed as a 50-year-old Holocaust seducing his niece Catherine (Scarlett Johanssurvivor in a Philadelphia production based son) with the aim of marrying her, thus gainon the work of Isaac Bashevis Singer (“I was ing American citizenship. Along the way, horribly miscast.”); and spent a year on the Morgan racked up sterling reviews. Variety, this chunk of Red Hook has been gentrified. road as a stand-in for Scar, the evil lion, and noting that he stepped in at very short notice, When we arrive at one of the addresses in Pumba, the friendly warthog, in The Lion King. detected “no trace of uncertainty in his per- the play, we discover it’s now the Elite Fit- Back in New York, he threw on a doctor’s formance, which is rich in humor and flirta- ness Club. scrubs for an episode of As the World Turns. tious warmth.” The New York Times labeled his After that Morgan didn’t work as an actor Morgan has traveled a long way to get character as “both as silly and serious as he for almost a year. He wondered if he would here, often over pothole-riddled roads. Born needs to be, and becomes a credible catalyst in Guerneville, a small town in Sonoma end up like so many others who came to New to grim events” (although the reviewer found County, California, he began acting in the York to hit the big time. “I was tired of being fault with his “unfortunate blond coif”). The not quite what I want to be,” he says. Waitlocal theatre when he was seven. In high Hollywood Reporter described him as “rakishly school, he gravitated to baseball and wres- ing tables and catering were co-workers “who charming.” The New York Daily News simply tling until the drama instructor told him she wanted the same thing I did and they’ve never called him “terrific.” needed someone to play the lead in Grease. gotten it and they’ll never get it. It takes a cerSix weeks after Bridge closed, Morgan and At Reed he majored in theatre-literature, tain amount of hubris to think you’re going to I are wandering around Red Hook, Brooklyn, learned about the New York experimental be different than them—because why would taking in the neighborhood where the play tradition, and put on plays with classmates. you be? They had talent, they had focus, they was set. Morgan carries himself with a kind One, penned by Robert Quillen Camp ’99, wanted it too, and they didn’t get it, and you of hip gravitas tinged with Reedie subver- was titled The Pig’s Firebird, and was about start to see that and it’s terrifying.” But Morgan stuck to his guns, and slowsion (his email address is “morgueinspec- corrupt police officers who stage Stravinsky’s ly his luck turned. He landed a bit role on tor”). Clad in black—he had just come from Firebird with the hookers and drug addicts 18 Reed magazine september 2010

18-19_Morgan Spector.indd 18

7/26/10 8:22 PM

Sara Krulwich/The New York Times/Redux

Cast as the rakish Rodolpho, Morgan Spector (center) charms a spellbound Catherine (Scarlett Johansson) while the volcanic Eddie (Liev Schreiber) seethes with rage.

an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, reographed scene between Eddie (Schreiber) play, you’re a hero,” Morgan says. Then came and a small, nameless part as a soldier in M. and Rodolpho (Santino Fontana) went terri- the next show, and the next. When Fontana Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender, follow- bly awry. The script called for Eddie to return proved unable to return, Morgan expected ing these with an appearance in a couple of home drunk, where he encounters Rodolpho. to be replaced by a well-known actor. Instead episodes of HBO’s How to Make It in America. An argument escalates until a rageful Eddie he stayed on as Rodolpho for the entire run. This led to a chance to audition for the role of pins Rodolpho to a table and forcibly kisses Back in Red Hook, rain clouds gather in him—except Schreiber stumbled and Fon- charcoal skies. Morgan and I duck in for a understudy in A View from the Bridge. To prepare, he locked himself in his room tana’s head smashed into the table. Fontana drink. If the self is expressed through a series for a week and threw himself into the role. managed to finish that show and two others, of performances, thus far Morgan has inhab“Miller has done so much for the actor in this but was diagnosed with a serious concussion ited the roles of the dedicated student, the play because he’s written the language so and couldn’t continue. Morgan would have to struggling actor, and the triumphant underspecifically, it’s almost notated for you,” he step in for a few days. study, but his denouement is not yet actualJohansson was nervous. Over the course ized. Like an unfinished script, his character says. “And with that notation comes the character’s world view and perspective. There’s so of several weeks, she had forged a bond is left hanging with imponderable questions: much material given to you in this play, it’s a with Fontana, and Morgan knew that last- Where will his story lead? What other roles minute substitutions like this just don’t will he inhabit? tremendous gift for an actor.” All right, he thought. If they don’t cast me, happen in Hollywood. After the initial At least one thing is clear. Finally, his then they didn’t want me, but at least I didn’t fail shock, however, Johansson was very sup- career is on the upswing, with his agent sendmyself. I didn’t fail my own vision of the character. portive, holding Morgan’s hands onstage, ing him on more auditions, and more opporA few days later his agent called with the news. offering encouragement offstage, working tunities coming his way. More to the point, Morgan was so excited he jumped up on a fire with him to bring magic to their relation- perhaps, he hasn’t had to tend bar since hydrant at 45th Street and 6th Avenue. He ship. Meanwhile Schreiber liked Morgan’s November. — By Adam L. Penenberg ’86 felt his whole life had been leading up to this energy and interpretation of the role, far Adam L. Penenberg is a newly tenured associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York different from Fontana’s. moment. Then fate intervened again. “The first performance in a situation like University and author of three books. Morgan was backstage in Broadway’s Cort Theatre in early January when a carefully cho- that, if you don’t fall down and don’t stop the september 2010 Reed magazine 19

18-19_Morgan Spector.indd 19

7/26/10 8:20 PM

Points East

Portraiture from the South Caucasus by Thomas Burns ’98.

Armen Karabakhtsyan, director of cultural center, in Gavar, Armenia.

Laleh Ahmadova, teacher, in Goychay, Azerbaijan.

or decades, the countries of the South Caucasus have shared in a common struggle to reinvent themselves in the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse. At the heart of this rebirth lies the fading legacy of their shared Soviet experience, viewed most often by Western audiences through familiar images of decline: faded icons, rusted infrastructure, and war. Cinematographer Thomas Burns ’98 is a Fulbright Fellow, who is producing a collection of still photographs in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, which use large-scale portraiture to move beyond these traditional iconographies and explore the underlying issue of memory in a more intimate context. Inspired by Richard Avedon’s In the American West and decades of work by Magnum photographers behind the Iron Curtain, Thomas’ project focuses on ordinary citizens whose lives remain deeply influenced by a society that ceased to exist, almost overnight, nearly 20 years ago. “My intention is to present these people not in a narrative context, but rather an emotional one,” Thomas says. “What do they feel when they are not busy acting in the story of their lives?” The final images, each more than a meter in width, will be exhibited in the region’s three capital cities, as well as in the U.S. In a part of the world marked by shifting international boundaries, these exhibitions will be—for many—a first glimpse of neighbors long estranged. The giant size of the images is part of Thomas’ overall strategy to “unburden” the relationship between subject and viewer. When the subject is presented in the same dimensions that we encounter in everyday interactions, the image becomes not a photograph, but an aperture. “Or in the bestcase scenario,” Thomas says, “a mirror.” Thomas describes the shooting process as 20 percent photography and 80 percent diplomacy, which is a good fit for the Fulbright program’s goal of fostering cultural exchange. “When you travel 16 hours up crumbling roads to a remote mountain vil-

20 Reed magazine september 2010

20-21_Thomas Burns.indd 20

7/26/10 8:24 PM

Robert Gamuyan, painter, and Garnik Agavelyan, retired colonel, in Kopan, Armenia.

p h o t o b y Pa i g e P r i n c e

Thomas Burns, right, working with a portrait subject.

lage, you don’t just shoot your photos and go home. You have a responsibility, as their guest, to share your own life. Many of the communities I photographed had never met an American before. In these visits there was tremendous opportunity to shape how entire villages—generations of people— would view the United States. I loved this part of the process almost as much as the photography itself.” Thomas found the shift from shooting movies to portraits a natural one. “One of the biggest factors distinguishing motion pictures from the stage is the intimacy of the close-up, cinema’s answer to portraiture,” he says. “Ultimately their goals are the same: to establish a private relationship with the viewer, and to suspend the audience’s disbelief.” After Reed, Thomas worked for several years in Armenia and Georgia for an international development organization and also

as the senior editor for a weekly English-language magazine. He later went to film school at Stanford University and apprenticed for cinematographers in Los Angeles on feature films, commercials, music videos, and dramatic episodic television. In 2009, he won the award for best cinematography at the European Independent Film Festival in Paris. Having reconnected with film editor Derek Owen ’97 and storyboard artist Eric Hamlin ’98 in Los Angeles, Thomas is eager to meet more Reed filmmakers. He notes essential parallels between filmmaking and the Reed experience: both are driven by an all-consuming commitment, a multi-disciplinary approach, and intellectual engagement. “In this sense,” he says, “Reed is probably one of the best film schools around.” —Anna Mann Read more about Thomas’ work at www.leslieuxdememoire.com

september 2010 Reed magazine 21

20-21_Thomas Burns.indd 21

7/26/10 8:24 PM

Adventures in the First Person 15,000'

12,500 ' • Mauna Loa Observatory (11,135') 10,000 '

7,500 '

By Madeleine Martindale ’84

Life and Death in the Valley of the Moon • Denver City Hall (5,280')

elevation in feet

5,000'

• The medical clinic in Kunde, Nepal (12,000')

• Highest airport in USA (9,927')

• Mt Rushmore (5,725')

• The Reed Ski Cabin (4,400')

2,500'

• Tip of Empire State Building (1,472')

sea level

• Roof of Eliot Hall, Reed College (192')

• Statue of Harvey Scott on Mt Tabor (630')

igh in the wild remote Khumbu Westerners. The nearest airstrip is several region of Nepal, at an elevation days away, often shut down by bad weather. of 14,500 feet above sea level, lies If a patient cannot manage the long and bruan area known as the Valley of the Moon. tal hike to the nearest medical facility, a clinic in Kunde at 12,000 feet, the only remaining In this landscape—stark, windswept, and stunningly beautiful—the Himalayan Res- option—weather permitting—is evacuation cue Association operates a health aid post by helicopter, which costs about $5,000, paid in the village of Pheriche. This is the highest “up front” by credit card or cash. The aid post was founded in 1973 to permanent clinic in the world, and despite reduce casualties in the Nepal Himalayas. its humble beginnings (originally it was housed in a dirt-floor yak hut) and its lack During the fall and spring trekking seasons, of modern medical equipment, the clinic the clinic is staffed by two volunteer physicians, a Sherpa or Nepali medical assisis renowned among mountaineers for the tant, and a cook. Medical care for locals is lives the medical staff there have saved. free or nearly free; foreigners are asked to The aid post consists of several exam pay. About half the 350+ patients seen at rooms, a small pharmacy closet, and living Pheriche each season are Nepalese, many quarters for a staff of five. There are no lab or radiology services and the autumn tem- of them lowlanders who suffer from the peratures at night hover around 0°F. Solar same problems with altitude as foreigners, panels and a windmill generate enough elec- made worse by the stresses of working with tricity to recharge small electronics, support inadequate equipment and clothing, carrying heavy loads, and meeting the demands, electric lights, and power two prized oxygen however unreasonable, of their employers. concentrators. The medical equipment has mostly come from international donors and research studies over the years, resulting orking solo one afternoon, I in an eclectic collection that includes an received a call from a trekking ancient hyperbaric chamber, chest tubes, IV company in Kathmandu. One of antibiotics, and an ECG machine. their porters had fallen almost 1,000 feet It is difficult to convey the sheer remote- from a high pass to the east of the clinic. The ness of this location. There are no wheeled trekkers he was working for had watched vehicles of any kind in the Khumbu; goods him fall, saw that he was alive but injured, are transported by yak and porter. Rugged and then abandoned him there in favor of high-altitude horses can be rented for a their adventure trekking goals. Sadly, not an few hundred dollars, but the ascents and unusual scenario. Admitting the prognosis descents are mostly too steep for carrying was poor, the company’s owner requested

• Rocky Butte Jail ( 612')

that I trek to the site “to provide moral support” in the porter’s last hours. Abandoning the post could mean the difference between life and death for others later that night. If the porter had survived the fall, he would need far more intensive medical support than we could provide at Pheriche. Instead, I suggested evacuation by helicopter, which would be faster in any case. Later that evening, a group of Sherpas appeared at our door, utterly exhausted. They had carried the injured porter on their backs for six hours through darkness over treacherous ground. He was tied into a doko (basket), set down on the ﬂoor amongst the crowd of his comrades, in dire straits— shaking from trauma and hypothermia, moaning through a clenched jaw, eyes swollen shut, his clothes soaked with blood and urine. I was surprised his spine had survived not only the fall but the many hours of jostling while curled up in the basket; he was not paralyzed. As I peeled the hood of his jacket from his head, strips of his scalp came away with it, everything stuck together with clotted blood like thick glue. His left orbit was as big as a tennis ball, and an ominous protrusion of his temple suggested a cranial fracture. My initial exam revealed no other major injury, but given the nature of his fall, he had the potential for occult fractures, splenic rupture, collapsed lung, crush injuries, and the like. Under these conditions, the prognosis was grim indeed.

22 Reed magazine september 2010

22-23_AdvFirstPerson.indd 22

7/26/10 8:32 PM

• Valley of the Moon (14,500')

15,000'

12,500 '

10,000 '

7,500 '

5,000'

2,500'

sea level

We infused him with liters of warm saline employer was still refusing to pay for a heli- need of evacuation. Once the Indonesians and put him on oxygen. Avoiding respiratory copter. With just a few more doses of IV were medically cleared, and the porter’s depression, which would be fatal, was in the antibiotics, sedatives, and narcotics left in evacuation assured, the HRA arranged to forefront of my mind as I treated his hypo- our pharmacy, we didn’t think we could keep meet the porter at the airport and stepped thermia, wounds, cerebral swelling, muscle him alive much longer. up the pressure on his employer. spasms, and pain. We cleansed the scalp By now, the HAPE patient was on his feet With bad weather fast approaching, we as best we could, cutting away the matted and able to trek with a friend down to the had a full and stressful morning before both hair and debriding the shredded scalp tissue clinic in Kunde for further care. We tried the porter and the Indonesian trekker were before stapling the long, dog-eared gashes. to solicit donations from several passing stabilized and ready for transport. We were My outstanding medical assistants, groups of trekkers to evacuate the porter, afraid the wind and clouds would ground Gobinda and Tshering Sherpa, were my sec- but to no avail. the flight. What a relief, hearing those heliond and third sets of hands and eyes. They copter blades! The whole village came out to labored tirelessly through the night with me nother hour passed, and a large Indo- watch as the porter and the Indonesian man trying to save this poor man’s life, but our nesian trekking group arrived at the were loaded into the helicopter and flown work was just beginning. post carrying one of their members down the valley towards safety. By the time An hour after the porter arrived, another on a crude stretcher, suffering from acute the helicopter arrived in Kathmandu, the patient was brought in on a Sherpa’s back. altitude sickness: severe confusion, unable porter’s employer had succumbed to the He was in severe respiratory distress, blue to walk, vomiting, bluish pallor, delusions, HRA’s pressure and agreed to take him to from depleted blood oxygen, with ﬂorid and severely depleted oxygen levels. He had Teaching University Hospital and pay for swelling in the lungs, a cough, and high HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema), the his medical care. fever. I treated him for HAPE (high-altitude most deadly form of altitude sickness. There I never saw the porter again, but the folpulmonary edema) and pneumonia with was no doubt he would require a helicopter lowing month, back in the U.S., I heard that oxygen and IV antibiotic. Thus we had two to Kathmandu. he had made a full recovery. All I can say is patients on supplemental oxygen, as well Ironically, this life-threatening situation that helping to save that young man’s life as an entourage of exh austed Nepalese for the Indonesian represented a lifeline for has been one of the greatest rewards of my and Sherpas who had brought these two the porter. After consulting with his com- medical career. patients to the clinic, and who sat up most pany in Indonesia by satellite phone, the Madeleine Martindale ’84 completed her MD in Rochester, of the night keeping a vigilant watch over group leader generously offered to let the New York, and an internal medicine residency in Seattle, their friends. porter ride in the helicopter’s second seat. Washington. She has volunteered for two seasons at the high-altitude clinic in Pheriche, Nepal, and spent a year At dawn, the porter’s rigors finally ceased. This meant the Indonesian, who was nearly working at CIWEC Medical Center in Kathmandu. She He opened his mouth, peered out of his unconscious, would be unaccompanied and resides in Portland, Maine, and is currently stationed in right eye, and reached out purposefully for would have to rely on the HRA to take care Antarctica, wintering over at the U.S. Antarctic Program’s a blanket. We felt such a thrill of delight of him in Kathmandu. Their one condition McMurdo Station. Her email is drmartindale@yahoo.com. at these signs of progress, but our hopes was that I examine the remaining members were quickly dashed by the news that his of the group to be sure nobody else was in

september 2010 Reed magazine 23

22-23_AdvFirstPerson.indd 23

7/26/10 8:32 PM

The Perils of

Research by Reed psychology professor Jennifer Henderlong Corpus suggests that praising your children is more powerful—and potentially more dangerous—than most parents realize. By Zach Dundas | photos by darryl james

n a sunny spring morning, I am sitting in a bright but cluttered side room in the psychology building on the east end of campus, listening to the Kronos Quartet play Philip Glass, and looking at art. I suppose there must be worse ways to be subjected to psychological experimentation. Every couple of minutes, recent grad Kyla Haimovitz ’10 hands me a piece of paper bearing several satirical portraits by the late artist Al Hirschfeld. I’ve always liked Hirschfeld’s mischievous, generous humor and exuberant vision of champagne society. Today, Kyla directs my attention to the artist’s most charming quirk. Hirschfeld craftily hid his daughter’s name, NINA, in most of his drawings, secreting those four angular letters in dense crosshatching or his subjects’ helpfully elaborate hair. My task is to listen to short classical snippets and madly circle every NINA I can find. In some drawings, the girl’s name might as well be in flashing neon, all over the place. In others, I struggle to circle just a few. When the music stops, I hand my paper to Kyla. Standing behind me, out of sight, she evaluates my performance and hands back a little scoresheet that tells me how my search stacks up.

The first couple of rounds, I do well. My scoresheets return with corny, but positive, feedback: “Great! It seems like you put a lot of effort into this : )!” It’s all very pleasant—a painless way, Kyla told me in her rehearsed introduction, to study “how music affects learning and task performance.” And then comes the final Hirschfeld selection. The music’s still nice, but I am suddenly adrift in an apparently NINA-free universe. I make a couple of circles around squiggles that may be NINAs. My final scoresheet returns a downbeat verdict: “You didn’t do so well on this one.” In fact, this experiment has nothing to do with music. I have shared the fate of many a psychology subject and been misled about the nature of the research, which is to investigate how praise can help—or hinder—a person faced with a daunting task. The experiment’s true aim was to discover how I responded to those inane but cheery encouragements and that dispiriting final assessment. Would easy success followed by abject failure turn me off Al Hirschfeld forever? Or could those simple, anodyne phrases inspire me to return to a difficult task despite the setback? By asking me how

willing I would be to engage in another NINA hunt, Kyla was trying to gauge how her praise affected my motivation. This simple experiment delves into the deceptively tricky concept of praise. We all like to receive praise—or do we? We know that praise acts as an incentive—or does it? Is it possible that different kinds of praise can inspire different results or whip up vastly different levels of enthusiasm? Is there a possibility—strange, but real—that praise can be harmful? Kyla’s adviser, associate psychology professor Jennifer Henderlong Corpus, is ultimately behind these questions. In a series of studies, Corpus has examined the potent and mysterious force that is verbal praise—how we give it, how we take it, and whether it actually works. Much of this research focuses on elementary-school-age children, who are bombarded by verbal feedback but who can react to it in ways that seem counterintuitive. Corpus would be the first to point out that her research is a work in progress. To a nonpsychologist, however, her conclusions so far are striking—so striking that once you understand them, you may never say a simple Attaboy! again.

24 Reed magazine september 2010

24-27_Praise.indd 24

7/27/10 9:23 AM

Associate professor Jennifer Henderlong Corpus studies how praise affects motivation and psychological resilience.

et us consider three hypothetical scenarios, all of which take place on the sideline of a soccer field where two teams composed of scurrying, frantic nine-year-olds tussle over the ball. In timehonored fashion, the young players’ parents look on, gripped by a combination of rabid partisanship and visceral terror. After the game, each parent zeroes in on the performance of his or her own offspring and tries to say the right thing to the little warrior. Imagine the proud father of a girl from the winning team. Soccer Dad says: “Samantha, you were awesome. You played so well, we’re going to get ice cream!” A frosty reward—what could be wrong with that? But to Corpus, there are plenty of reasons to worry about what Soccer Dad is doing. In fact, a considerable body of research suggests that he may unwittingly kill her interest in soccer altogether. “People who love to do something, do it for its own sake,” she says. “As soon as you tie an extrinsic reward to an activity, there’s a chance that the person you’re trying to reward will perceive you as controlling their actions, controlling their participation in the activity. If we perceive that our actions

are controlled, we stop wanting to do them. If you take an activity that someone already enjoys and tie a specific reward to it, you can kill their enjoyment.” In a classic study published in 1973, psychologists at Stanford University told preschool children who had already shown an interest in drawing with magic markers that they would receive fancy certificates

function as a reward—with both positive and negative consequences. “There has long been some suggestion in the literature that verbal praise might work in ways similar to concrete rewards,” she explains. “One important thing to know is that praise and reward, no matter how well-intended, can backfire.” In other words, she’s trying to figure out whether some forms of praise are the verbal

Is it possible that different kinds of praise can whip up vastly different levels of enthusiasm? Is there a possibility—strange, but real—that praise can be harmful? stamped with gold seals and ribbons in return for drawing pictures for the experimenters. Children who received the certificates actually grew substantially less interested in drawing, and produced pictures of significantly poorer quality, than children who received no certificate. The rewards actually drained the children’s previous enthusiasm for drawing. Corpus, 37, earned her PhD from Stanford and came to Reed in 2001. One of the key insights of her work is that praise can

equivalent of that nefarious ice cream cone. Let’s imagine two other scenarios. Instead of dangling Dairy Queen before his daughter, Soccer Dad says something like this: “Samantha, you were awesome. You were the fastest, most talented player on that field—way better than the other kids.” Meanwhile, on the losing side of the field, a mother puts a hand on her dejected son’s shoulder. “Kevin,” she says, “I noticed that your defending has really improved. You’re not the fastest or strongest player on the september 2010 Reed magazine 25

24-27_Praise.indd 25

7/26/10 8:54 PM

Left: Finding “NINA” in the drawings of Al Herschfeld. Right: a fifth-grader puzzles over tangrams in Corpus’ laboratory at Reed.

field, but you’re really figuring out some great strategies.” Which of these imaginary parents is doing the right thing? Corpus’ work suggests that our proud fictional father may not be doing his daughter many favors. By focusing his praise on the girl’s intrinsic, personal qualities and by comparing her directly with her peers, Soccer Dad might be setting her up for future failure. By tying such unsubtle, personal praise to success, he is giving her a verbal ice cream cone— and, eventually, a reason to stop playing altogether. Worst of all, he might, Corpus believes, be training his young soccer star to reach the wrong subconscious conclusions about why she played well. Why? Here it is important to understand the psychological concept of “attribution.” When things happen, humans—charming, flawed creatures that we are—try to figure out why. Most people try to weigh actual evidence when making these attributions, but almost all of us screw this up one way or another. Your lawnmower breaks down and you blame the charlatan who sold it to you, not the watery gas you put in the tank. You crash your bike on an unpaved road on Friday the 13th and conclude that 13 is unlucky, not that gravel is treacherous. “We all do this,” Corpus says. “We attri-

bute effects to causes, and we attribute outcomes to certain factors that may or may not have a solid basis in fact. What we are finding is that verbal praise plays a strong role in shaping those attributions—what we think caused a certain outcome—which in turn can shape our future performance.” When Soccer Dad tells his daughter that she was the best player on the field, he may be shaping her attributions in an unhelpful way. He is praising her intrinsic

an the right kind of praise C help the struggling child develop resilience? personal qualities—qualities she cannot control and therefore cannot improve. And when she finally loses a big game, she may conclude that her father was mistaken, and that her intrinsic personal qualities have fallen short—in other words, that she’s just not good enough. Consider, in contrast, what Soccer Mom told her defeated son. She specifically identified an aspect of his game, his defensive skills, she felt had improved with time and effort. She noted that he faced some difficulties—he was not the strongest or

fastest player, and his team wasn’t all that great—but that he was in the process of developing effective strategies for working around these shortcomings. In other words, the kid is figuring it out. By focusing on these highly specific, subtle, and evolutionary achievements, Soccer Mom is instilling a strong sense of self-reliance in her boy. She is very possibly also giving him subtle encouragement to keep playing soccer. “Sometimes people attribute their achievements to stable, uncontrollable factors,” Corpus says. “In situations of success, this works reasonably well. However, it also makes us vulnerable when we face setbacks because there’s no clear path toward improvement. But if we learn to attribute our outcomes to factors we can control— our own effort or learning, rather than our innate ability—we tend to be able to adapt much better and overcome setbacks.” Her experiments essentially lead their subjects to engineered failure—like my adventure with the NINA drawings, participants perform an initially simple task that becomes harder and harder. Corpus is interested in their response to that growing adversity, and whether the right kind of praise can help the struggling child (or, in my case, the struggling 35-year-old) develop resilience.

26 Reed magazine september 2010

24-27_Praise.indd 26

7/26/10 8:55 PM

polite fifth-grade boy who wears glasses and an orange shirt sits at a table, grappling with some patternrecognition puzzles. When he finishes, he expectantly hands his work over to the adult seated across the table. “That’s great work,” the woman tells him. “You seem to be getting the hang of it.” We are no longer dealing with hypotheticals here. Corpus and I are watching videos of very real kids, shot during one of her studies. In this project, participating kids tackle a series of tangrams, Chinese shape puzzles. After they complete each one, their adult proctor takes a look—and then offers a different form of praise. Some kids, the control group, simply receive information: they’re told they got a good score. Others receive highly personal praise reminiscent of that offered by our hapless Soccer Dad: “You must be smart!” Sometimes, kids are told that they are much better at the puzzles than their peers. Finally, some are praised for how well they engage in the puzzle-solving process: “You chose a good strategy!” In her various studies, Corpus has employed various measures to gauge how these different groups of kids feel about the tangram challenge after it’s done. In all the studies, the puzzles are easy at first, then grow progressively harder; the children’s performance naturally declines. How do they respond to this frustrating situation—and can certain kinds of praise help them bounce back? So far, Corpus’ findings suggest that praise that focuses on process—on those concrete strategies and specific achievements, rather than how “smart” a kid might be—seems to leave kids more enthusiastic about the puzzles, even after failure. Kids who receive praise for their process are more likely to want to take a tangram set home with them when given a choice among several prizes; they tend to spend more time playing with the puzzles during free time. Those who receive praise for their person—for their innate intelligence, for example—are far less likely to keep playing with tangrams. Interestingly, girls seem particularly allergic to praise that weighs them directly against their peers—girls who receive this kind of feedback tend to avoid choosing to learn any more about how they stack up against others. “It’s pretty clear to us that kids who receive praise for their mastery of the task, and how they process the puzzles, have much more motivation to pursue the task in the future,” she says. “That’s very strongly

reflected by the data. Girls seem to be very concerned after being told they are ‘the best’—for some reason, that seems to have negative implications later on.” (It should be noted, for the sake of humanism, that all the participants are told that they did well, and that the puzzles that baffled them were designed for much older kids.) What does Corpus take away from these expeditions into the childhood mind? She is the first to say that her work is as laden with subtlety as any inquiry in the social sciences. And she points out that nothing in her data supports any kind of extreme new approach

driven by being better than others, if you are completely motivated by some kind of external competitive structure, then as soon as that structure goes away, so does your motivation. Not everyone can be the best. But everyone can grow. Love of learning is what nourishes and sustains people’s efforts over long periods of time. We can shape that and instill that by what we tell people. Praise is powerful. Rewards are powerful. We need to use them carefully.” In the end, these findings, while they may run counter to our most reflexive impulses, have the feel of common wisdom about

“ Praise is powerful. Rewards are powerful. We need to use them carefully.” —Jennifer Henderlong Corpus to parenting, business management, or life in general. You are not going to ruin your child’s life or smash a coworker’s ability to handle adversity by telling them that they’re smart or handsome. Neither will you create the next Pelé by telling a budding soccer player that he or she is doing a good job decoding the offside rule. However, Corpus does feel fairly certain that she knows what kind of praise is most effective: the very kind that is the most difficult to deliver. “I think it’s best, when we’re offering someone praise, to really talk about what is good,” she says. “Why or how someone did a good job at a task is a much more important, and of course much more challenging, thing to describe than the innate qualities they may possess. But I think our work suggests that praise that emphasizes growth, mastery, and the improvement of skills is much more valuable and nourishing to people than praise for the level of talent or unchangeable personal qualities they bring to a task. It’s better to tell someone they put together a stylish outfit than that they’re beautiful.” It may feel natural, when someone does an impressive job or really exceeds expectations, to tell them that they are among the best and brightest. “But if you’re told that you’re the best in one instance,” Corpus says, “you may unduly suffer in the future, when you’re not the best. On the other hand, if you’ve been given a sense that you have a great ability to figure things out and cope with challenges, you can adapt when you’re not the best . . . “One reason I’m so interested in this field is that intrinsic motivation is obviously what is sustaining,” she continues. “If you’re

them. When you think about it, the approach to praise her work suggests is almost Zen: one should pay specific attention to the real achievements of others; one should give most weight to what people do and attempt rather than who they appear to be. We should observe. If we give people feedback based on their personal growth and the evolution of their talents, we are giving them a potential lifeline in future adversity. Zach Dundas is a Portland writer and author of The Renegade Sportsman (Riverhead Books, 2010).

FURTHER READING For more about the Children’s Motivation Project at Reed, see academic.reed.edu/motivation. Corpus, J. H., & Lepper, M. R. (2007). The effects of person versus performance praise on children’s motivation: Gender and age as moderating factors. Educational Psychology, 27, 1-22. Corpus, J. H., Ogle, C. M., & Love-Geiger, K. E. (2006). The effects of social-comparison versus mastery praise on children’s intrinsic motivation. Motivation and Emotion, 30, 335–345. Covington, M. (1998). The will to learn. New York: Cambridge University Press. Dweck, C. S. (1999). Self-theories: Their role in motivation, personality, and development. Philadelphia: Psychology Press. Grolnick, W. S. (2003). The psychology of parental control: How well-meant parenting backfires. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. Haimovitz, K. (2010). Effects of person versus process praise on student motivation: Stability and change in emerging adulthood. Senior thesis, Reed College. Henderlong, J., & Lepper, M. R. (2002). The effects of praise on children’s intrinsic motivation: A review and synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 128, 774–795. Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1973). Undermining children’s intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the “overjustification” hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28, 129–137. Stipek, D., & Seal, K. (2001). Motivated minds: Raising children to love learning. New York: Holt.

september 2010 Reed magazine 27

24-27_Praise.indd 27

7/26/10 8:56 PM

Ten

From ’10 Who—or what—is a Reedie? By Chris Lydgate ’90 | photos by orin zyvan ’04

To answer this age-old conundrum, we sought out 10 goodnatured representatives of the Class of 2010 and asked them some questions about the one topic Reedies never tire of discussing— their theses! They told us about the intricacies of transgenic poplar trees, plagiarism among Christian mystics, the Sinification of milk, and hunting for planets in distant solar systems. But

they didn’t stop there. They also talked about learning to dance, seeing snow for the first time, taking up ju-jitsu, joining the Navy, and many other adventures. We hope these pages will give you a glimpse of their brilliance, their creativity, and their sheer intellectual chutzpah—the same qualities which are, after all, the quintessential characteristics of this elusive species.

28 Reed magazine september 2010

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 28

7/26/10 9:10 PM

Greg Given, religion Hometown: Knoxville, TN

What it’s really about:

How Reed Changed Me:

Adviser: Michael Foat

You’d be surprised what you can learn from ancient plagiarism.

When I got to Reed I hated history and was absolutely, positively sure I was going to do physics for the rest of my life. Reed has definitely broadened my horizons and given me new insight into how things work. I’m definitely grateful for the financial aid I received, including the Mary E. Barnard Memorial Humanities Scholarship and the Betty Gray Scholarship.

Thesis: Anchoring the

Areopagite: An Intertextual Approach to PseudoDionysius What it’s about:

Intrigued by the writings of the Christian philosopher Pseudo-Dionysius, I set out to trace connections to other ancient texts. I discovered that he relied heavily on (i.e., swiped from) two earlier writers, Theodoret of Cyrus and Cyril of Alexandria. As far as I can tell, no one realized this until now.

Cool stuff I did: Studied

Coptic, played guitar in a rock band named DiaconPanthers, worked on Canyon Crew, learned to brew beer, and gained a whole new appreciation for sunlight. Most influential book I read: James Agee’s Let Us

Now Praise Famous Men.

What’s Next:

Harvard Divinity School.

Thesis Closeup:

Anchoring the Areopagite The early Christian philosopher Dionysius the Areopagite has always been something of an enigma. Although his writings exerted profound influence on medieval theology, especially regarding the hierarchy of angels, many facts about the author remain shrouded in mystery—which is rather appropriate, since William James proclaimed him “the fountainhead of Christian mysticism.” We are not certain when he was born, where he lived, or who he really was. One of the few things we do know is that he was an impostor, writing under the pseudonym of a biblical character who makes a brief appearance in the New Testament as a disciple of Paul. In fact, textual clues suggest that the author actually lived in the fifth or sixth century CE. Over the years, scholars have attempted to establish the true identity of this Pseudo-Dionysius, as he has come to be known, and trace his ideas back to various other sources, such as Clement of Alexandria, the Cappadocian Fathers, Evagrius Ponticus, Iamblichus, and Proclus. By employing a sophisticated intertextual analysis to a database of ancient writings, Greg was able to show that Pseudo-Dionysius borrowed heavily from two early Christian sources who had so far escaped detection: Theodoret of Cyrus and Cyril of Alexandria, two bishops who were both deeply enmeshed on opposite sides of the Nestorian controversy, which revolved around the question of whether Christ was both human and divine. By drawing on these two antagonistic sources, PseudoDionysius may have been trying to reconcile the Nestorian schism, as well as integrating Neoplatonic philosophy with Christian doctrine.—CL

september 2010 Reed magazine 29

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 29

7/26/10 9:11 PM

Shreya Shrestha, biology which never breaks down. I looked at the effects of synthesizing this polymer in transgenic poplar trees.

Hometown:

Lalitpur, Nepal Adviser: David Dalton Thesis: Making the Good

Plastic: Studying the Efficacy of a Novel Poly(3hydroxybutyrate) Expression System in Poplar What it’s about:

Bacteria-derived biodegradable polymer, poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), has emerged as a potential solution to the environmental challenges of synthetic thermoplastic,

What it’s really about:

Growing biodegradable plastic.

a McGill Lawrence Internship Award to bring medical care to underserved communities in Nepal. Went to a Metallica concert—it rocked!

Cool Stuff I did:

Most influential book I read: Streptomyces in

Research! Came to love dogs (they tend to be a bit fierce where I come from). House adviser. Tutored at DoJo. Model United Nations. Saw the ocean. Learned to cook. Won J.W. Hairgrove scholarship and

When I got here I was anxious, naive, and struggled to adapt to American culture—we didn’t have warm showers in

Nature and Medicine, by David A. Hopwood. How Reed changed me:

Nepal. I’ve become a better thinker, more curious, more open to new ideas. Thanks to my years at Reed, I know where I’m headed. I want to become a doctor and work on access to health care in developing countries and in the U.S. I know I can make a difference. What’s next: Do research

at the National Institutes of Health. After that, medical school.

Aaron Call, psychology Hometown: Whittier, CA

What it’s really about:

Adviser: Jaime Kurtz

Teaching kids to use the skills of mindfulness: nonjudgmental self-regulation of attention.

Thesis: Mindfulness for

Children: A Pillow You Can Take Anywhere? What it’s about:

Mindfulness is very beneficial to adults; there is good reason to believe it is for children as well but much less research saying so. I assessed mindfulness and its correlates in third through fifth graders and then taught a 4-week mindfulness class to children after school.

Cool stuff I did: Met

many wonderful, amazing people. Had profound experiences that taught me the value of perspective. Took a leave of absence, spent three years in the U.S. Navy. Came back, wrote a thesis, spun poi. Most influential book:

Carl Jung’s Man and his Symbols got me hooked on psychology before I had taken a single course. How Reed changed me:

My time at Reed made me realize how much I truly love learning. I learned the value of collaboration

and the importance of perspective. The experience was incredibly valuable. I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to go to Reed. The scholarships and financial aid made a big difference. Who’s the dog?:

Her name is Ruby. Her sweet, charming personality always helps me feel better, even in the face of busy schedules and tons of work. She helped with my thesis by drawing numbers from a hat to randomize the order of questions for one of the measures I used. What’s Next: Ge tt ing married! Do research in a psychology lab. Apply for graduate school.

30 Reed magazine september 2010

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 30

7/26/10 9:11 PM

Thesis closeup:

Growing Biodegradable Plastic. In 1925, a French researcher named Maurice Lemoigne discovered that certain bacteria are capable of manufacturing plastic, in particular a polymer known as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) or PHB. This finding aroused scant interest at the time, but decades later—with the planet awash in plastic pollution—this discovery gained enormous significance, because PHB is biodegradable. In recent years, researchers have transferred the PHB-making genes from bacteria into various crops such as peas, potatoes, sugar cane, and tobacco, searching for a practical way to produce PHB. One promising plant is the poplar tree. Poplars can be engineered to manufacture PHB in their leaves, which can be harvested without harming the trees themselves. With a biomass larger than any other

PHB-making plants to date, poplars could produce a high and economically viable yield. One drawback with using plants to make PHB is that their growth is typically impaired due to the diversion of their resources towards making the plastic. Shreya investigated the effects of inserting a novel inducible promoter—an on-off switch—into poplar saplings so that PHB production can be turned off while the tree is growing, then turned on when it has reached maturity. Raising 144 saplings in the biology department’s greenhouse, she found that within the two groups of poplars studied, PHB production using the on/off switch didn’t slow the plants’ growth. (To be economically viable, approximately 12 percent of the leaves’ dry weight should consist of PHB.)—CL

Annika Burnett, political science Hometown: Torrance, CA Adviser: Tamara Metz Thesis: Feminism, Free-

dom, and iPLEDGE: A Social Constructivist Approach to Accutane Regulation What it’s about: I draw on the political theor y of Nanc y Hirschmann to illuminate the ways in which iPLEDGE, an FDAsponsored restrictedaccess program designed to

prevent fetal exposure to isotretinoin, shapes women’s subjectivity, choice, and freedom. What it’s really about:

W hy women shouldn’t have to pee in a cup for The Man. Cool stuff I did: Organic

chemistry. Public Policy Lecture Series Committee. Sexual Assault Task Force. Feminist Student Union. Volunteered at Outside In. Built community. Figured

out how to do well in my the tools to question the classes and stay healthy use of words like “critical,” and sane at the same time. “intellectual,” and “academMost influential book ic,” to analyze how those I read: Public Vows, by words are constructed in the context of race, class, Nancy Cott. and gender, and to unpack How Reed changed me: the assumptions they hold. I was an underconfident and overachieving shy girl What’s Next: Get my MD. from southern California Change the world. Etc. who thought L A was a normal city. Reed taught me how to think critically, intellectually, and academically. It also gave me

september 2010 Reed magazine 31

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 31

7/26/10 9:12 PM

Bárbara Guerra-Torres, English Hometown:

What it’s really about:

Montebello, CA Adviser: Maureen Harkin

I’m far more morbid than I look.

Thesis: Arabian Atrocity:

Cool stuff I did: Dis-

covered Sondheim. Took a class on the history of American musical theatre. Took up ju-jitsu. Coordinated Peer Mentor Program. Writing tutor. Latino Student Union. VOX.

The Oriental Tale’s Contribution to Gothic Horror What it’s about:

A close reading of the gothic novel Vathek, by William Beckford, reveals that several elements of the genre are grounded in the tradition of the oriental tale. Succeeding gothic novels adopt these formal aspects and reveal the oriental tale’s influence on the development of horror, as well as the gothic’s characteristically disjointed form.

Most influential book I read: Roland Barthes’

Empire of Signs. How Reed changed me:

I came from a traditional Hispanic family; I was the first one to leave the state to go to college. When I entered Reed I was timid, but that’s the last

word anyone would use to describe me now. For the first time I was asked what I wanted to accomplish and who I wanted to be; the whole experience put life in perspective. Reed encouraged me to break out of my shell and have confidence in my abilities—an effect that extends beyond the classroom. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Reed’s generous grant and a good amount of financial aid. What’s Next: Tutor for Americorps in Los Angeles. After that, hope to go to Athens on a teaching fellowship.

Mic Parker, classics-theatre Hometown:

Jacksonville, AR Advisers: Nigel Nicholson

(classics) and Kate Bredeson (theatre) Thesis: A Meaty Cracking

Shock: Spectacles of Violence in Ancient and Modern Theatre What it’s about:

Rome was a violent place. Our modern world isn’t any better. My thesis is about what violence means

when it is put onstage, the way directors and audiences often react, and how we use violence as an ideological or therapeutic tool. What it’s really about:

Why Quentin Tarantino is so dang popular. Most influential book I read: The Aeneid! Virgil is

a genius. He incorporates the past (Homer), the present (Augustus), and dozens of complicated characters into a work that is

truly epic, universal, and wonderfully encyclopedic. Cool stuff I did:

Hiking up Mt. Hood, directing two wonderful shows (I Have Tasted Air Above the Clouds and Waiting for Godot), sleeping in a giant pile of stuffed animals in the student union, walking in the rain everywhere and not caring. Shoestring Theatre. Drag Ball!

How Reed changed me:

I came to Reed with a massive emo hair swoop and an acute mistrust of public transportation. My world has expanded ×100. I’ve learned that nothing is simple. That we live in a world intimately and inseparably connected by technology, and that this connection changes how we view ourselves. That there are such things as black holes and that they

are terrifying. That theatre has a purpose, and that purpose is to remind us that the sky can still fall on our heads. Random Thoughts:

Financial Aid—yes. Also an Adler Scholarship and an Opportunity Grant for thesis research! What’s Next: Theatre! All day and all night! I have an internship with About Face Theatre in Chicago.

32 Reed magazine september 2010

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 32

7/26/10 9:12 PM

Melody Harvey, economics Hometown:

What it’s really about:

Pasadena/Lynwood, CA

Helping a local non-profit set up a program to help renters build assets and save money.

Adviser: Noelwah Netusil T h e s i s : Feasibili t y o f

Renter Equity Programs in Portland, Oregon, Given Housing and Socio-Economic Characteristics of Long-Term Renters What it’s about:

Determining what factors make a low-income renter more likely to take part in a renter equity program. These programs dedicate a portion of a renter ’s monthly rent to future uses such as amassing a down payment on a house or educational expenses.

Cool stuff I did: Peer

mentor. Worked in admission office. President of the Black and African Student Union. Reed College Creative Review. Dorm host. Brought Ron Herndon ’70 back to campus to talk about the Eliot Hall sit-in of 1968. Applied my thesis to a real-life scenario. Most influential book I read: The Economics and

Politics of Race, by Thomas Sowell. I know, I know, he’s extremely conservative, but his book triggered my

curiosity about issues of efficiency versus equity right in my own backyard. How Reed changed me:

When I got to Reed I was very shy, very quiet, and generally curious. Reed kindled my passion to help better the lives of various disadvantaged groups, especially low-income people and minorities. I learned how to use multiple perspectives and multifaceted approaches to my advantage. The most important thing to me is the impact that my work has on those I intend to help. What’s Next: Pepperdine School of Public Policy.

september 2010 Reed magazine 33

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 33

7/26/10 9:13 PM

Ryan Lau, physics Hometown: Honolulu, HI Adviser: Johnny Powell Thesis: Exploration of

Extra-Solar Planet Properties What it’s about: Using transit photometr y to examine tiny dips in stellar brightness that might indicate the existence of orbiting planets. What it’s really about:

Finding worlds beyond our solar system. Cool stuff I did: Learned

to operate Reed’s 12" telescope and an internet-controlled telescope in New

Mexico to take amazing of a small island in the images of celestial bod- middle of the Pacific Ocean. ies many light years away. As opposed to high school, Learned fencing, which where the name of the satisfied childhood dream game was passing exams of dueling in epic sword and getting good grades, fights. Skated at some of my “gradeless” experience Portland’s most awesome at Reed taught me how skate parks. to study and learn, and Most influential book showed me what it meant I read: Professor David to have a solid understandGriffiths’ trilog y, Intro- ing of a particular subject. duction to Electrodynamics, Reed helped me mature Introduction to Elementary both personally and acaParticles, and Introduction demically, and prepared me to take on my upcomto Quantum Mechanics. ing challenges. How Reed Changed Me: I came to Reed having never What’s Next: Pursue PhD lived beyond the confines in astronomy at Cornell.

Thesis Close-up:

Tracking Distant Planets Finding planets in distant solar systems is a fiendishly tricky business, because they are far too faint—by many orders of magnitude—to show up on even the largest telescopes. Astronomers have figured out how to put this obscurity to good use, however. If a planet’s orbital plane happens to be aligned with Earth, then its transit across the face of its companion star will cause a temporary but recurring drop in the star’s brightness. One advantage of this technique, known as transit photometry, is that it does not require monstrously expensive equipment. Ryan investigated the light curve of a star known as XO-2, which lies 486 light years away in the Lynx constellation. The accompanying diagram shows the results for the night of March 22, 2010, observed from a 14-inch telescope in

New Mexico that Ryan directed by remote control from Reed. For 162 minutes, the readings show a pronounced dip in brightness, suggesting a transiting planet. Astronomers first identified this planet in 2007; not only was Ryan able to reproduce their results, but he also obtained further readings suggesting the possibility of additional bodies orbiting XO-2 and another star known as HAT-P-12. Further research is required to determine whether these anomalous readings actually represent new planets.—CL

John Wilmes, mathematics Hometown:

Mundelein, IL

ideal encode the structure of the graph.

Adviser: David Perkinson

What it’s really about:

Thesis: Algebraic Invari-

Doing algebra combinatorially, or maybe doing graph theory algebraically.

ants of Sandpile Graphs What it’s about: The abe-

lian sandpile model allows one to define a homogeneous ideal over the vertices of a graph. My thesis explores the ways in which the Betti numbers of this

Cool stuff I did: Learned

to tango. Went on dozens of Gray Fund trips, thereby learning to snowboard, rock climb, and enjoy opera. Played go. Went to

Hungary. Fell in love with the bicycle as a primary mode of transportation. Won a Goldwater Scholarship.

scientist to pure mathematician in the second week of my freshman year, and I’ve never looked back.

Most influential book I read: Professor Jerry

Reed has given me a critical mind, and taught me to find the big picture. The demands of my mathematics courses in particular have had an enormous impact on how I think.

Shurman’s Multivariable Calculus notes, which were my first introduction to higher maths. This book flipped me from computer

How Reed Changed Me:

Whether I am studying philosophy, debating public policy, or deciding what to do with the rest of my life, I am grateful for the rigor of Reed’s academics. W h at ’ s N e x t : P u r s u e

pure mathematics at the University of Chicago on a McCormick Fellowship and an NSF grant.

34 Reed magazine september 2010

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 34

7/26/10 9:14 PM

Christian Anayas, anthropology Hometown:

Southfield, MI Adviser: Charlene Makley Thesis: Milk Does a

Nation Good: Development, Nutrition, and the Sinification of Milk What it’s about: Milk,

which historically was not a part of the Chinese diet, came to be viewed as a desirable food as a result of the introduction of Western scientific theories like social Darwinism, hygiene, and nutrition at the beginning of the 20th century. In my thesis I argue that milk was

put in service of a burgeon- Most influential book I ing Chinese nationalism read: The Funeral Casino: that linked bodily growth Meditation, Massacre, and and development to nation- Exchange with the Dead in al strength. Thailand, by Alan Klima. What it’s really about:

Connecting my culinary background to my Reed education.

How Reed changed me:

After high school, I didn’t want to go to college—I wanted to be a chef. But in culinary school, I realized Cool stuff I did: Learned C hinese. Spent a year the limitations of vocastudying in Beijing. Reed tional training. I was interS o c i a l C h a n ge A ct ion ested in the history of food, Team. MRC. Model UN. the culture of food, the Reed Arts Week. Eating science of food. They were Candy with Strangers. teaching me how to make Ladies Pie Society. Ulti- an omelet. Reed was the extreme opposite. I have mate Frisbee. been changed in innumer-

able ways. I learned a new language. I studied abroad. I feel that I can engage with the world around me more deeply. The scholarships and grants I received were hugely helpful to me. What’s Next: Teach at a cooking camp for kids at Zenger Farm.

september 2010 Reed magazine 35

28-35_Ten_for_10.indd 35

7/26/10 9:14 PM

reunions 2010 It rocked. It rolled. It performed feats on a unicycle. Reunions 2010 drew no fewer than 742 Reed-related humanoids of all ages from as far afield as Malaysia, Ghana, and Beverly Hills. As always, strange and wondrous things happen when Reedies converge. Defying all predictions, a peculiar glowing orb appeared in the sky during the parade. Inspired by this omen, classmates

Photos by Eric Cable

from the ’70s forged a trans-generational alliance with classmates from the ’00s and held an impromptu dance party in the commons bathroom! For a better glimpse into the merriment, plus class photos, see reunions.reed.edu. Weren’t able to join us this year? No worries: centennial reunions will take place June 6–12, 2011. See you there!

36-37_Reunions.indd 36

7/26/10 9:24 PM

september 2010â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Reed magazine 37

36-37_Reunions.indd 37

7/26/10 9:25 PM

Reediana Books by Reedies

Kambiz GhaneaBassiri

associate professor, religion and humanities

A History of Islam in America: From the New World to the New World Order (Cambridge University Press, 2010)

Two forces conflict in this book, but they’re not what might first come to mind when you think of Islam and America. Associate professor Kambiz GhaneaBassiri [religion and humanities, 2002–present] makes a strong case that African slaves transported Islamic culture to the Americas, based on historical documents and stories of rituals recorded in the 1930s by the Works Project Administration, but he runs into fact number one, which is that very few of the Muslims who came to America were in a position to leave a mark that could be skried three centuries down the road; nor were contemporary historians particularly interested in the origin and religion of their slaves. Unless, of course, they were someone like Abdul Rahman or ‘Umar ibn Said, both purported princes who were sold into slavery and were converted—however sincerely—to Christianity. GhaneaBassiri discusses the “liminal” effect a Muslim identity conveyed: not bestowing the status of white citizens but making followers something different from “black” in the eyes of some whites. This was an explicit goal of organizations like the Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam, who, in GhaneaBassiri’s words, “actively appropriated Islam in a ‘de-negrofying’ process that was designed to ascribe a positive national identity.” The second force at play in this history is Islam’s global scope, which poses the opposite problem: too much information. After decades of restrictive U.S. immigration laws, a profusion of Islamic organizations sprang up in the 1950s to help new immigrants from Albania to Indonesia. Where GhaneaBassiri carefully weaves the narrative between thinly documented strands in American Islam’s first three centuries, by the time of the Iranian revolution in 1979, he’s grabbing skeins of world events with both hands to reconstruct a picture of how Muslims in this country interact with each other and with a non-Muslim majority that has been at times indifferent, curious, and hostile. This book, should it fall into the right hands, has the potential to shatter many preconceptions about Muslims in America (and around the world) by shedding light on the range of cultures and the diversity of routes by which Islam arrived in the New World. —Darrel Plant ’90

Steven Herold ’63 Where the River Ends: Art & Poetry of the Lower Skagit (Serif & Pixel Press, 2007) This book chronicles the creative life of Fishtown, an artists’ colony that sprang up in the 1930s on the lower Skagit River in Puget Sound. When Steven arrived in Fishtown after graduating from Reed, the community was alive with creative energy. Living in abandoned fisherman’s shacks, poets such as Robert Sund and Charlie Krafft worked alongside artists, painters, and sculptors. The first showing of the community’s artwork, held at the Second Storey Gallery in Seattle in 1971, was dubbed the “Asparagus Moonlight” show, a name meant to indicate the transitory and amorphous nature of this group of artists. Steven ended up staying in Fishtown for 27 years. This elegant and grandly-illustrated book celebrates the spirit and energy of the little community before it was eventually shut down by its landlords.

Robert S. Kahn ’73 Beethoven and the Grosse Fuge: Music, Meaning, and Beethoven’s Most Difficult Work. (Scarecrow Press, 2010) The Grosse Fuge has an involved and complicated history. Written for a string quartet but published as an independent work, the piece raises interesting questions about whether music without words can have meaning, and invokes speculation about the composer and his frame of mind. Robert looks closely at the musical, aesthetic, philosophical, and historical problems the work raises, considering its history, structure and development, meaning, and response among critics and contemporaries. Robert also studies Beethoven’s difficulties with publishers and sponsors, his everyday life, and his character in light of recent advances in the pharmacology of depressive illness. The book places both Beethoven and the Grosse Fuge in their historic and social contexts, arguing that Beethoven intended the Fuge as the finale of his String Quartet opus 130 and created a substitute finale for the quartet at his publisher’s urging, not because he was unhappy with the work. Robert also devotes a chapter to the phenomenon of synesthesia—a sense of motion through three-dimensional volumes of space—examining how some music can produce this effect.

september 2010 Reed magazine 51

51-54_Reediana.indd 51

7/26/10 10:19 PM

Reediana

continued

Linda Gordon Howard ’70 The Sexual Harassment Handbook

(career Press, 2007)

This practical, plain-English guide for working men and women, on how to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace in the moments when it is happening, was written because colleagues and experts in the field—who participated in Linda’s training—asked her to write a book that shared her approach to the topic. The Sexual Harassment Handbook is unique, in that it is addressed to both men and women, and is designed to specifically provoke conversation between people in a given difficult situation— more generally, among men and women—on this often divisive subject. Linda’s intention is to create healthy workplaces where people thrive and succeed. An endorsement from Reed president Colin Diver appears on the back cover.

Robin Cody Another Way the River Has: Taut True Tales from the Northwest (Oregon State University Press, 2010) Former dean of admission Robin Cody, author of Ricochet River, and winner of the Oregon Book Award for Voyage of a Summer Sun, stays true to the waters that he’s plied throughout his literary career. This series of essays invites comparisons to Stewart Holbrook, the legendary midcentury chronicler of the Oregon postfrontier. But where Holbrook sprawls, Cody hews to the personal and compact, an atmosphere evoked in his references to the Turtle, a handmade boat whose life cycle spans the book. Along the way, Cody shows his skills both as writer and as reporter, smoothly inserting himself among the locals at places like Hump’s Restaurant in Clatskanie to scope out the conversations about fish and nuclear submarines with the same graceful ease with which he anchors the Turtle in the aptly named Hideaway Slough on the Columbia. —Darrel Plant ’90

Julie O’Toole ’71 Botboy, My Botboy (PSIpress, 2010) Remember the days when scientists built rocket ships to the moon in their backyards and the government looked to kid inventors to solve puzzling international intrigues? That sci-fi epoch—along with the warm, metallic touch of Issac Asimov’s robot stories—pervades this novel, which recounts the story of a widow whose “robotologist” husband leaves her a nigh-indestructible mechanical companion to keep her safe in a world of domestic antirobot fanatics led by a man named Chukkerpuppy; meanwhile, a lustful Icelandic Viking nicknamed “The Beast” commands the terrorist forces of the Middle East from his mountain cave complex. This is the first book published by PSIPress, founded by retired physics professor Richard Crandall ’69.

Sally Hovey Wriggins ’44 is the author of Asia on My Mind: From Ceylon to the Silk Road—A Memoir (Outskirts Press, 2008). Described as “engaging and insightful,” Sally’s story grew out of the decades she spent in Asia. In the memoir, she describes her curiosity about the historical development of Buddhism, the opening up of China, and the identity politics of South Asia. Additionally, she includes “fascinating, penetrating, and often humorous” views of her travel through Burma and her study of the Chinese monkscholar-pilgrim Xuanzang. Sally is the first Westerner and the first woman to walk extensively in the footsteps of Xuanzang, The memoir follows The Silk Road Journey with Xuanzang (Westview Press 2003). For more about her work, visit wherebooksbegin.com/ websites/Sally-Wriggins/. In February, Mason Gaffney ’48 published “Corporations, Democracy, and the U. S. Supreme Court,” in Counterpunch, “a red rag that I hope modern Reedies devour as avidly as we did PM and The People’s Lobby Bulletin in our times.” The article can also be read at Mason’s website, www.masongaffney.org. Another article, “The Hidden Taxable Capacity of Land: Enough and to Spare,” published in International Journal of Social Economics, has been chosen as an Outstanding Paper Award Winner at the Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2010. Norm Cohen ’58 published All This for a Song (University of North Carolina, 2009), the second volume in the Southern Folklife Collection’s Vernacular Music Reference Shelf. This volume gathers together an important collection of 16 case studies, originally published between 1895 and 2003, demonstrating the variety of approaches scholars have used in studying and analyzing American traditional songs and ballads, and also includes an extensive bibliography of more than 1,000 song, ballad, and tune studies published from the mid-19th century to the early 21st.

John Friedman ‘60 is the author of Brueghel’s Heavy Dancers: Transgressive Clothing, Class, and Culture in the Late Middle Ages (Syracuse University Press, 2010). He and his wife, Kristen Figg, moved to Columbus, Ohio, after attending the 50th class reunion at Reed during Reunions ’10 in June.

Lin Sten ’67 has written Mine, a novel (CreateSpace, 2010). Selena Castillo publicly claims to be an extraterrestrial. Is it a joke, a delusion, a gimmick, or a reality? Tony Sturgess must believe that Selena’s claim is only a publicity stunt, or that she is insane, as he falls in love with her, because he still struggles with the racism of his white-supremacist childhood; otherwise, he is certainly the right talent agent to exploit the gimmick, despite her radical environmentalism. Professor Hal Bronson, on the other hand, is desperate to believe Selena’s claim after he is labeled a crackpot for hypothesizing that the SETI silence is due to a global technological catastrophe that every advancing civilization must face: she might be a witness. But if Earth is to be saved, for whom will it be? Through humor, romance, and suspense, Mine entertains while its human characters resolve a case of mistaken insanity. Bai Ganyo: Incredible Tales of a Modern Bulgaria (University of Wisconsin, 2010), by Aleko Konstantinov, was edited by Victor Friedman ’70, who also served as a translator. Written in 1895, Bai Ganyo is a comic classic of world literature, which follows the misadventures of rose-oil salesman Ganyo Balkanski (“Bai” is a Bulgarian title of intimate respect) as he travels in Europe. Victor is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at the University of Chicago.

—Darrel Plant ’90

52 Reed magazine september 2010

51-54_Reediana.indd 52

7/26/10 10:20 PM

“Bob-lo Boat, Detroit” From Detroit Disassembled: Photographs by Andrew Moore, edited by Barbara Tannenbaum ’75

An essay by Matthew Kangas ’71, “When Painting Became Sculpture: 3 American Art Critics and the Virginia Bagley Wright Collection,” was published this spring in artdish magazine. In the article, Matthew explores the historical context of the works featured in the exhibition Big is Better, recently on view at Seattle’s Wright Exhibition Space. He notes the critical influences and impulses the Wrights had on shaping and building their collection when they lived in New York and explains how their collection extended their own influence on contemporary art appreciation in the Pacific Northwest since the ’60s–’70s. We look forward to announcing his book Maria Frank Abrams: Burning Forest, about an artist and Holocaust survivor living in Seattle. (See Class Notes.) Lauri Ramey ’74 has published Slave Songs and the Birth of African American Poetry (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), a completely revised edition of her original hardback text (2008), which was the first major literary study in recent times to address the spirituals as lyric poetry and to argue that they deserve a foundational place in the American poetry canon. The new edition is oriented towards a greatly expanded audience.

Steven Raichlen ’75 has a new book, Planet Barbecue! 309 Recipes, 60 Countries, an Electrifying Journey around the World’s Barbecue Trail (Workman Publishing, 2010). Described as his most ambitious book yet, Planet Barbecue! features the “tastiest, most tantalizing, easy-to-make, and guaranteed-towow recipes” from every corner of the globe. In addition to his publications, Steven has produced the third season of his show, Primal Grill, and his PBS series Barbecue University at the Greenbrier is now available on DVD. For more details, visit www. barbecuebible.com.

Detroit Disassembled: Photographs by Andrew Moore, was edited by Barbara Tannenbaum ’75 and co-published by the Akron Art Museum and Damiani. The book has been widely reviewed, including in T, the New York Times style magazine, in April. (See Class Notes.)

David Henry Sterry ’78 is coauthor of The Glorious World Cup: A Fanatic’s Guide (NAL Trade, 2010). David writes, “I am very proud of this book. In the end, it’s not really about soccer. It’s about this mad passion that makes us fully human, that unites people from every corner of the globe. And I was lucky enough to work with Alan Black, an amazing writer and partner, and that most dangerous of individuals, a man who moved to Berkeley, California, because he was too angry to live in Scotland. It also has what I think is quite a brilliant visual component, put together by truly amazing artist Kim Gledhill. We really wanted to make it an homage to those old-time guidebooks that Alan and I grew up reading when we were kids. Only sharp and dark, as we like it. We were lucky enough to draft some amazing players for our team; Simon Kuper, soccer brain extraordinaire; Po Bronson, soccer fanatic par excellence; and Irvine Welsh, internationally renowned soccer junkie.”

Mika Ono ’85, of San Diego, California, is thrilled that her new book, Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen: Recipes from the East for Health, Healing, and Long Life (DaCapo Lifelong Books), authored with Dr. Yuan Wang and Warren Sheir, has been selected as a winner by the 2010 International Book Awards. Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen provides an introduction to the ancient tradition of Chinese medicine and shows how easy it can be to tap into the 3,000-year-old secrets of East Asian herbal cooking. See www .ancientwisdommodernkitchen.com.

Greg Shirley ’86 is the author of Heidegger and Logic: The Place of Lógos in Being and Time (Continuum, 2010). In Heidegger and Logic, Greg examines Heidegger’s writings on logic in the Being and Time era and argues that Heidegger does not seek to discredit logic, but to determine its scope and explain its foundations. The book is described as a comprehensive and breakthrough study, which will put to rest the tendency to identify Heidegger as an irrationalist. The latest book of poetry, Saints & Cannibals, by Christine Hamm ’87, is just out from Plain View Press. Saints & Cannibals investigates themes of transcendence, madness, and motherhood. The first section, “Saints,” explores the struggles of two generations of women with femininity, relationships, and the self. Claire is diagnosed with schizophrenia, but her visions may be evidence of sainthood. In the second section, “Cannibals,” mothers and children, women and wolves, attempt to provide for themselves while nurturing others in the dark world of fairy tales.

Cottage and Cabin, by Linda Leigh Paul ’87, MALS ’95, is available at bookstores in early September. Rizzoli/Universe published this anthology of five of Linda’s early books (2000–07), which includes many Pacific Northwest vacation homes.

september 2010 Reed magazine 53

51-54_Reediana.indd 53

7/26/10 10:24 PM

Reediana

continued

Lance Funston ’90 and partner Jan Hudson published The Artists of Willamette Heights II, which catalogs the works of 35 new and established artists in a unique enclave of artistic expression on the edge of Forest Park. Order the book through Lance and Jan’s Design Alchemy Studio, designalchemystudio.com. (See Class Notes.) Megan Shaw Prelinger ’90 has published her first book, Another Science Fiction: Advertising the Space Race 1957–1962 (Blast Books, 2010). The inspiration for the book, she told the Oregonian in May, came from browsing through magazines such as Aviation Week and Missiles and Rockets, which are part of the extensive materials that she and her husband, Rick, have collected for the Prelinger Library (www.prelingerlibrary.org), but the subject itself reflects her ongoing fascination with the history of space and science fiction. Megan selected 200 aerospace industry ads from the late ’50s and early ’60s that promoted the industry’s future capability in fantastical, colorful visions aimed at luring young engineers into their booming workforce. Because of the rise of urban lighting, a view of the Milky Way overhead is now as rare as the view of glaciers, geysers, and grizzly bears that draws visitors to America’s national parks. Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks, by Tyler Nordgren ’91, released by Springer/Praxis, is intended to show park visitors what they can see, what it means, and how it’s related to the wider world around them through geology, history, philosophy, and art. Noah Iliinsky ’95 had a great time as the technical editor of and a contributor to Beautiful Visualization: Looking at Data through the Eyes of Experts, published this year by O’Reilly Media. He blogs at ComplexDiagrams.com and tweets at @noahi. (See Class Notes.)

above: One of 200 selected aerospace ads that appear in Another Science Fiction: Advertising the Space Race 1957–1962 by Megan Shaw Prelinger ’90

above: From Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks, by Tyler Nordgren ’91 bottom-right: Mira Juniper Shah, daughter of Elyse Fenton ’03, is blissfully unaware of her mother’s literary successes and pitfalls

Wendy Belt Wallace ’97 edited and also contributed to the dictionary A/V A to Z: An Encyclopedic Dictionary of Media, Entertainment and Other Audiovisual Terms (McFarland, 2010). Defining more than 10,000 words and phrases from everyday slang to technical terms and concepts, this dictionary of the audiovisual language embraces more than 50 subject areas within film, television, and home entertainment. The definitions are augmented by more than 600 illustrations, 1,600 etymologies, and nearly 2,000 encyclopedic entries that provide illuminating anecdotes, historical perspective, and clarifying details that might be missed by a more traditional dictionary.

Notes from the Night: A Life after Dark, by Taylor Plimpton ’99, was published this summer by Broadway Books. Taylor is “both an unlikely clubber and a likely seeker—a little bumbling and somewhat aloof, often naïve and unusually erudite.” Part participant, part observer, he presents a humorous and insightful look at the absurdity of human behavior as he chronicles the wonder and possibility of the night in Manhattan’s exclusive club scene. Taylor is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City.

Claire Trageser ’05 wrote her first feature-length magazine story, Recent releases by Elyse Fenton ’03 “Transcendental Steps (Or How I include the poetry collection Clamor Learned to Love Running without an (Cleveland State University Poetry iPod),” in the May issue of Runner’s Center, 2010), which was selected by World. To write the story, she traveled D.A. Powell as the winner of Cleveland to a remote Buddhist retreat in ColoState Poetry Center’s First Book Award. rado to meet a revered Tibetan lama Written in part while her husband was who occasionally ditches his flowing deployed as a medic in Baghdad, the yellow monk robes to run three-hour poems in Clamor “marry with lyric feroc- marathons. (See Class Notes.) ity” the personal and the political in an examination of language and love in 21st-century wartime.

54 Reed magazine september 2010

51-54_Reediana.indd 54

7/26/10 10:24 PM

In Memoriam Helena Margaret Gannon Rivoire ’37

February 10, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Helena lived in Washington and Minnesota before moving to Portland and enrolling at Reed. After two years at the college, she transferred to UC Berkeley, where she received a BA and MA in French, and a certificate of librarianship, and met Jean A. Rivoire, whom she married. The couple spent several years in Panama, then moved to France and studied at La Sorbonne in Paris. Jean accepted a position in the French department at Bucknell University and the couple settled in Lewisburg. Following her husband’s death in 1957, Helena became a librarian at Bucknell’s Bertrand Library, and was appointed chief of technical services in 1969. She was well read, had a passion for travel, and enjoyed theatre, music, and the intellectual challenge of acquiring new languages and solving crossword puzzles. Survivors include her daughter and two granddaughters. Her son predeceased her.

Frederick Eugene Ellis Sr. ’38

February 5, at home on Shaw Island, Washington, from congestive heart failure. A passionate conservationist whose lifelong endeavors preserved thousands of acres in the San Juan archipelago of Washington state, Fred was known as the “Father of Shaw Island.” His reverence for planet earth was fueled early in his life by celestial observations, which he made through a homemade telescope. His interest in astronomy led him to Reed, where he designed a major in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. (“Education came alive when I got to Reed.”) He commuted as a day-dodger and spent his evenings studying the Orion Nebula. “Social life? I’d say maybe that was the most negative part of doing all this night work,” he told Nancy Stewart Green ’50 in an oral history inter- up,” according to Fred, and sold their land “dirtview. More than once, his maternal aunt said: “Fred, cheap” to his father. Thereafter, Fred enjoyed why don’t you get your head out of the sky and vacations on the island, and after graduating, he taught mathematics, Latin, and shop nearby at start dating some nice young woman?” Fred drew inspiration from classes with F.L. Anacortes High School. Fred went to the Harvard College ObservatoGriffin [mathematics, 1911–56] and Edward O. Sisson [philosophy, 1911–43], but especially ry as the Pickering Memorial Assistant, then volfrom those with L.E. Griffin [biology, 1920–45]. unteered for war service as a medic with the Brit“He, along with my parents, really got my feeling ish 18th Army Dagger Division medical unit in of a sense of stewardship for the planet, rath- Burma—an experience that left him with a permaer than exploiting it and seeing it as a consum- nent leg injury and an aversion to war. (He and his er entity; that this is something to be nurtured wife, Marilyn S. Segal, whom he married in 1953, and taken care of.” While at Reed, he went with later helped Vietnam War draftees from the U.S. his father, Robert H. Ellis Sr., to Shaw Island. The gain passage into Vancouver, British Columbia.) After the war, Fred earned a PhD from Harvard Orcas Lime Company on Shaw had gone “belly

in philosophy and history, and taught at the University of New Hampshire, Tufts College, the University of Minnesota (where he met Marilyn), Harvard, the University of Illinois, the University of British Columbia, and Western Washington University. “I loved getting around and meeting various visiting faculty people.” Throughout his career, he kept a connection to Shaw Island, and he and Marilyn settled there to raise a family and manage a cattle ranch. Fred was a founding member of the San Juan Preservation Trust and led a crusade against commercial development on the islands. The campaign was successful in preserving land on Blakely, Cypress, Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands. Fred september 2010 Reed magazine 55

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 55

7/26/10 10:31 PM

In Memoriam

continued

and Marilyn donated more than 1,400 acres of their land on Shaw and Lopez islands—woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and coastline—to the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories, to be kept in its natural state as a scientific preserve. In 2002, the university dedicated the Frederick & Marilyn Ellis Biological Preserve on Shaw. The Washington Environmental Council recognized the couple as environmental heroes. “Shaw Island is exactly as it was when Captain Vancouver sailed through here,” Fred said. “To be able to look out over this without it being messed up by condos and garbage is worth everything.” Fred served on the boards of the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority, the Oregon Historical Society, and the Washington Hemlock Society. He is doubtless the only individual to have been named both Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Skagit County Cattleman of the Year. He was also a musician and a sailor. Fred’s brothers Henry D. Ellis ’34 and Robert H. Ellis Jr. ’37 were Reed graduates, and his parents established the Robert H. and Blanche Day Ellis Memorial Fund to endow a faculty position at Reed—a fund further endowed by Fred and his siblings. Fred and Marilyn also established the Frederick E. and Marilyn Segal Ellis Scholarship at Reed. In 2009, Fred received the FosterScholz distinguished service award. “Reed gave me a real sense of environmental responsibility, of being involved, not being just a bystander,” Fred stated. “Getting in where the action is. That the earth is a pretty rare place. There aren’t very many of them, if any, and you better take care of it.” Survivors include five daughters, a son, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Marilyn died in 2000.

Charles Wayne Altree ’40, MALS ’68

Bessie Johnson Day ’40 and Jesse Day ’42 at the Frosh Barn Dance at Reed in 1940.

Bessie Ramona Johnson Day ’40

February 4, in Portland. Bessie was a day-dodger at Reed when she met Jesse H. Day ’42; they married in 1938. She worked for the Navy Department in the Family Allowance Division while Jesse earned advanced degrees in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University. “When I stopped with the Navy Department, my husband was editing a magazine called the SPE Journal, the Society of Plastics Engineers Journal, and I sort of half took over his work on that. And then they asked me to be the executive secretary, to run the national office,” she told Gay Walker ’69 in an oral history interview in 2003. Bessie was executive secretary for the society for five years, after which she volunteered with the Red Cross and the Sigma Kappa sorority. Jesse taught at Ohio University, and after his death in 1989, Bessie returned to Portland. She greatly valued the year she spent at Reed.

John Denman Emley ’40

November 20, 2009, in Tacoma, Washington. John attended Reed for two years. He was a property manager for nearly 50 years, and was a lay reader and senior warden at St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Tacoma. He married Margaret L. Moberg in 1946. Survivors include two sons.

an antisubmarine warfare officer in the South Pacific. “I started corresponding with Columbia Law School while I was still out in the North China Sea. My recollection was that I didn’t have all my papers on file at Columbia, but on the strength of prior Reed grads, who had done well there, I was admitted,” he told Barbara Sloate Isgur ’63 during an oral history interview in 2005. While stationed in New York during the war, he met Hannah Alma Flansburg; they were married for 56 years and raised two daughters, Kristen and Catherine. Thor graduated with an LLB from Columbia in 1948, and, for superior academic achievement, was recognized as a Stone Scholar—an honor that had been newly established at the law school. From there, he went to San Francisco and worked for the McCutcheon firm, while preparing for the California State Bar. Over lunch one day, the vice president of South Pacific Railroad offered him a job working for the company in Washington, D.C., a position Thor accepted. He returned to San Francisco 16 years later and settled in Atherton, California. He and Hannah enjoyed many gatherings, including events organized by Reed’s Bay Area chapter. This connection led to a more active involvement with the college, including Thor’s appointment to the Reed board of trustees (1987– 2002). Along with alumnus and trustee Walter Mintz ’50, Thor endowed the college’s Thormund Miller & Walter Mintz Chair for Economics in 1996. Thor worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for nearly 30 years, finishing his career as vice president and general counsel. He was instrumental in starting the Southern Pacific Communications Company (now Sprint), and represented Southern Pacific and all of the western railroads before the Interstate Commerce Commission, frequently serving as chairman of the group’s lawyers. A highlight of his career was arguing a Supreme Court case in 1967. Thor served as president of the Atherton Civic Interest League and the Holbrook Palmer Park Board, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club and director of the Associates of University of California Press. In 1999, he received the Good Neighbor Award from the Atherton Civic Interest League. From his public obituary, we learned that his family and friends drew inspiration from Thor’s dignity, genuine kindness, compelling smile, and ethical approach to life. “He will be remembered as a gentleman who listened patiently and helped wherever he could.” Hannah died in 2003. Thor later married Barbara Cornell Singelyn. Survivors include Barbara, two daughters, three grandchildren, and a sister.

May 9, 2009, in Newton, Massachusetts. Wayne earned a BA from Reed in political science and taught social studies at Newton South High School, retiring as head of the department in 1985. He was an innovative instructor, whose “yeasty Thormund Aubrey Miller ’41 approach” to Western history was built on the and emeritus trustee concepts of tradition, continuity, innovation, and February 19, in Los Altos, California. revolution. An article in Time magazine in 1964, Thor was a day-dodger at “Teaching: Island of Change,” identified Wayne as Reed, who commuted leading the nation’s “first complete overhaul” of from his home in Milhigh school social studies. A year later, Yale Univerwaukie, Oregon, in a sity honored him as one of four distinguished secModel A Ford. He earned ondary school teachers in the nation. The New Enga BA from Reed in polit- David Ridgley Clark ’42 land History Teachers Association recognized him ical science, writing his January 11, in Sequim, Washington, with a similar distinction, and in 1992, the Amerithesis, Some Problems in from age-related causes. can Historical Association awarded him the Eugene Western Hemisphere Soli- David studied at Reed in 1940–41 through an Asher Distinguished Teaching Award for outstanddarity, while seated at a exchange program with Wesleyan University. He ing teaching and advocacy for history teaching. His desk in the library tower. completed his bachelor’s degree at Wesleyan, later wife, Lucy, was a librarian, and he had a son and From 1942 to 1946, he earned a doctorate in English at Yale University, daughter. In 1989, Wayne wrote: “Reed has been served in the naval reserves, initially on a mine- and was a professor of English at the University of the most impressive force in my life.” sweeper in the Atlantic , and then as Massachusetts–Amherst, from which he retired 56 Reed magazine september 2010

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 56

7/26/10 10:31 PM

as professor emeritus. Records show that he was married to Mary Matthieu Clark, and that they had two daughters and two sons.

John William Hazel Jr. ’42

volunteered for many organizations, including Donald L. Gray AMP ’44 Reading Tree, the Irving Park Committee, the April 1, in Decorah, Iowa. Democratic Party, and the League of Women Vot- Donald studied at Reed in the premeteorology ers. In 1990, she received the Northeast Coalition program, later earning a BS in architectural engiaward for 25 years of volunteer service. Betty also neering from Iowa State College. He had a career worked in Reed’s Hauser Library for over 20 years. as an architect, and he and his wife, Mary, had Survivors include a son, two daughters, six grandthree children. children, two great-grandchildren, and her sister.

April 1, in Spokane, Washington. A Portland native, John attended Reed and Walla Walla College. Prior to joining the navy in World War II, he worked as an X-ray technician at the University of Oregon Medical School. He later Arthur Leo Black AMP ’44 provided X-ray and lab services for physicians in August 14, 2009, in Davis, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and was a hospital admin- California, from complications istrator for Coeur d’Alene General Hospital. He related to Parkinson’s disease. was married to Margaret Smith for 58 years. Sur- Arthur joined the U.S. Air Force in 1942, and studvivors include two daughters. ied physical sciences at Reed in the premeteorology program (1943–44). He earned a doctorate in comparative physiology from UC Davis in 1951, Marian Jean Lillig Lance ’42 February 6, in Seattle, Washington. and was one of the first two students in his field Jean earned a BA from Reed in sociology, leaving to be elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. the college with a deep appreciation for the liberal During his career at the UC Davis School of Veterarts education she obtained. “It helped me to remain inary Medicine, he received the Borden Award for open-minded, and to be productive in a wide range innovative research and was recognized as a disof activities.” Her life was an eloquent testimony tinguished teacher of the year. He taught physioto that idea: she was an aerographer in the navy in logical chemistry and retired as professor emeriWorld War II, a mother and homemaker, a PTA vol- tus in 1992. Arthur served as consultant to the U.S. unteer, a social worker, and an employee of United National Institutes of Health, to the USDA, and to Airlines. During her 40-year membership with Mt. the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Baker Park Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Jean Austria. “I would not have achieved my career goals served in a number of capacities, including as elder, without the educational background I received at treasurer, and trustee. Survivors include three sons, Reed College,” he stated. In his public obituary, we four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Her read: “Everything he did either challenged one to think bigger or to appreciate more. He was an ordihusband, William H. Lance, died in 1978. nary man who accomplished extraordinary things.” Arthur was married to Trudi McCue Black for 64 Wilson Ring Smith ’42 January 20, in St. Augustine, Florida. years; they had three daughters, six grandchildren, Wilson earned his BA from Reed in physics and and four great-grandchildren. was a civilian engineer assisting military operations in England during World War II. He earned Alice Catherine Reckard an MS in electrical engineering from Pennsylva- Corbett ’44 nia State University in 1950 and was a manag- May 4, in Portland. er for the laboratory test plans and evaluation Alice attended Reed for two years and then earned division at Avco Missile Systems. He was also an a BS in education from the University of Oregon amateur radio operator and photographer. Wil- in 1947. She taught at Woodlawn School, and son moved to Florida from Massachusetts in while taking classes at the Art Museum School, 1991, and trained students at the Florida School she met engraver James J. Corbett; they marfor the Deaf and the Blind in code for amateur ried in 1948. Alice and her mother operated a radio licenses. Retirement brought more oppor- hardware store. In 1958, she entered politics tunities for him to enjoy sailing, bicycling, hik- as a staunch Democrat. She was elected to the ing, and travel. Survivors include his wife of 58 Oregon State Senate (1958–66) and the Multyears, Amanda; four daughters; a son; and grand- nomah County Commission (1975–78), and was children. One son predeceased him. a national Democratic committeewoman for 16 years. Her time at Reed forged a lifelong connection to the college, which she expressed in volElizabeth Catlin Rogers unteer hours and financial support. “Although I Walker ’42 and staff member February 17, at home in Portland. completed my bachelor’s in education at the UniBetty grew up hiking and riding horses with her versity of Oregon, I never forgot Reed,” she said. sisters on Mount Hood, where her father built “While there I would sometimes study with sororand ran both Mount Hood Lodge and the Cloud ity friends from other colleges. They started askCap Inn in 1917–25, and her mother ran the lodge ing me questions, and I guess the answers were summer camp. Betty spent two years at Reed, and good because next time they crowded around and after World War II married Thomas Graham asked more and more—in subjects I wasn’t even Walker ’47. She raised a family in Portland’s taking! I soon saw that I was learning so much Sabin neighborhood and was active throughout more than my friends at other schools.” Her husher life in the neighborhood’s association. She band died in 2001.

Ruth Lottridge ’44

September 6, 2006, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Ruth earned a BA from Reed in general literature, and attended the college with her sister Doris.

Clayton Leroy Weston AMP ’44

March 19, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Clayt attended Reed for a year in the premeteorology program, while serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He married Evelyn Lee in 1950, and received an MD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Medical School in 1951. The couple moved to Duluth, Minnesota, and then to New Lisbon, Wisconsin, where Clayt practiced medicine for 31 years. From his public obituary, we learned that he enjoyed sports, reading, traveling, socializing, and telling a good joke. Survivors include his wife, two sons, three daughters, and seven grandchildren.

Joann Cockrell Lampman ’45

May 31, 2009, in Madison, Wisconsin. Jo spent her sophomore year of college at Reed in 1943–44, while her husband, Robert Lampman, completed military duty in the Aleutian Islands. “It was my first real experience away from home (Madison). I was newly married and was the only married student on campus,” she reported. Courses with Lloyd Reynolds [art and English, 1929– 69] and Victor Chittick [English, 1921–48] made a lasting impression on her. She stayed in touch with Victor and Edna [music, 1931–39] Chittick to the end of their lives. Jo’s many accomplishments included pastel painting and performing violin in the Madison orchestra. She and her husband, who was a faculty member at Madison, and who died in 1997, had four children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Ann Bradley Rogers Stamps ’45

March 3, 2000, in Florida. Ann attended Bennington College and Reed before leaving to marry James B. Stamps ’43, with whom she raised two sons and a daughter. She later completed her undergraduate studies in English at the University of New Hampshire and received an EdD from Boston University. For 20 years, she lived in Boston and West Newton and served as aide to Massachusetts state senator Jack Backman. She helped found and sustain the New Hampshire Music Festival, and was a benefactor and board member for the organization for many years. She also supported a number of other organizations, including those focused on education, conservation, hunger, and peace. september 2010 Reed magazine 57

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 57

7/26/10 10:32 PM

In Memoriam

continued

Betty Ruth Lehmicke Marmont Andre ’46

September 14, 2009, in Missoula, Montana. Betty transferred to Reed from Colorado Women’s College and studied for a year before joining the WAVES. She served stateside during World War II, and married navy man William M. Marmont in 1944; they had three daughters. Betty completed a graduate degree in counseling and was on the faculty of Spokane Community College. William died in 1967; Betty later married Pat Andre.

John Lloyd Siemens ’46

March 5, in Port Angeles, Washington. John attended Reed for a year, and received an MD from the University of Oregon Medical School. He and nursing student Patricia Rush met during that time; they were married for 62 years. In 1950, John completed an internship and family practice residency in Portland, and the couple moved to Port Angeles, where they started a medical practice. The practice evolved into the Port Angeles Physicians Clinic, from which John retired in 1994. With the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, John provided medical services on transport ships between Seattle and Korea. He also had a sabbatical in the Marshall Islands in the early ’70s. John was active in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, president of the YMCA board of directors, and a member of the Hurricane Ridge ski patrol. In retirement, he continued to hike in the Olympic Mountains, bike, travel, and to spend quality time with his family. Survivors include his wife, daughter, son, and five grandchildren.

Patricia Cain Koehler ’47

September, 1949 phot0 from the U.S. Naval ordnance test station Inyokern, China Lake, California, with Bernard Smith ’48 inset.

Valerie B. Strahl Rabe ’48

February 9, at home in Hillsboro, Oregon. Valerie attended Reed and the University of Oregon, and worked at the Kaiser and Oregon shipyards and with the Red Cross canteen corps during World War II. She married Ronald C. Rabe in 1947. Living in Hillsboro, Valerie was active in the PTA, the League of Women Voters, and the Hillsboro Jaycettes. She traveled to 48 countries and pursued hobbies in gardening and genealogy. Survivors include two sons, three daughters, 16 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a sister.

April 21, in Portland, from cancer. Bernard Smith ’48 Pat grew up in Portland and lent her support February 12, in Boca Raton, to the war efforts at the Kaiser Shipyards, ris- Florida, from liver cancer. ing to the position of journeyman electrician. The son of poor Russian She alternated months at the shipyards with immigrants, Barney academic studies at the universities of Oregrew up on the Lower gon and Washington. Her essays, which includEast Side of New York ed “Reminiscence on the Women Shipbuilders C ity, leaving public of World War II,” were published in the Oreschools at 14 in order to gon Historical Quarterly and in the antholosupport his family. He gy A Richer Harvest: The Literature of Work in was a remarkable genius, the Pacific Northwest (Oregon State Universiwhose creativity was ty Press, 1999). After the war, she attended fueled in childhood by a Reed, where she met Frank T. Koehler Jr. ’48; voracious reading habit they married and raised two daughters and two and a fearless nature; by sons. In 1974, she completed her BA in polit- outings in nature and visits to the public library ical science at Portland State University. She and museums; and by attending free evening lecvolunteered at the Oregon Historical Society, tures at Cooper Union and Columbia University. with Friends of the Library, and for the Amer- “If poverty and ignorance aren’t enough to motiican Association of University Women. Survi- vate the disadvantaged, what stronger motivavors include Frank, their children and grand- tion can be found?” he stated in his autobiograchildren, and Pat’s sister. phy, Looking Ahead from Way Back. He worked as bellhop, shipping clerk, delivery boy, and caddie.

He learned the work of a tinsmith, blacksmith, and locksmith from his father, who used a basement furnace as his forge. On the Shrewsbury River in New Jersey, Barney launched a sailboat he designed and built. (His inventive passion never waned; throughout his life he worked on designs for high-speed sailboats, super-efficient woodstoves, and even a quadricycle.) In 1932, he was swept up with the discovery of rocket science, and became the first American to publicly fire a liquid-fuel rocket. In 1935, he moved to California and worked as a welder for the Fruehauf Trailer Company. Tired of subsistence jobs, and with a wife, Sylvia, and daughter, Susan Smith ’64, to support, he recognized the need for a formal education. He was 34 when he arrived at Reed—the only school that would accept his application. A.A. Knowlton [physics, 1914–48] reviewed the results of Barney’s 18-hour entrance examinations, approved his admission, and served as his adviser. “Learning for me involved considerable unlearning,” Barney wrote. With Knowlton’s nudging, Barney designed and built a spectrograph for the physics department using a grating from a storage cabinet. Knowlton also helped him get a job with the Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, California. “I didn’t want to develop weapons; I wanted to develop high-altitude scientific probes. But fate had already ordained that I would get to probes through weapons.” At the test station, Barney worked on rockets, warheads, and antisubmarine weapons. He also served as chief science adviser for naval forces in Korea, chief engineer at the Bureau of Naval Weapons, and civilian scientific officer for the Office of Naval Research. In 1964, he became technical director for the Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren,

58 Reed magazine september 2010

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 58

7/26/10 10:33 PM

his energy toward gardening, hiking, boating, Virginia, until his retirement in 1973. “By the Duncan J. MacGregor ’51 fishing, hunting, and following his favorite sport time I faded away, hardly a combatant vessel in April 20, in Seattle, Washington. the navy escaped being furnished with some Duncan attended Reed for three years and also teams. Survivors include son Alan K. Akiyama equipment I invented, initiated, developed, or studied at Cal Tech. He was a senior tool design ’82 and daughter Lisa, two grandsons, four greatmanaged to deployment.” In recognition of his engineer for the Boeing Company in Seattle, and grandchildren, and his sister and three brothers. ingenuity and determination, the U.S. Navy had a wide range of interests, which included Grace died in 1996. established the Bernard Smith Award, given golf, boating, gardening, travel, world affairs, and annually for scientific and technical achieve- music. His family honors his memory as that of a Roland William Lovejoy ’55 ments accomplished “by exceptional persistence gentleman and scholar, a man not only devoted April 19, in Tucson, Arizona. and competence in the face of unusual odds or to family, but also a good neighbor. He married Roland grew up in Portsignificant opposition.” M. Joyce Hyman ’53 in 1951. They had a son and land and was the first in Despite a career in naval munitions, Barney daughter and five grandchildren; all survive him. his family to attend colimplored human beings to find clever and more lege. After a year at Vanpeaceful solutions to international conflict, rath- Henry I. Akiyama ’53 port College (now Porter than to pay the price of aggression. “We must April 9, in Juneau, Alaska, land State University), make a greater effort to really identify what we from lymphoma. he transferred to Reed are actually doing and decide whether or not we and earned a BA from intend to continue before we plead with other the college in chemistry. nations to be like us, otherwise we waste our time Throughout his life, he and look foolish to boot. And this we cannot lay retained fond memories of professor Arthur at the feet of our officials, but is the responsibilScott [chemistry, 1923–79]. Roland spent 18 ity all of us must share.” Barney was a widower months working for Swift and Company, and in three of his marriages, and is survived by his then went on to receive a PhD in chemistry from widow, May, and his daughter, Susan. Washington State University. He did postdoctorate work at the University of Washington, and joined Lehigh University in 1962. During his Patricia Francis McGuire ’49 November 20, 2009, in Portland, from 32-year career, he did research in the area of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. molecular spectroscopy and structure, and Patricia attended Reed for three years before leav- Hank grew up in Hood River, the youngest of five received grants from Stanford and NASA to invesing to marry Armand B. Scarci in 1949; they had children in a family that cultivated fruit orchards tigate the depletion of the ozone by taking meafive children, and later divorced. Patricia loved and vegetables, and survived the lean years of the surements of molecules found in the stratosphere spending time with her children and grandchil- Great Depression with their industry. At the age above the poles. Roland traveled with his wife, dren and enjoyed travel to Europe, China, and of 14, he and his family were forced to leave their Deborah Daniels Lovejoy, on sabbatical to conEgypt. For a number of years, she assisted with home and were interned at Pinedale, Tule Lake, duct research in infrared astronomy at the Lunar archeological digs in Eastern Oregon, through and Minidoka camps, where they remained for and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arithe Bureau of Land Management, and was on three years. When Hank returned to Hood River, zona. The trip led to their decision to retire in Tucthe board of directors for the Northwest Muse- he was confronted by blatant racial intolerance son. Roland, who was an amateur astronomer, um of Natural History. At the age of 70, she com- toward Japanese Americans and chose to enlist also built telescopes and had a passion for conpleted a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from in the U.S. Army in order to demonstrate his structing and flying model airplanes. He was a Portland State University. She also did real estate patriotism. He served in Italy with the all-Nisei member of the American Physical Society, Sigma work, read extensively, and wrote four novels. 442nd Infantry and enrolled at Reed on the GI Xi, and the Tucson Free Flight Club. Survivors Survivors include three daughters, one son, and Bill, earning a BA in biology. At Reed, he met include his wife, two daughters, three grandthree grandchildren. Her cousins Hollister M. Grace Ebihara ’50; they married in 1952. Hank daughters, and a brother. Stolte ’32 and Nancy Stolte Rosenfeld ’42 also received his MD from the University of Oregon attended Reed. Medical School five years later, and completed his John Roger Sheridan ’55 residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, November 29, 2008, in where he established a coronary care unit. In Langley, Washington. Maxine J. Johnson Martin ’50 July 8, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. 1961, he was recruited to Alaska by the Juneau Roger earned his BA from Reed and a PhD from Mackie attended Reed for two years and was a Medical Clinic, and five years later he opened his the University of Washington in physics. Just special education teacher for the Los Angeles own specialty practice in cardiology. He estab- out of graduate school, with wife Carol Buckner Unified School District for 30 years. She enjoyed lished a coronary care unit at Bartlett Memorial Sheridan and one child (a second followed), he being a mother of six, and did volunteer youth Hospital, trained care-unit nurses, created the accepted a joint appointment at the Geophysical group work “for fun.” The experiences she had at city’s mobile coronary care unit, and developed a Institute and the University of Alaska–Fairbanks. Reed served as a positive influence throughout heart-related teaching program. From his public He became department head and full professor her life. “I think I was born when I entered Reed. obituary, we learned that he was at the scene of in physics at the university, retiring as emerI was exposed to so much creative activity and every cardiac arrest that occurred in Juneau dur- itus professor in 1987. During his career, he scientific research that I had to be a teacher with ing 1969–82. His family noted: “Providing served as chair of the National Research Counan open mind and enthusiasm.” She enjoyed cal- humanitarian service was his love and his mis- cil’s graduate fellowship committee in physligraphy, painting, and music, and was intent on sion. He dedicated his life to his patients and com- ics and astronomy and conducted research in writing a book about teaching those with spe- munity.” Hank was appointed to the National atomic and molecular collision phenomena. He cial needs, as well as completing a novel. Survi- Advisory Committee on Rural Health, was elect- was a member of Sigma Xi and a fellow of the vors include her children, seven grandchildren, ed an American College Cardiology Fellow in American Physical Society. Roger and Carol were 1973, and was Juneau Citizen of the Year in 1976. Danforth Faculty Associates at the university; and four great-grandchildren. In 2004, he retired from medicine, and turned he also held offices in the United Presbyterian september 2010 Reed magazine 59

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 59

7/26/10 10:33 PM

In Memoriam

continued

Church and the Fairbanks Council of Churches, and was the first chairman of the (interdenominational) United Campus Ministry Board at the university. In retirement, the couple operated a computer software development business, Sheridan Software, on Whidbey Island, Washington. In 2002, Roger retired fully and completed treatment for prostate cancer.

Paul Anthony Gliebe Jr. ’56

March 27, in Tiburon, California. Paul came to Reed from San Francisco and earned a BA in biology. For 40 years, he worked as a stockbroker for Shearson Hammill (later Morgan Stanley Smith Barney), rising to the position of senior vice president. Paul was married to his wife, Ann, for 33 years, and is survived by a daughter and son, two grandchildren, and a brother.

Thomas A. Idinopulos ’57

March 7, at home in Cincinnati, Ohio. The son of Greek immigrants in Portland, Thomas grew up with English as his second language. He earned a BA from Reed in philosophy, and went on to receive an MA from Duke University as a National Woodrow Wilson Scholar. He also received an MA and a PhD from the University of Chicago and was an International Graduate Fellow at the University of Athens, Greece. Thomas taught in comparative religious studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, for four decades, retiring as professor emeritus, and was founder and director of the Jewish studies program. In retirement, he took courses in Hebrew and Spanish at the University of Cincinnati, where he was also an adjunct professor. Thomas was a prolific scholar, who published more than 160 articles about religion, politics, and literature, and wrote several books, including Jerusalem Blessed, Jerusalem Cursed: Jews, Christians, Muslims in the Holy City from David’s Time to Our Own; The Erosion of Faith: An Inquiry into the Origins of the Contemporary Crisis in Religious Thought; and Land Weathered by Miracles: Historic Palestine from Bonaparte and Muhammad Ali to Ben-Gurion and the Mufti. During his many trips to Jerusalem, he developed an encyclopedic

knowledge of the Old City, and it was there that he met his wife of 30 years, Lea Spector Idinopulos. He was recognized widely for his contributions, including the Associated Church Press Excellence Award; an appointment as resident scholar at the Ecumenical Institute for Advanced Theological Studies; his election as fellow to the Patriarchal Institute for Religious Studies; and an appointment to the Center on Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights for his work on the Holocaust. In 1981, Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan invited him to confer in Amman with scholars and political leaders about the future of Jerusalem as a capital of both Israelis and Palestinians. Thomas also served in the U.S. Army. Family members, friends, and colleagues remember him as a fine father, athlete, good friend, exquisite host, model scholar, fierce debater, and “one of the most warm-hearted guys you’ll meet.” when Corey failed to return, Bridger retraced He had an unquenchable passion for work and Corey’s path and discovered him lying at the botscholarly pursuit, and students were drawn to tom of a cliff. Bridger, a physician, treated Corey’s his challenging courses, as well as to his “play- head injuries, wrapped him in a sleeping bag, and ful eccentricity” and warmth. Survivors include set off to seek help, but was disoriented from his wife, two sons, six grandchildren, and a sis- cold and dehydration and did not reach rescuter. The family asks that donations in his mem- ers for several days. By the time the search party ory be made to Reed College. found Corey, he had succumbed to his injuries. Corey earned his BA from Reed and a PhD from MIT in chemistry, and worked at the UC Davis Robert A. Keyes ’60 July 24, 2006, in Conklin, New York. School of Medicine. He had recently retired from Bob attended Reed for two years and earned a the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the bachelor’s degree in physics from the Universi- biochemistry department at UC San Francisco, ty of Oregon. He was a physicist in the defense where his research focused on leukemia. Surviindustry for 40 years. Following the OPEC oil vors include his wife, Rita, a daughter and son, embargo of 1973, he designed and built a fuel- and two grandchildren. efficient high-performance three-wheeled vehicle dubbed the TriVette. The TriVette’s jaw-dropping acceleration (0–60 in three seconds) and top speed of 200 mph received considerable interest from the California Highway Patrol, which was looking for a “high-speed pursuit vehicle that they could use to quickly run down the kids in their hot Camaros and Mustangs.” Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Diana; a son and daughter; three grandchildren; his mother; and two brothers.

Phyllis Johnston Manning ’64

April 25, 2009, in Astoria, Oregon. Phyllis earned a BA in German from Reed.

Adrianne Furst ’65

February 20, in Lake Forest, California. Adrianne studied at Reed for two years, and was a senior legal assistant with Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison in Irvine, California.

Corey Largman ’66

S. Leslie Scalapino ’66

October 2009, hiking in the May 28, in Berkeley, California. Sierra National Forest. As a child, Leslie traveled throughout Asia, Africa, The college learned of Corey’s tragic death through and Europe with her father, Professor Robert ScalaJay Hubert ’66. Hiking near Fourth Recess Lake, pino, founder of UC Berkeley’s Institute for Asian Corey and his longtime friend and hiking part- Studies; her mother, singer Dee Scalapino; and her ner William Bridger found their way blocked by two sisters. She grew up to be a writer, and her snow. They split up to look for another route; work—which included poetry, novels, plays, and

60 Reed magazine september 2010

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 60

7/26/10 10:36 PM

essays—showed the influence of those early explorations. Leslie wrote her first serious poems in a class taught by Kenneth Hanson [English, 1954– 86]. “It’s then that I realized I was going to write poetry,” she told Gay Walker ’69 in an oral history interview. She earned her BA in general literature, writing her thesis on William Faulkner. “I found that Reed had a philosophy that was very sustaining, and in terms of life preparation it was excellent,” she said. After Reed, Leslie received a Woodrow Wilson fellowship and completed an MA in English at UC Berkeley. Her first book, O and Other Poems, was published in 1976; she would publish 35 others, including a detective novel, Orchid Jetsam, under the pseudonym Dee Goda. In 1986, she founded O Books, a small press focused on young and emerging poets and on prominent, innovative writers. Leslie also taught at UC San Diego, Mills College, the San Francisco Art Institute, Bard College, the Otis College of Art and Design, and the Naropa Institute, and was the recipient of two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Her poem way received the American Book Award, the Poetry Center Award from San Francisco State University, and the Lawrence Lipton Prize. In the ’80s, she met Philip Whalen; they became friends, and Leslie acted as his representative at the end of his life, ensuring that a collection of his work and his personal library would reside at the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley. Leslie contributed a poem to the feature “Memo to Self: What I Would Say to the Person I Was at Reed” in the Spring 2007 issue of Reed magazine, and wrote an introduction to The Collected Poems of Philip Whalen that was reprinted in the Winter 2008 issue. This spring, she established a sevenfigure scholarship at Reed. Leslie and her husband, Tom White, were together for 35 years.

Katherine Louise Jolly MALS ’68 and staff member

February 1, in Portland. After earning a BA in history from UC Berkeley in 1943, Louise traveled to Florida, where she married her high school sweetheart, Howard D. Jolly, who later taught sociology at Reed [1949–70]. Louise and Howard had two daughters, Diane Jolly Bleything ’68, who graduated from Reed, and Marilyn Jolly Johnson ’71, who also attended the college. Beginning in 1954, Louise worked at Reed in the public relations and admission offices and in the education department. She also taught at Catlin Gabel School, the Portland Jewish Academy, and at Riverdale School, and was a teacher and librarian for the Reynolds School District. She volunteered with the Reed Women’s Committee and the AAUW, was a docent at the Portland Art Museum, and was a member of the Multnomah Athletic Club. She excelled as a masters synchronized swimmer. Survivors include her daughters and three granddaughters. Howard died in 1970. CONTINUED PAGE 62

clockwise, from top-center: The True Blues and Gospel of Backwards Sam Firk (1964), Deadly Duo (1969), Mike with Piano Red and Sleepy John Estes, and What Do You Think This Is? (2003)

Michael Stewart ’71

At Reed, I liked best the duets Mike played Blues guitarist Michael Stewart died of a with pianists, most of them dead for years. heart attack at his home in Mills Spring, He’d put on a Walter Davis 78 and sit in front North Carolina, October 11, 2006, at the of the speaker with his guitar, filling in the age of 64, leaving his wife, Kathy, and chil- spaces Walter thoughtfully left for him. In the summer of 1968, Mike won a grant dren Jesse and Carolina. Mike recorded The True Blues and Gospel from Reed to record blues musicians. He of Backwards Sam Firk on Adelphi Records in tracked down Henry Townsend, a St Louis 1967, giving adept performances of the coun- guitarist who had accompanied Davis on try blues classics he loved. (He derived his many old recordings. Henry hadn’t played in years. I remember him sitting slack-jawed, pseudonym by reversing his initials MAS.) The blues were Mike’s ticket to Reed. He hands limp, as he watched Mike play one of played duets with guitarist Delta X, aka pro- his solos from 1929. He would try a chord fessor Stephan Michelson [economics, 1964- and then just shake his head. But Mike kept 66], who helped him get a scholarship to Reed. playing and talking until Henry picked the Mike was an instant hit with the Reed guitar up again. He quickly recovered his music department. He was good on theory, lapsed skills, and went on to wide acclaim plus he rebuilt the sound equipment. (The in the ’70s revival. Mike teased Yank Rachell into recordMarantz preamp was the pinnacle of vacuum tube technology, but the diode bridge ing by copying Yank’s distinctive backwards that provided DC to the filaments had a ten- thumb roll. The album, Yank Rachell, has four cuts with Mike playing guitar behind Yank’s dency to burn out—no problem for Mike.) Mike wasn’t the only freshman who came mandolin—showing them both at their best. “Although perhaps I benefited more than to Reed that year with an established career in music; another was Ry Cooder ’71. Mike anyone else from playing guitar duets with said at the time that Ry was the best guitarist Mike,” Michelson continues, “no one who he’d known—Ry could play anything. But I had that opportunity could ever forget it. He like Mike’s style better; he played the way the was, simply put, masterful. More than techold blues guitarists did when they needed to nique, he had taste. And more than technique make themselves heard over a piano or at a and taste, he had originality.” Mike and Delta X recorded Deadly Duo dance party. Even in meditative, lyrical solos, he would “bear down,” making the most of in 1969 and What You Think This Is? in 2003. The originality of What You Think This Is? the percussive potential of plucked strings. “Backwards Sam did not so much copy moves away from the scrupulous rendinotes as learn sounds and how to make tions of Mike’s earlier recordings, but the them,” Michelson recollects. “He played old- music remains true to the style, as two old time blues as if this was the music of his day. friends egg each other on, still bearing down. For him, it was.” —Donald Love ’71 september 2010 Reed magazine 61

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 61

7/26/10 10:37 PM

In Memoriam

continued

William Dennis Miller MAT ’69

January 18, in Portland. William left high school at the age of 16 to enlist in the armed services and was trained as a radioman during the Korean War. Returning stateside, he completed a GED and enrolled at the University of Oregon, where he studied architecture on the GI Bill. When funds ran low, he went to work at his parents’ mink farm in Seaside, Oregon. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in English and education at Portland State University. William taught English at Portland public schools for 30 years, including at Marshall and Cleveland high schools. From his wife, Carol, we learned that William never waned in his pursuit of knowledge. He had a personal library that included about a “zillion” books—his last acquisition was an Oxford English Dictionary. At the end of his life, he was refreshing his knowledge of German. Survivors include Carol and the couple’s daughter and son. We thank Roddy Daggett ’51 for notifying us about William’s death and affirming his life.

Georgia-Mae Wilkins Gallivan MALS ’70

March 29, in Vancouver, Washington. Georgia-Mae earned a BA in history in 1937 and an MA in English in 1942 from Whitman College. She met cartoonist and editor Robert Gallivan when he was stationed with the army in Walla Walla, Washington; they were married for 65 years. Georgia-Mae’s study at Reed came mid-career, and she enjoyed the scholarship immensely. She taught for 10 years in Walla Walla, and for 20 years at Clark College, in Vancouver, where she was chair of the humanities division and president of the faculty association. In retirement, she served on the Washington Commission for the Humanities and received the Clark County Award for the Support of the Arts. She served 10 years as a trustee of Clark College, and volunteered for numerous organizations, including Friends of the Columbia Gorge, the ACLU, and Women in Action. In 1996, she was honored with the Woman of Achievement award from the Clark County YMCA for her long career in teaching and her work in the community.

Additionally, he spent three years as a lecturer Catherine Mary Caroline in librarianship at Victoria University in Wel- Roguska Murphy Riniker ’80 lington, New Zealand, before returning to Wales. March 11, in Kennewick, Auriel taught school while Roger assumed the Washington, from cancer. role of househusband and father to the couCait went to high school ple’s four adopted children. He volunteered for in Juneau, Alaska, and a self-help group for adoptive parents of speattended four other colcial-needs children, which led to his publishing leges before enrolling at the e-book guide Adopting a Child in Britain. In Reed, where she earned 2005, he was systems librarian at the National a BA in history. Later Library of Wales. To Reed, he wrote: “My life cershe worked as a writer in tainly isn’t what I thought it would be in 1970. Portland and Juneau, I had visions of doing fieldwork in anthropolotraveled to Ireland, and gy or linguistics, teaching, and doing research then moved to Chicago at some U.S. university (or Reed). Sometimes to be with her mother. I’m envious of my contemporaries, when I read She spent five years in about their current jobs and high positions, but Chicago, working with basically I think I have settled into what really developmentally dissuits me best: easy domesticity as a worker ant, abled adults. In 1987, doing my bit for the continuation of the species. she mar r ie d L ance And without Reed, I don’t think I would have Riniker. The couple been able to make the choice.” Survivors include moved to the Washinghis wife, four children, and three grandchildren. ton state Tri-Cities two years later, and Cait worked for Tri-City Residential Services, Carondelet, Trend College, and the Benton-Franklin Dispute Resolution Center. Survivors include her husband and daughter, and four brothers.

Juan Tomas Christian ’73, MAT ’76

October 26, 2009, at home in Battle Ground, Washington, from cancer. Juan was born in Cintalapa, Mexico, and lived his adult life in Battle Ground. He received both a BA and an MAT from Reed in general literature and taught in the Battle Ground School District for 30 years. Juan started the advanced placement program in literature at Prairie High School, and was recognized posthumously as one of the school district’s 100 heroes for his commitment to his students. “To those fortunate enough to find 50 minutes of Roger Ridley Fenton ’71 February 13, in Aberystwyth, daily solace in his Advanced Placement, CreDyfed, Wales. ative Writing, or Introductory English classes, Roger graduated from Reed Phi Beta Kappa Juan Christian imparted knowledge, challenged, with a BA in German. During his junior year, encouraged (subtly and sometimes not-so-subhe studied in Berlin, and there met Auriel Ste- tly), insulted, questioned and, above all else, phens; they married in Wales in 1971. In 1974, taught,” wrote one former student. He excelled he earned a master’s in library science from the in woodworking—receiving prizes for his furUniversity of Chicago and moved to Wales. He niture—and enjoyed fly-fishing and golf. Surreceived a diploma in librarianship from Coleg vivors include his wife, Marcia Gipson ChrisLlyfrgellwyr Cymru and was bibliographer for tian; a son; two daughters; six grandchildren; the University of Wales Board of Celtic Studies. and three brothers.

Gail Naomi Ryba ’84

May 7, at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from cancer. Gail earned a BA from Reed and a PhD from CalTech in chemistry before entering a postdoctorate program at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque. She left Sandia in 1999, taking a position as New Mexico representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project. She then joined the New Mexico Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, where she served as executive director. Gail was cofounder of the Sandia Bicycle Commuters Group and founder of Albuquerque’s first bicycle advocacy group, the Greater Albuquerque Spokes People. “I’ve always liked to think Portland and Seattle positively influenced and educated my probicycling and proenvironmental values,” she said. The League of American Bicyclists presented her with the 2009 Phyllis Harmon Volunteer Award for her bicycle advocacy,

62 Reed magazine september 2010

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 62

7/26/10 10:38 PM

undergraduate work began at Reed and continued in Boulder, Colorado; he had enrolled in a master’s program in computer science in Santa Barbara, California, but failed to show up for classes. Arsalan was last seen alive on a Motel 6 security camera in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. His car was later discovered in the parking lot of the visitor center at the Gila Cliff Dwellings; its license plates had been removed and VIN numbers destroyed, but the keys and expensive new camping equipment remained inside. Arsalan’s parents stated that he had been reading Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer, before he left for New Mexico. The unusual circumstances of Arsalan’s death led friends and family to suspect foul play, but New Mexico State Police ruled it suicide. Staff, faculty, and friends

Devoted to his friends, Kirby Haltom ’92 took profound satisfaction in the act of joining couples together.

and New Mexico governor Bill Richardson rec- helmet and smoking an elaborate calabash pipe. Certified as a minister through the internet, ognized her as a leading voice in promoting bicycling for transportation in the state, proclaiming Kirby officiated at more than a dozen wedding cerMarch 4 as “Ride Your Bicycle in Honor of Gail emonies, including those of Eric Lutzker ’89 to Ryba Day.” Gail and Tom Robey were married in Alicia Moffat and of Sam Hankins ’90 to Eileen Santa Fe in 2000. They had one daughter, Lynn. Joyce. He took profound satisfaction in the act Survivors include Tom and Lynn, and Gail’s moth- of joining couples together, despite difficulties er, two brothers, and sister. In her public obitu- in his own marriage. In 2009, Elizabeth and he ary, we read “Gail’s vibrant smile, keen mind, joy- were separated. The split and its consequences ful spirit, and melodious voice will remain in the proved extremely vexing for Kirby. For a time, hearts of all the many who knew and admired he found joy and solace reconnecting with his her.” Best friend Kim Taylor ’84 directs others to old Reed friends, particularly Caroline Dorman the facebook page Fans of Gail Ryba. “I hope fel- ’90. Nonetheless, he fell into the grip of depreslow Reedies will join me in celebrating Gail’s life sion. In March, he sent a gloomy email to an outof-town friend, who was so worried that he asked and her contributions to all of us. the Austin police to dispatch an officer to check on Kirby’s well-being. Kirby, as charming as ever, Howard Kirby Haltom ’92 March 8, at home in Austin, Texas. talked to the officer at length and convinced him Kirby was raised by a single mother in Jackson, that there had been a misunderstanding. Days Tennessee, and came to Reed on an academic later, Kirby killed himself. His body was discovscholarship. With his laconic twang and his coun- ered by his longtime friend Sam Hankins. His funeral was attended by many Reed try charm, he cut a distinctive figure on campus. A lover of all things French, he majored in friends, including Sam, Caroline, Chris Roth ’90, philosophy and literature and wrote his thesis Eric Lutzker ’89, Erica Tarrant ’90, Mike Axley on the surrealist author Georges Bataille. He ’89, Liz Hale ’89, Greg Ippolito ’89, Francis was also an avid chess player; one summer, in Wiser ’89, and Jeff Bridwell ’89. Kirby is remembered for his wit, compassion, an effort to master the Sicilian Defense, he and Chris Lydgate ’90 played an epic series of games loyalty, devotion, and for recognizing the “joy and all beginning with the same sequence of moves, sparkle” in even the most ordinary moments. Suralternately attacking and defending (Kirby was vivors include his wife; son and daughter; two always dangerous with the black pieces). After brothers, Mike and Aubrey; and his mother, Ouita. Reed, Kirby worked in public relations in Dallas, Texas; he then moved to Austin, taught himself Arsalan Serajian ’04 to write software, and became, as his public obit- 2007, in New Mexico. uary stated, an exceptionally talented, gifted, and Arsalan had been missing for two months before driven programmer. He married Elizabeth Addi- his body was discovered in a snowy canyon in the son and had a son, Griffin, and a daughter, Ada. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in DecemIn 2003, he earned an MBA from the University ber 2007. He died of a shotgun wound, according of Texas. Kirby never lost his whimsical sense of to local authorities; searchers found two sawn-off humor—a classic photo shows him wearing a pith shotguns and a pistol next to the body. Arsalan’s

Tupper Gitlen ’98

February 17, at the age of 15, in Brooklyn, New York. Tupper was a beloved fixture of Olde Reed, when dogs were known to roam the canyon in packs, and scrounging was featured on MTV. Discovered during Renn Fayre 1996 by Michael Cadigan ’99 and Evan Barbour ’99, Tupper was adopted by Laurel Gitlen ’98, author of this in memoriam, and became her tireless and loyal companion, attending numerous classes, scrounging, and generally misbehaving. During Tupper’s tenure at Reed, he killed no fewer than a dozen squirrels, one elderly rabbit, and a backyard chicken he found on the bike commute from Clinton Street. He was adored by a number of Reed roommates, including Joshua Bell ’99, Jamie Hobbs ’97, Pema Kitaeff ’98, and Elisabeth Reese Cadigan ’98. Tupper spent his mature years following Laurel to Chicago and to Santa Fe, back to Portland, and then to New York. He passed away in the arms of his mom and his dad, Samuel Richardson, a PDX townie, and sometimes Reedie-dater, who often loitered in the Hauser Library. Pending: As Reed went to press, we learned of the deaths of the following individuals; please contact us if you have memories of them that you wish to share. (Gilbert) Prentiss Lee ’39, Beulah Caviness Hand ’40, Eugene Snyder ’41, Ian Dunbar ’48, Robert Elliott ’49, Betty Cardwell Elliott ’50, Ladis Kristof ’55, Merle Greenstein ’59, Jackson Conley ’60, Gertrude Benson Carter MAT ’61, Lloyd Ryan Jr. ’62, Anthony Pattison ’63, Duane Taylor MAT ’70, Pat Pruyne ’83, George Bartholomew ’86.

september 2010 Reed magazine 63

55-63_In Memoriam.indd 63

7/29/10 11:23 AM

Apocrypha

t r adi t ion m y t h lege nd

On the night of April 24, barely a week before Renn Fayre, the SU was crowded with students grooving to the music of iconic ’80s band Talking Heads. Their carefree gyration masked a keen sense of anticipation, however—a hunger. Rumors had been flying that the Doyle Owl might make an appearance. Ears were pricked, eyes peeled. How would the Owl appear? Hanging from a tree? Covered in grease? Furtive groups loitered near the exits, not sure what to expect but ready for anything. Then it happened. A spark of flame flashed in the dark. Within seconds, the SU lay deserted as hordes of students pounded across the quad to a flaming, jumbled mess of chicken wire and newspaper. Brought up short by the heat, onlookers formed a ring of glowing faces peering at the inferno. “Is it in there?” “Can you see it?” “Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to Reed College’s very own annual Rare Bird Show!” declared Phill Stasz ’10, stepping out of the darkness. The crowd rumbled with discontent as the flames died down to reveal nothing but ash and glowing wire. “Now, this may look very convincing and impressive,” Phill continued. “But I’d advise you to all turn around if you want the real thing.” As one, the crowd whirled about to face David Nielson ’11 loses his shirt in the struggle for the Owl. Sallyport, where a tattered bedsheet was whisked away to reveal the sacred Owl— cars began to edge up from various parking encased in a massive block of ice! lots, preparing for the inevitable moment Within seconds, the block was convulsed in a roiling scrum of students struggling for when a speedy getaway would make the a chance to touch the fabled artifact. Vic- difference between winning and losing the prize. And this was just the beginning. torious freshmen emerged, mud-spattered “For the first two to three hours it’s just and sweaty, showing off blurred, chaotic people trying to touch it,” Phill explained photos on their cell phones. As word of the later. “When that’s done with, the real apparition spread, the crowd grew. And struggle begins.” Possession of the Owl grew. And grew. Factions emerged as teams brings great timê, but, as every Reedie joined forces to push the Owl this way or knows, with great timê comes great responthat while attempting to defrost the ice with sibility. Conspirator Phillip Schwartz ’10 cups of boiling water, hoses, or the warmth of their own bodies. Brief bursts of move- actually drove the owl to Los Angeles to ment sent students spinning off from the pose on the Walk of Fame. Then there’s the central mass, but the block seldom moved “release,” which has become progressively more than a foot or two before grinding to more elaborate. To encase the Owl in ice, a halt under the press of bodies. Meanwhile, the team employed the industrial freezer

tom brookes

Feathered Frenzy

in commons. At 20°F, it didn’t take long for the revered icon to become a giant ice cube. Finally, during the battle proper, fellow provocateurs Niall Murphy ’11, Bryan Nakayama ’10, Robert Kahn ’11, and Jordan Pinches ’11 did their best to wreak havoc on all sides. “There are no friends where the Doyle Owl is concerned,” says Phillip. “If you don’t fight for it, it’s not worth it.” If that’s the criterion, the eventual victors certainly earned their glory. The battle raged through the night until finally, after hours of struggle, the Owl was snatched away into the early dawn by a band of brigands whose identity, for obvious reasons, remains secret. — Lucy Bellwood ’12

64 Reed magazine september 2010

64_Apocrypha.indd 64

7/26/10 10:52 PM

ing of life n a e m e u r t e h T “ ees, is to plant tr ade under whose sh ect to sit.” you do not exp son, —Nelson Hender ish immigrant 19th-century Ir

W. A. Eliot, planting a Noble Fir in front of Eliot Hall, 1933.

uch like planting a tree, the act of making a bequest is filled with optimism, foresight, and a quiet selflessness.

When you make a gift to Reed through your will, you participate in a tradition that has its roots in Reed’s beginnings. In fact, the college was founded on a bequest from Amanda Reed almost 100 years ago. As you set down your intention for Reed’s second century in your will, make sure the college can accept your gift as written by contacting Kathy Saitas at 503/777-7573 or Kathy.Saitas@reed.edu. http://plannedgiving.reed.edu

Untitled-2 165

7/26/10 11:46 PM

Reed College

3203 SE Woodstock Boulevard Portland, Oregon 97202-8199

‰

Periodicals Postage Paid Portland, Oregon

september 2010

Ten From ’10 Who—or what—is a Reedie?

orin zyvan

From ear to ear: Religion major Allison Elizabeth Jones ’10 and fellow members of the Class of ’10 gather in the student union just before Commencement.

READING THE ODYSSEY—AGAIN page 2 THE PERILS OF PRAISE page 24 FEATHERED FRENZY page 64

cover spread.indd 1

7/26/10 11:31 PM