Sweet Briar Alumnae Magazine | Vol. 91, No. 1 | Spring 2021

Dear Sweet Briar alumnae and friends, We live in a time when all but essential travel is restricted by the global pandemic, and I find myself planning trips in my head, thinking about when we can resume our journeying to places near and far, visiting loved and familiar people and places. I’m certainly looking forward to being able to welcome you back to Sweet Briar again.

Education, the intellectual journey that expands and broadens our minds, is among the most important trips we will ever take. At Sweet Briar, we prepare our students for life-long learning, and they take full advantage of the College’s ability to support their diverse interests, ranging from engineering to riding, from music to sustainability, and more. A Sweet Briar degree takes alumnae on many paths, including one taken by a diverse group of women who followed a spiritual calling.

For most of us, our college education begins with a journey from our home towns to our campus.

For much of the last century, Sweet Briar’s students traveled here by train, disembarking at the Sweet Briar Train Station, which is deeply embedded in the College’s lore. Some of you have shared with me fond memories of arriving there, luggage in hand. Later, when other modes of travel superseded trains, the station closed and the building was moved to campus, where it has been used for a variety of purposes and now serves our environmental science and sustainability program.

My own arrival in this country in the fall of 1976, when I journeyed from South Korea to attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, remains a vivid memory. After flying from Seoul to New York, I walked all over Manhattan until I could board an evening Greyhound Bus for Brunswick.

It was not until 4:00 a.m. the next day that I made it to my dorm room and encountered my roommate, Terry, a native of Maine. She jumped down from the top of the bunkbed and demanded, “Are you going to vote for Ed Muskie? If you don’t vote for him, you can’t come in!” “Ed who?” I thought.

Desperate for sleep, I agreed. (Of course, as an international student, I knew I couldn’t vote, but I honored my agreement by canvassing for Muskie, who was reelected to the U.S. Senate. And Terry and I became good friends. Later, she would go on to serve Maine as an elected official, and I, as you know, went into academia.)

Perhaps not everyone’s college arrival is so dramatic, but I’m sure when you arrived at Sweet Briar, you marveled at its beauty and knew you were home. That’s the universal reaction to seeing this campus for the first time. From its stunning landscapes, which students have been exploring for years under the auspices of our outdoor programs, to its imposing Georgian Revival brick buildings designed by renowned American architect Ralph Adams Cram, Sweet Briar is a feast for the senses.

In fact, our campus is so physically emblematic of the ideal liberal arts college, a film crew recently used it as the prime location for a movie shoot, and some students were extras! Ensuring the proper stewardship of our campus’ natural and built environment is one of our greatest responsibilities, and we have just embarked on our latest series of preservation efforts.

You can read about these aspects of the College, and more, inside. This place, this land, these buildings are all essential to the Sweet Briar experience—and so are all of you. Thank you for making Sweet Briar College part of your journey. We wouldn’t be who we are without you.

Sincerely,

Meredith Woo President

MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

This magazine aims to present interesting and thought-provoking news about the College and its alumnae. Publication of the material does not indicate endorsement of the author’s viewpoint by the College. We reserve the right to edit and revise all material that we accept for publication. If you have a story idea or content to submit for publication, contact the editor, Amy Ostroth, at aostroth@sbc.edu.

2

Sweet Briar’s Train Station

6

Preserving Sweet Briar’s History

Magazine Staff Amy Ostroth, Editor Clélie Steckel, Director of the Sweet Briar Fund David Stanley, Lead Design Cassie Foster Evans, Photographer

20

Spring 2021, Vol. 91, No. 1

Contributors: Jane Dure ’83, Abby May, Dana Poleski ’98, Kathleen Placidi, Sybil Slate Contact Information Office of Communications P.O. Box 1052 Sweet Briar, VA 24595 434-381-6262 Office of Alumnae Relations and Development P.O. Box 1057 Sweet Briar, VA 24595 800-381-6131 Find Sweet Briar Online sbc.edu

On the cover: One of the cabinets that we found, full of original blueprints and drawings

by Ralph Adams Cram.

Parents of Alumnae If this magazine is addressed to a daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email us at alumnae@sbc.edu with her new address.

Thank you!

Note: All photos without masks or social distancing were taken prior to March 2020.

28 38 42

In many ways, the story of Sweet Briar’s train station mirrors the story of Sweet Briar itself. It’s a story of a journey from the past into the future and the story of generations of women who made the journey to adulthood at the College.

Sweet Briar’s historic buildings are among its most valuable assets and the College is committed to preserving and sustaining them for future generations.

The Power of Multidimensional Liberal Arts

There are many reasons for students to choose Sweet Briar, but perhaps one of the best is that here, students are empowered to follow their own educational paths, wherever they may lead.

The Sweet Outdoors

Learn how Mikel Mayo-Pitts, director of outdoor programs, is helping students thrive in the natural beauty of Sweet Briar’s campus.

Living the Sweet (Pandemic) Life

Sweet Briar women have never been afraid of a challenge. Read how student leaders and the Office of Student Life have worked together to keep a sense of community and fun, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leaders of Faith and Community

Meet five alumnae who followed a path less traveled as faith leaders in their communities.

DEPARTMENTS

14 32

On the Quad Giving

50 In Memoriam 53 Class Notes

W sbc.edu

hen Indiana Fletcher Williams was born in 1828, the golden age of steam locomotion hadn’t yet begun. Indiana was about a year old when the first steam engine was built in the United States, and, of course, it would be several years before trains really became the way to travel. Indiana and Daisy Williams regularly traveled by train to and from New York City via the train station in Lynchburg.

Indiana would never see the Sweet Briar train station, which was built in 1906, and in many ways its story mirrors the story of the College itself.

2

spring 2021

soda fountain. “We always came back laden with delicacies When Sweet Briar’s first president, Mary K. Benedict, arrived by train in early June 1906, there was no station, just a which the Refectory did not provide,” she wrote. “Especially sign that read “Sweet Briar.” According to Margaret Banister Gruyere cheese, Guava jelly, crackers, and mince pies to be (1916) in an article she wrote for the 75th anniversary issue warmed up on the tops of radiators.”

During World War I, Florence Ives ’21 remembered, “We of the Alumnae Magazine, Miss Benedict was met at the used to go down to that lone edifice, the Sweet Briar station, tracks by a horse and buggy and was taken to what we now and watch the troop trains for Camp Petersburg come call No. 1 Faculty Row, where she expected to live until the presidential home was ready—a home she thought would be slowly up the grade with boys in uniform hanging out of the windows and giving us giggling girls the wolf call. We Mount Saint Angelo, across Rt. 29. could almost touch their outstretched hands as the engine On that June day in 1906, the College was a bare three lost steam going up the grade. months from opening and a train station wasn’t the only They were so young and so full thing it didn’t have. of laughter, but on our trek None of the buildings—the Refectory (now Pannell), Acback to campus we wondered, ademic (now named after Miss Benedict, herself ), and the ‘Would they come back home dormitories of Gray and Carson—were complete. There and would they be whole?’” was no heat and no electricity, no kitchen equipment, no Edith also recalled that furniture and hardly any people—just one student was Princeton, West Point and enrolled and only two faculty members had been hired. “If Annapolis were only a day’s Miss Benedict was daunted, she did not show it,” Margaret ride away, providing some wrote. When the College opened in September, however, a social life and male company total of 36 students from 12 states had been enrolled and for the young women of Sweet nine additional faculty had been hired. Miss Benedict and Briar. A generation later, Joan the board had worked hard over those three months.

Mary K. Benedict DeVore Roth ’41 remembered Even so, when the students arrived, just like Miss Benetrips to New York or Washington. “In our innocence we had dict, they didn’t see a train station. In their book on Sweet Briar College, Lynn Rainville and Lisa N. Johnston said that a grand time,” she wrote. “An expensive hotel room then was six dollars, and with four to six girls in a room, a weekend the division superintendent of the Southern Railway didn’t was downright cheap.” give permission to build the station until the day before They didn’t know it in 1941, but the era of the train would students arrived. As a result, Miss Benedict had to hire an soon fade, the victim of innovation and more modern techomnibus to protect the students from the elements when the train stopped to let them off by the sign that read Sweet nologies. Production of automobiles ramped up in the years following World War II and soon enough, cars would come Briar. to Sweet Briar. Ann Marshall Whitley ’47 recalled an item By 1907, the train station had been constructed and for in a 1948 issue of the Sweet Briar newspaper indicating that many years, it was the first stop on a journey to adulthood seniors who wanted to have their own car on campus had to for the young women who came to Sweet Briar College. register the vehicle with Miss Jester in the dean’s office. In From the station, the campus wasn’t visible, of course. In 1952, seniors could have their cars on campus after spring those early years, a student’s first glimpse of campus would break. come after a ride on the Williams’ family coach, which had President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid been repurposed to shuttle students from the train station Highway Act of 1956, the largest public works project across the road through deep woods to campus. Edith in American history to that time, which fundamentally Durrell Marshall (1921) remembered being one of those changed life in the United States. In addition to interstate “green, unsophisticated freshmen who stepped off the train highways came commercial air traffic. A 2015 article in The in the fall of 1917 at the tiny Sweet Briar station with a Atlantic noted that after Boeing introduced its 707 aircraft crowd of other girls from as far away places like Denver or in 1957, “travel by air exceeded travel by rail and sea for the Rockport or Oconomowoc or as near as Richmond.” first time.”

In those days, the train station was the College’s link to Eventually, Southern Railway closed the Sweet Briar the outside world. Margaret recalls going into Lynchburg station because of insufficient use and gave it to the College. on Saturday afternoons and enjoying the drugstore with its

3

How the Caboose Came to Sweet Briar The train station was moved to its current location on campus in 1973, but the caboose didn’t arrive until January 1989.

The 1948 Norfolk & Western caboose was a gift to the College from Dr. W.H.L. Dornette, father of Frances Dornette Schafer ’70. It was placed beside the train station in memory of his wife, Frances Hester Dornette ’44, who died in 1981.

Frances, like many other students, rode the train to Sweet Briar. In a 1989 article, Dr. Dornette reminisced about those train trips—and his own rides to visit his sweetheart on campus.

sbc.edu

Dr. Dornette also had the caboose renovated for use as an office for Joe Monk, whose studio was in the station.

4

In December 1973, the station was moved from its original location on the other side of Rt. 29 to its current location on campus near Guion Science Center. A newspaper account of the move noted that “At the request of the student body, the old station will be converted into a coffee house.”

In the years between 1973 and the late 1990s, the train

station was a coffee house and home to the art department’s sculpture studio. In 2002, an article in the alumnae magazine noted, “For years, Professor [ Joe] Monk taught his ceramics, sculpture, and 3-D design classes in the Sweet Briar train station, using the nearby caboose as his office.”

As any art student of the period will tell you, the small space was cramped.

The train station became home to the College’s environmental studies program around the year 2000, and it now serves as the home of Sweet Briar’s Center for Human and Environmental Sustainability. When Lisa Powell arrived on campus in January 2020 as the center’s director and associate professor of environmental studies, she embraced the station as central to the College’s focus on sustainability.

In fact, from her first visit to campus, she was fascinated by the train station and caboose. “The possibilities just started exploding in my head,” she told us. “Between when I first visited and when I permanently moved to campus, the train station and caboose were constantly on my mind—and they still are! To me, the space is a physical representation of the bridge between the campus academic classrooms and the agricultural operations—on one side are Guion and Babcock and on the other are the vineyard, wildflower meadow, apiary and historic hay barn. The new greenhouse is also just a short walk away.” In short, it’s the perfect home for the center.

While necessary COVID precautions have delayed or limited some of the programming Lisa had envisioned for the train station, the space has already become a launchpad for sustainability activities on campus. Lisa meets (distancing

Professor Lisa Powell teaches class inside the train station

Sweet Briar students wave from the caboose just after it arrived on campus, circa 1989

In addition to bridging academics and agricultural operations, the station and the caboose nearby are physical manifestations of Sweet Briar’s commitment to the future—a commitment made all the more sweet by its references to the College’s past. The station’s own journey—from newly built in 1906, to reinvigoration in 1973, to a place where the College’s focus on sustainability will take it into the future—is reminiscent of the journey generations of students have taken into adulthood and education on Sweet Briar’s magnificent campus.

spring 2021

and masks in place) with student sustainability leaders in the station, including the center’s interns, officers in the Sustainability Club (one of the largest student organizations), and individual students with ideas for projects to support a “greener” campus. She has also hosted meetings with representatives from organizations that are key partners in Sweet Briar’s sustainability efforts, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Virginia Department of Forestry, and she teaches some smaller, upper-division courses—such as ENVR 356: Natural Resources Management and ENVR 382: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems—in the space. During COVID, Lisa has been broadcasting her Earth Week, Alumnae College, and Sweet Briar Days presentations, along other sustainability Zoom events, from either the train station or the caboose. When COVID passes, the train station complex will host even more sustainability-focused events, meetings and projects.

In January 2021, the train station became home to a germination station for seeds for the hydroponics system located in the new greenhouse. Student greenhouse assistants place the seeds in “horticubes” to germinate and grow into seedlings under temperature and light conditions which support their development. In February, the greenhouse team moved the first of thousands of arugula and lettuce seedlings in their horticubes from the train station to the new greenhouse and placed them in the hydroponics channels. After they finish growing, the greenhouse team will harvest the greens for Prothro, the on-campus weekly produce market and other destinations.

5

HISTORY

sbc.edu

Preserving Sweet Briar’s History 6

HISTORY

spring 2021

On Sept. 22, 2017, as President Meredith Woo strode purposefully toward the Quad for inauguration, the paint in Sweet Briar House was still wet. In and of itself, that might not be remarkable. After all, homes are often painted when someone new moves in. But in this case, the rehabilitation of one of Sweet Briar’s most significant historic buildings had only just been completed.

7

HISTORY

Sweet Briar College in 1924 Meet the Members of the Historic Preservation Task Force Kathleen Kilpatrick ‘74 (chair) Rue Judd ‘61 Sally Old Kitchin ‘76 Ann Stuart Kling ‘74 Julie Langan, director of historic resources for Virginia

Cynnie Ottaway ‘57

sbc.edu

Faculty Row

8

Meredith Woo Anthony C. Wood, executive director of Ittleson Foundation and author of “Preserving New York: Winning the Right to Protect a City’s Landmarks” Claire Dennison Griffith ‘80 (staff) Mary Pope Maybank Hutson ‘83 (staff)

The Quad

Sweet Briar House

As President Phillip C. Stone worked to restore Sweet Briar after the attempted closure in 2015, he named a historic preservation task force and charged the group to oversee the rehabilitation of Sweet Briar House.

After the work at Sweet Briar House was complete, the task force turned its attention to the rest of Sweet Briar’s historic campus. Of course, anyone who has ever owned an antique house knows the challenge of maintaining it—a difficulty that is compounded 22 times over at Sweet Briar, with its National Register Historic District and architecture of renowned architect Ralph Adams Cram.

One of the first things the group did was hire a firm to assess the state of the College’s buildings. “The stewardship of our natural and built environment is a central pillar of Presi-

dent Woo’s vision for the College,” says Mary Pope Hutson ’83, vice president of alumnae relations, development and communications. “We knew we needed a well-known and highly regarded architectural firm to help us begin the work of that stewardship.” In October 2019, the architect of the National Trust for Historic Preservation advised the College after a thorough RFP process that Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects (MCWB) would be an excellent choice to conduct a conditions assessment of Sweet Briar’s historic buildings. The last historic buildings assessment was conducted in 1976 and MCWB—based in Albany, N.Y., with an office in Williamsburg, Va.—is well known for its work on historic buildings. The firm has done work at historically significant buildings around the country,

spring 2021

HISTORY

9

HISTORY

including several of Virginia’s presidential homes, like Monticello, Poplar Forest, Montpelier and Mount Vernon.

MCWB compiled a historic structures assessment and stewardship plan, which was submitted to the College’s leadership in February 2020. The 300-page document is the result of months of detailed inspection of the campus, including drone photography and 3-D modeling. The document will guide the College’s work to steward its historic buildings.

In fact, some of the necessary work has already begun.

MCWB’s meticulous review of Sweet Briar’s structures found that some of the vegetation and trees around campus were causing drainage issues leading to water and foundation damage in some buildings. The first work to remove the vegetation causing the most damage took place in December 2020. The most obvious was the removal of the tree in front of Grammer Hall and the tree leaning against the Pannell Center.

As part of their work to complete the assessment, MCWB partnered with 2RW Consultants, Inc., an engi-

neering firm located in Charlottesville, Va., to review the HVAC systems on campus. Sweet Briar is currently heated by a steam plant that was state-of-the-art—in 1938.

Unsurprisingly, the components of a system that age are inefficient and some of them simply aren’t used anymore, so replacements can’t be found. “This is one of the biggest issues,” says Eric Kuchar, MCWB’s manager on the Sweet Briar project. “It’s difficult to just insert a new system into buildings of this age.”

The consultants and College administration must determine the most effective way to upgrade the systems in a way that is sustainable—both financially and environmentally. Initial reports are that the consultants likely will propose a geothermal option to the College, which they believe is most suitable and consistent with sustainability priorities of President Woo and her vision. Using geothermal heat is not new for Sweet Briar. In fact, Sweet Briar House and the Fitness and Athletic Center are currently serviced by two geothermal fields.

Making Geothermal Heat Work In essence, geothermal means using the Earth’s core to heat buildings.

Although such systems can be pricey up front, they have many long term benefits. For one, a geothermal system uses no fossil fuels, making it environmentally sustainable over the long term. In addition, once the system is built, it’s practically invisible, allowing the viewsheds envisioned by Ralph Adams Cram to shine through and helping to retain the classic look of Sweet Briar’s campus. It can also be built in stages, allowing the cost of the system to be spread out over several years—even decades, if necessary. Plus, systems in buildings don’t have to be updated all at once. As buildings are renovated on a sensible schedule, new HVAC systems can be added as part of those renovations.

sbc.edu

To build a geothermal system, you must first locate a site for a bore field. The site needs to be big enough to support needs both now and in the future and also relatively close to the buildings you need to heat. Once the bore field has been drilled, you can use the site for other things like athletic fields or outdoor entertainment spaces, but you can’t construct buildings on top of it, so possible future expansions of campus also need to be taken into consideration.

10

“It’s not cheap, but this is a long term initiative,” says Eric Kuchar. “It can be built in steps so you can add wells as you add precincts down the road. It’s a logical approach that the College can start implementing sooner, rather than later. Your campus is ideal for something like this.”

Finding Buried Treasure

The first step of any conditions assessment is to look at every building from basement to attic and evaluate every single space from common areas to closets. To make that assessment easier, MCWB always asks if there are existing drawings of the buildings. When MCWB asked for Ralph Adam Cram’s drawings, nobody was entirely sure where they were except that there were some in the collection of the Boston Public Library, which is currently undergoing renovations; the BPL Cram drawings would not be accessible for two years.

Undeterred, Eric and his crew decided they would go with whatever drawings they could find, including the emergency evacuation drawings that are placed all over campus. They reasoned at least those would give them something to aid the process.

A little more than a week into the process of looking at every nook and cranny on campus, Eric and his colleague, Patton O’Rourke, were starting to get a little tired. They made their way down to the power plant to get a basic understanding of what was down there. “On the wall, behind glass, is a huge, detailed site plan that the folks in facilities use,” Eric observed. In an office nearby, they found even more helpful drawings. Patton and Eric thought they’d hit the jackpot.

They knew these drawings would be a great help to them as they prepared the final report.

Little did they know.

Continuing their tour, they went to a back room where they opened a closet door. “When we opened it and turned on the light, it was like the hallelujah song played,” Eric recalls. There were flat files and hundreds of rolled Also in the collection drawings. They found in the power plant opened the drawer are drawings by landscape of a brown cabinet architect Charles Freeman and pulled out Gillette. what was on top: a 1915 blueprint In addition to his work at

by Ralph Adams Sweet Briar, Gillette designed Cram. They soon the Sunken Garden at the realized that this College of William and Mary. unassuming closet in the back of the power plant was home to literally hundreds of Cram drawings—in addition to thousands of other drawings from across the decades.

The tight schedule to complete the historic building assessment meant that there wasn’t time at that moment to explore everything that was in those files, but after the assessment was complete, MCWB submitted a proposal to look at the drawings, triage them and make a determination about how best to catalogue, store and conserve them. Since then with the help of the Physical Plant staff, the drawings—between 5,000 and 7,000 in total—have been moved to the basement

spring 2021

Eric Kuchar takes a look at some of the Ralph Adams Cram drawings.

11

HISTORY

Ralph Adams Cram documents being moved to Fletcher, spring 2021

of Fletcher Hall where there is space to store and view them properly, in a room that is climate-controlled and secure.

MCWB hired a paper conservator to ensure that the most historically valuable drawings are restored and cared for properly. These drawings will allow the College to ensure that any future capital or landscape projects are in keeping with Cram’s original vision.

For an architect like Eric, Sweet Briar’s ability to stay true to Cram’s original vision is important. “This campus is a hidden gem,” Eric says. “The integration of the landscape like it is at Sweet Briar is paramount.” In other places, he observes, buildings and additions are constructed wherever there is space without thinking about the continuity of the architecture, but that’s not true at Sweet Briar. “When you walk on Sweet Briar’s campus now, in many regards it feels like it’s 1924 and there’s something that’s really special about that,” he says. “The viewsheds and the scale of the buildings are intact and just how Cram envisioned them. It’s a masterpiece.”

sbc.edu

Where We Go From Here

12

Phase one of stewarding Sweet Briar’s campus buildings was to conduct the historic assessment. Phase two includes conserving the Cram drawings and assessing the buildings that make up the core campus, but which are not part of the historic district—buildings like Babcock and Guion.

In addition, the College would like to engage a landscape architect to review the vision of Charles Gillette and how we might implement some of his vision. MCWB has also recommended a study of Sweet Briar’s campus to ensure that students, faculty, staff and visitors of all abilities are able to successfully navigate this American landmark campus.

Of course, now that the assessment is done, the list of possible projects—including adding geothermal heating—is long. Now comes the work of determining which projects get done and in what order as well as how to pay for them. The Sweet Briar Board of Directors will discuss the College’s energy systems at its May meeting and make a decision.

In addition, with the re-discovery of the Cram drawings, now is the perfect time to look at how Sweet Briar can become a center of learning about historic preservation, not just for current and future students, but for people around the country. The College is currently in discussions about building a partnership with the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, S.C., and other partners to develop a summer program on historic building crafts where people from the Commonwealth and around the country would come to campus for two weeks each July to study crafts like carpentry, plaster work and brick masonry.

“I am excited about the opportunity for our students,” said President Woo. “At Sweet Briar, they will learn not only why it is important to preserve the past, but how to do actually do so, intellectually, culturally and now materially.”

HISTORY Clearly, the Sweet Briar community has saved more than just the College; apparently, they save everything. In addition to the treasure trove of Cram drawings, Eric says they found artifacts all over campus, sometimes in odd places like the basements of residences.

Many of these artifacts are architectural details like mantles, trim and windows.

One particularly interesting piece—a Gilded Age mirror—was found beneath the pool. MCWB would like to see these items conserved and, where possible, put back into places where they belong.

John McBryde may be better known for his position as the 5th president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, but the Sweet Briar College community knows him as a member of the first board of directors for the Sweet Briar Institute. His work on the board has proved to have long-lasting significance to the College in a number of ways, not least of which is that it was McBryde who chose the 38-year-old Ralph Adams Cram to design the campus buildings.

Cram’s connection to the College would last the rest of his life, in part because he became personal friends with Meta Glass, Sweet Briar’s 3rd president. Cram’s firm proposed a total of 17 buildings for the campus, though in the end, he designed only 13. Although Cram is best known for his work in the Collegiate Gothic style, his design for Sweet Briar College was Georgian to ensure that the buildings would exist in harmony with the landscape.

Cram’s work at Sweet Briar helped establish his firm in architectural circles and over the course of his career, he became well known for his work on a large number of churches and religious buildings as well as his work on libraries and academic buildings.

In addition to Sweet Briar, Cram and his firm are known for their design of the United States Military Academy at West Point, which they designed in 1902. He was the supervising architect of Princeton University from 19071929 and was also head of the architectural department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a number of years. He designed the Boston Public Library in 1931, and his work can also be seen at the University of Richmond, Phillips Exeter Academy, Rice University and the University of Notre Dame, to name just a few.

Sweet Briar’s alumnae have a longstanding tradition of involvement in historic preservation.

Many have been involved in such initiatives at the College since the Tusculum Institute was begun in the 1990s.

Preserving our architecture, lands and cultural history is an important part of our future as well as our past. As of now, the College seeks to raise funds to support these projects and to create an endowment to ensure that Sweet Briar is able to continue to maintain and steward its historic campus.

If you want to support these efforts, please reach out to the Office of Alumnae Relations and Development at 1-800-381-6131 or go online to make your gift at sbc.edu/give.

spring 2021

Meet Ralph Adams Cram

What Can You Do to Help?

13

ON THE QUAD

on the QUAD

news & notes around campus

sbc.edu

GAME ON

14

COVID-19 may have put the fall 2020 season of athletics on hold, but Sweet Briar’s teams made the most of it by finding camaraderie in competing against each other.

“We started the fall with what we called ‘acclimatization’ which was gradually starting with conditioning and easing into more scrimmage-like situations,” says athletics director Jodi Canfield. This helped us see how to keep the environment safe but still engaging as a team.”

Jodi says, “What we stressed to the coaches and the student-athletes was resilience and flexibility. We are going to encounter scheduling challenges, space and time considerations, and we need to listen, be respectful and understand the situation from multiple perspectives. It’s not going to be normal and that’s okay.”

The plans for fall athletic activities were developed last summer as the

College announced its opening. “We came in that summer eager to get back into it after quarantine and all that time away,” says soccer coach Jason Capps. “It was hard for many to train or even have some sort of normal daily activity, so we had to work our way back to an expected level of competition early. “For the most part, I think we were all just happy to be back and able to make this work on our campus within the guidelines and not need to be virtual or unable to train together.”

Things didn’t always feel normal, but all of the teams tried their best to get the most out of the situation.

“It felt like an over-extended pre-season, allowing all of us to really come together as a team,” says golfer Annika Kuleba ’22. “We’ve been working hard so that when we are able to return to the course, we are at our best.”

It was a common theme to find our athletic teams making the most out of

the situation. “The pandemic actually brought my team even closer together than we already were,” says golf coach Adam New. “Since we only had the opportunity for limited competition, it forced us to find other ways to engage as a team.” For example, the golf team spent time taking turns cooking dinners for each other. “ The girls are looking forward to competing again and traveling to different golf courses,” he said.

For what normally would be a busy fall semester for the cross country runners, coach Rebekah Ricksecker aimed to make the season feel as normal as possible. With no travelling and no real season for the team, she planned for the runners to meet to train three days a week and helped plan five events, all hosted on campus, in which the athletes and College community could participate.

Field hockey coach Hannah Lott

ON THE QUAD tried her hardest to keep the typical in-season feeling, as well—all the more important since field hockey was celebrating 100 years of competition at Sweet Briar in 2020. “ This semester she brought back the team study hall, and the captains are working on getting team dinners started again,” says field hockey player Ciara Kocik ’23. “Practices are almost just like they were, but with a few more precautions.”

“Athletics provides an outlet for creativity, challenges, goal setting, achievements and releasing any tensions from the day and experiencing pure joy,” says lacrosse coach Meredith Newman. “The environment we aim to create is one of acceptance, support and trust with a fun-loving, team-first approach to character building and development. We have been tested during these COVID-19 trying times. We’ll come out on the other side even stronger and more resilient than before.”

“I’m proud of my team for maintaining high spirits throughout the pandemic,” says soccer player Katelyn Meyer ’23. “ There was never a time where we wavered,

even when the strict protocols were put in place. Even though the circumstances aren’t exactly ideal, I’m proud of my team and the athletics program as a whole for keeping such a positive outlook on things. I’m extremely grateful for the effort that the athletics program has given in order to navigate practices and our game schedules and make the most out of the shortened season.”

Sweet Briar athletes are back to competing this spring semester—even those teams that normally play in the fall.

To accommodate that, as well as COVID-19 safety requirements, the seasons will be much shorter. For example, lacrosse will play seven games instead of their usual 14.

The College will have mandatory weekly testing for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, which are considered intermediate risk sports, and all teams will be tested prior to any off-campus event.

Here’s to the long-awaited competition season and our resilient, strong Vixens! Check the competition schedule at vixenathletics.com to cheer them on.

In December, the Sweet Briar College Board of Directors elected their newest member, John L. Nau, III, who began his board membership on Feb. 26.

Nau is the chairman and CEO of Silver Eagle Beverages, one of the largest Anheuser-Busch distributors in the nation.

The company employs more than 500 people who serve San Antonio and thirteen surrounding counties in southwest Texas. Nau is a graduate of the University of Virginia and previously served on their board of visitors, a position appointed by Virginia’s governor. He is also founder and president of The Nau Foundation.

“As father to two daughters, John believes strongly in the importance of women leadership,” says President Woo. “As a conservationist, he has led the nation in protecting our natural environment and our historical legacies. As a longtime supporter of liberal arts education, he has shown a profound commitment to fostering intellectual independence.

His values align perfectly with the mission of Sweet Briar. I am thrilled to welcome him to the Sweet Briar community.”

Nau’s commitment to service is apparent through his broad participation in civic, community and philanthropic organizations in Texas and throughout the country. His current involvement includes serving as chairman of the Texas Historical Commission and as a board member for the National Park Foundation, American Battlefield Trust, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, Baylor College of Medicine, Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park, Houston Police Foundation, San Antonio Zoo and The Admiral Nimitz Foundation. Nau is also an honorary trustee of Texas Heart Institute, honorary state trustee for the San Antonio Parks Foundation and advisory council member to the Center for Big Bend Studies.

“I am honored to join the Sweet Briar College Board of Directors. I believe in Sweet Briar’s mission of educating women leaders of tomorrow. I also share the College’s commitment to historical conservation and look forward to working with the Sweet Briar community to make a difference,” said John L. Nau, III. With Sweet Briar’s recent success and bold plan for shaping the future of women’s liberal arts education, this is an exciting time to welcome Nau to the board.

spring 2021

John L. Nau III, CEO, Conservationist and Liberal Arts Advocate, Joins Sweet Briar College Board of Directors

15

ON THE QUAD

Spring 2020 theatre production, Fountain of Youth

Lights, Camera,

sbc.edu

Zoom!

16

As we have heard thousands of times now, this year has truly been like no other. With all the seismic shifts that happened in order to safely resume academics and athletics, there was no shortage in changes for performing arts classes and experiences, as well.

From plays to dance concerts to music recitals, students and faculty used their creativity to adapt lessons and captivate their virtual audiences.

Theatre is one of the creative disciplines which has been most severely impacted by the pandemic. With the sole purpose of performing live in front of an audience, it has taken a

great deal of innovation to continue to bring the students’ and departments’ hard work to life. “In our field, the whole notion of theatre, dance and music is that you’re in the same room with your audience, so we have had to rethink in many ways how it can be done effectively,” says longtime theatre professor Bill Kershner.

Although many changes were implemented for a successful in-person fall 2020 semester, spring 2020 was a completely different story as faculty and students had to shift quickly to remote learning. “We were so lucky in the 2020 spring semester—more so than other colleges—because instead of doing a regular spring musical with a huge production, I had been working for a year with a writer and composer duo through the VCCA,” says Melora Kordos, assistant professor of theatre. “I had them come out to the College and workshopped with them as they wrote and fine-tuned

the show, and because of that process, we were able to perform before spring break,” says Melora.

Usually, most colleges are only beginning rehearsals near spring break.

Because Sweet Briar finished the show early, it allowed the theatre program plenty of time to relearn the entire field of performing arts and how to do it all virtually. Melora notes, “I can’t tell you how much I watched, studied and spent time learning about different programs and the best way to do it.”

The fall play, Clybourne Park, was performed completely on Zoom.

Students were all in different rooms and some were even in different cities.

The theatre program mailed out costumes and props to all the actors.

The recent spring show, She Kills Monsters, was also virtual. In fact, the play was completely written for Zoom and designed to have actors appear and disappear through Zoom win-

ON THE QUAD

dows. Auditions were held virtually, and the performances were all done through Zoom with the actors in their own separate, designated spaces.

Although extremely innovative, it is a vastly different territory for performers. “You lose some of that community feeling by not actually seeing each other in person every day for rehearsal,” says Iris Williams ’22. “The tech side was also very different. Instead of hanging lights in the beams at midnight like on a normal show, we spent our time figuring out how to get everyone an ethernet connection and adequate lighting.” Iris would know; she was the master electrician on the show. “We had to learn new software and a new way of calling out all of our cues,” she says.

Dance has also had to contend with a host of performance challenges and changes to their daily practice schedule. “ The movement classes this spring have all been held in-person,” says dance professor Betty Skeen. “We’ve taken an abundance of precaution. All students wear KN-95 masks, we continuously run two medical-grade air filters, all of the windows are open and we have eliminated all contact work. At the end of each day, blackout curtains are drawn and a series of UV-C lights are run for 60 minutes to cleanse the floor and other surfaces in the studio.”

Classes may be in person, but performances have been virtual. Dancers have created pieces of choreography, translated the work for video and then streamed it to audiences over Zoom. The process is a lot of work, but it is giving students a chance to boost their resourcefulness and they’re learning valuable video, editing and virtual production skills.

“Performing during a pandemic has been especially hectic and challenging for me as it’s my senior year,” says Mary Parker ’21. “For a large chunk of my thesis as a dance major, I have to put together and perform a concert with a month of preparation, which I’m finishing up now. I have done dance performances as well as theatre performances during the pandemic, and each of them present their own separate challenges,” she says. The most difficult, she notes, is trying to give an audience a live experience.

Music also required some changes, but perhaps not as drastic as the other performing arts. “The current method of teaching can occur mostly in-person,” says music professor Josh Harris. “However, sometimes a Zoom call with faces is a better setting for class discussions than in-person with masks and social distancing.”

For the most part, ensemble rehearsals and performances had to be modified. For example, smaller subsets of Daisy’s Harp, Sweet Briar’s innovative music group, met together during each class. The wind instrument musicians were able to meet outdoors. Daisy’s Harp recorded a video based on the music of Beethoven called “Ludwig van,” but other than the Gager concert series, there have been no live concerts this year.

“I am happy to say I’ve found positives and ways to grow as an artist rather than be defeated by the virus. I can keep creating art no matter what, just give me some time to figure it out,” says Mary.

Despite the pandemic, Sweet Briar students have still been able to present incredible performances. The quintessential Sweet Briar can-do attitude has made it possible.

spring 2021

Clybourne Park actors pose for a screenshot

17

ON THE QUAD

sbc.edu

IN THE NEWS

18

As Sweet Briar continues to rise above the challenges of an incredibly difficult year, local and national news outlets responded to its academic innovation, admissions work and successful pandemic response.

Central Virginia’s CBS affiliate, WDBJ7, shared a story on Sweet Briar as a destination for students with interests in agriculture and sustainability. “For many years, Sweet Briar’s landscape has been used as a site for experiential learning in classes by the faculty and the students,” said Lisa Powell, professor of environmental science and director of the College’s Center for Human and Environmental Sustainability. The story explored how the campus is being used to teach students not only how to farm, but also how to work with local community partners and market and sell their produce. The story went on to highlight the College’s efforts to expand agricultural output over the next few years and be on the leading edge of supporting the growth of women in leadership roles both on the farm and in other areas related to agriculture and conservation.

Following the theme of women leaders, President Meredith Woo’s latest op-ed, The Taming of the Pandemic:

Are Women Better at This?, was featured in The Roanoke Times. In it, she discussed the fact that Sweet Briar had conducted a successful and smooth semester in-person with little COVID controversy even as it was the first college in the state to announce its reopening. She went on to point out how successfully women leaders across the world have led their countries during the pandemic.

President Woo wrote, “It is not coincidental that the same principles were at work at Sweet Briar, a women’s college with the leadership of women at the core of its education,” as she praises our students and COVID Captains for all their hard work in keeping everyone accountable and safe.

Sweet Briar was also highlighted in an article in the News & Advance that shared how Lynchburg-area colleges took on the fall semester and made adjustments for the spring operations. President Woo is quoted saying how the College’s favorable environment—such as its secluded and large campus, housing availability and already small class sizes—made it uniquely qualified to weather the pandemic. President Woo also shared how incredibly proud she is of the

Sweet Briar women. The article made a point of how the College used its expansive outdoor settings for classes and saw its community comply with the safety protocols that were put in place.

Attracting new students is another unique challenge during the pandemic. Forbes wrote a series on the current trends in college admissions, which tapped into the wisdom of admissions leaders from a variety of institutions, including our vice president of enrollment management, Aaron Basko. The article addressed challenges such as keeping application numbers up, working with first-generation students, and dealing with heightened anxiety about the college search process and application requirement. Aaron said, “there is a lot of anxiety over visiting and financial aid. Students are feeling like they have to make decisions with less information.” This is one reason why he is focused on providing good guidance and reducing stress.

Meanwhile, on the other side of campus, Mimi Wroten, director of the riding program, has been working with the United States Hunter Jumper Association. At their virtual annual conference, Mimi announced

ON THE QUAD the new USHJA Instructor Credential program. “We created the Instructor Credential as a way to provide basic knowledge in a variety of current and relevant subject areas that pertain to teaching and coaching in the Hunter/Jumper industry,” said Mimi. This exciting opportunity for USHJA members allows riders of all ages to explore the idea of becoming an instructor through their online and live testing workshop.

Next, a “Holla, holla!” is in order for Mary Landon Darden ’74 and her thoughtful opinion piece in The Dallas Morning News. She wrote

that small colleges will need radical change to survive and about how Sweet Briar is leading the way. She explored the notion of the overall drop in student populations and how women’s and HBCU institutions are feeling the heat as they remain fairly dependent on tuition. She mentioned Sweet Briar’s incredible come-back story and how the supporters of the College banded together to get the right leadership in place and reimagine operations to successfully keep the College running. Sweet Briar’s story might end up feeling familiar to other institutions as the COVID pandemic

affects enrollment and their survival.

Mary noted, “For most institutions, survival will require all hands on deck.

There are scary days ahead. It will require bold action from the administration, faculty, staff and alumni.”

As the year marches on, watch sbc.edu/news to read all the latest developments on campus and in academics, agriculture, events and student life. Also be sure to regularly check sbc.edu/events for upcoming public virtual events where you can engage with the community, support our students and feel like you are with us on campus.

The Common Read Book Takes on a Deeper Meaning The Common Read selection for the upcoming academic year is “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Ms. Kimmerer will be visiting campus on March 23, 2022. ate horizons and our role as custodians of the earth here and abroad.”

Of course, much has happened in the world since The Sixth Extinction was selected for the Common Read last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed another way in which we relate to the book.

“Much about our lives has fallen away in our daily experience of quarantine and social isolation,” says Carrie.

“Just as we share the grim experience of the pandemic with our fellow world citizens, however, we continue to share the world with them, too, and the transformation of the ecological landscape remains a matter of urgent concern.

Where we live and how we live there is as important as ever. At a time when we are grounded, The Sixth Extinction is a passport to the past and to the future, and its pages take us around the world.”

Elizabeth Kolbert will make a virtual appearance at Sweet Briar on April 19. We invite you to join us as we read and discuss The Sixth Extinction.

Visit sbc.edu/events for more information.

spring 2021

Sweet Briar’s Common Read program is an opportunity to share a learning experience across the community and to build shared experiences through literature. “ This program enlarges the scope of your comprehension not just of that one text but of language and human experience in general,” says creative writing professor Carrie Brown, who oversees the program.

The Common Read selection for 2020-2021 is Elizabeth Kolbert’s book, The Sixth Extinction. It explores the dramatic ways human beings have changed and are changing the shape and future of life on the planet. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book is moving, informative and provides a profound study of the consequences of being human. It is also a gripping tale of adventure, as surprisingly entertaining as it is consequential.

“When we chose the book as the College’s Common Read text for 2020-2021, we imagined the many illuminating— and galvanizing—conversations that would take place as a result against the backdrop of the extraordinarily rich and diverse landscape of our campus,” says Carrie. “We imagined how the book would help us better understand not only our own unique biosphere in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but also the world beyond our immedi-

19

The Power of

Multidimensional

Liberal Arts Well-rounded, educated, insightful, creative, confident,

sbc.edu

curious, empathetic. A true Renaissance woman for the

20

21st century. This is the definition of a liberal arts student.

their time once they’ve reached the credits needed for their As we all know, academic trends and the paths to a sucmajor or minor. “Typically, a student has 30-40 credits that cessful career can ebb and flow with the times and there is are theirs to elect,” says Teresa. “So, what is she doing to fill never only one correct way. Some of us follow a straight and that space? How will that space make her major unique and narrow path to success and adulthood. Others cast their net special and serve the things she is interested in? Or, what wide and draw on a variety of experiences to find their path. other field of study does she want to pursue to compliment Either way, it would be difficult to deny the importance of or expand her knowledge? What’s the strategy?” having a solid understanding of the world underscored by Employers notice when students develop accomplishments personal experience. beyond their traditional academic degree, something Teresa That is the heart of the liberal arts, especially at a college knows well. “Strong leaders are broadly educated. They can where women are empowered to take the lead, discover who think about problems from different perspectives. They they are and manifest who they want to become. At Sweet know how to find resources and ask for help when they Briar, just like the bees in the Brown Family Apiary who need it, and they know when to consult experts,” she says. benefit from every different wildflower in the meadow, our students combine the arts with the sciences, engineering with sustainability, painting with biology, chemistry with creative writing, team sports with Dean Teresa Garrett one-woman shows and so much more.

While some students may elect to design their own major, that isn’t the only way Sweet Briar students create their own experience. Nearly every student is involved in multiple areas of academic study and co-curricular interests.

“Students will be well-served by being Regardless of which path a student chooses, able to demonstrate that they willingly there is a delicate balance between spreading take on things without being asked. These out and focusing in. are all traits of leaders that the world and Dean Teresa Garrett is acutely tuned in to workplace need: those who can lead with the need for balance, direction and cohesion empathy and understanding from the front, when studying in a cross-disciplinary program. the back or the side.”

“Self-designing a major is for students whose Another key aspect of Sweet Briar’s interests lie outside of our traditional majors academic program? Choice. Lack of choice and who have the ability to work independentis a kind of oppression, Teresa observes. All ly, be self-motivated and be agents of their of us need to learn to balance the responown educational journey,” she tells us. “Such sibilities of life with our freedom of choice students work with faculty in multiple disciand she wants students to learn that they plines to construct a coherent course of study have control over their lives. “We’re not that aligns with their interests and is often here just to teach someone to move widgets centered on an emerging intellectual field.” or differentiate an equation. Our program Teresa notes that as responsible educators, is about teaching someone to have a life, to faculty at the College support love of learning be a human, a community member, a leader. and learning for learning’s sake, but they must That’s truly what we are doing here at Sweet Briar.” also serve the practical aspects of the liberal arts: giving stuClearly, it is not uncommon for Sweet Briar women to be dents a life that’s sustainable because they’re employed. “We involved in several areas of study and activities—both at want to cultivate the intrinsic motivation to learn and show Sweet Briar and after. In talking to our students, we disthem how to apply their learning in all aspects of their life,” covered some obvious themes about how each area of focus says Teresa. builds on and benefits others and how our students feel One way for students to think about incorporating other prepared to thrive upon graduation. disciplines into their studies is to evaluate how they spend

spring 2021

“We want to cultivate the intrinsic motivation to learn and show them how to apply their learning in all aspects of their life”

21

BIJOU

sbc.edu

Bijou Barry

22

Bijou Barry ’23 might be one of the busiest students on campus. She is studying economics, environmental science, philosophy and communications. Her extracurricular activities are just as varied. She is president of the Black Student Alliance; an NCAA Division III golf player; a member of the student athletes advisory committee; a student advisor for the Center of Human and Environmental Sustainability; a student board member for the creative writing program and the student success committee; a member of both President Woo’s working group and the SGA’s committee on diversity, equity and inclusion; a residential advisor; and a writing tutor.

“In everything that I’m doing here at Sweet Briar, I want to facilitate spaces of purpose,” Bijou tells us. She’s a proponent of intersectional learning and experiences and wants to cultivate spaces where people feel like they belong, something she feels she can do at Sweet Briar. “Something I love about Sweet Briar is regardless of what you’re doing, there is always an opportunity to learn something different. I came here not really knowing what I would end up doing or even

what I was really interested in. That is what is profound.

I’m always on this unique journey without knowing exactly what it will look like in the future. Sweet Briar offered a new form of empowerment where your differences and diverse interests are illuminated. You get to really shine in who you are.”

She’s grateful for the opportunity to expand thinking about solving problems beyond the ideas of a one-way solution or approach, something that is possible because of the liberal arts environment at Sweet Briar. “By coming into a liberal arts environment, you learn that the best way to live is intersectional and understanding that there is more,” Bijou observes. “Our job is to look for the nuances, the multiplicities, the diversity that exists in everyone. Collective engagement is crucial. An enriching life calls for many different ideas, thoughts, disciplines and studies. When we look at the issues that need to be solved and who needs to be involved, we see that everything is connected.”

Sydney Campbell

Sydney Campbell ’21 is also enjoying the wide variety of experiences available to her at Sweet Briar. A math major

Hot off the presses!

with a focus on statistics and plans to attend grad school, she originally started out with an interest in engineering and was a Wyllie Scholar as a first-year. But, because of the freedom of choice afforded students at Sweet Briar, she explored her options and found that math, specifically statistics, was what she really wanted to pursue. Like Bijou, Sydney is involved in several extracurricular activities. She is the Inter-Club Council president, the student events committee co-chair, the Chung Mung president, a member of the Earphones, a member of the Book Shop committee and a lacrosse player.

“Through all my different leadership positions, I’ve realized so much about myself and how to better communicate with others,” Sydney says. “As a math and science person, my experiences at Sweet Briar have taught me how language can be used in different settings and with different groups of people.”

Sydney also knows first-hand that learning doesn’t always have to be tied directly to a desired outcome. Exploring new things just for fun allows us to grow in unexpected ways.

“One of the cool things about Sweet Briar is I was able to take voice lessons just for fun,” she tells us. “I have always

been interested in music, but most of my time was spent fulfilling my math requirements. I’ve seen friends at bigger schools who have to take what they can get, and that’s all they get. But here, everybody has the opportunity to take classes in any area.”

With all of her involvement in clubs and events, Sydney has also seen how everyone has come together, especially after the pandemic. The spirit of cross-disciplinary academics was also present in student life as clubs hosted joint events and supported each other. Being a fan of data and statistics, Sydney pointed out how the number of events (132 in the fall) and student participation really skyrocketed.

Angel Lindberg, Rachel Logan and Hannah Marron

This same cross-disciplinary interest can be clearly seen in another group: our engineers. It is common to see them in studio art classes at the Art Barn, working on sets and lights backstage in the theatre and, for one particular trio, building a hydroponics system in the greenhouse.

Three senior engineering majors—Angel Lindberg, Rachel Logan and Hannah Marron—began their capstone project

spring 2021

SYDNEY

Sydney Campbell is the 2021 Presidential Medalist.

Holla, holla, Sydney!

23

sbc.edu

Hannah Marron (above), Angel Lindberg (top right) and Rachel Logan (bottom right) work on their Capstone project in the hydroponics bay of the greenhouse.

24

in the fall. “We were tasked with creating a hydroponics system for the greenhouse,” says Angel. “We were given the freedom to determine the best design and implementation, and we decided to use the Nutrient Film Technique, which is a design that uses horizontal PVC pipes with a shallow stream of nutrient-rich water for the plants,” she explains. “We completed the design, and now we’re building the 10-foot long by 8-foot tall A-frame that will hold 80 plants at one time.”

The three engineers share another academic interest: They all are minoring in mathematics. However, their extracurricular activities vary slightly. Angel is treasurer for the Student Government Association. Rachel is vice president of her class and an equestrian. Hannah is on the cross-country team and is an equestrian. And now, because of their capstone project, they have another shared learning experience.

Before the pandemic, capstone projects typically involved working with community partners. Angel points out how exciting it is to work on a project that’s on campus. “When senior projects happen off campus, you often don’t see the final project in routine use, fulfilling its purpose,” she notes.

“But with the hydroponics system in the greenhouse, we are right here to see the results of our work on a daily basis.

And hopefully, it can be used for several years. It would be fun returning to campus as alumnae and seeing it still in action.”

Sweet Briar’s engineering program is multidisciplinary both within itself and through joint projects with other academic areas. “I love this aspect of our program,” shares Hannah. “Not only are we learning mechanical, electrical and systems engineering, now, with our senior capstone

project, we’re learning about bioscience and agriculture.”

The trio has been working closely with Professor Lisa Powell throughout the hydroponics project. Hannah shares how fun it’s been to learn about plants through their research and through “the wisdom imparted by Professor Powell.” For Rachel, she particularly enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to optimize the system for plants.

The benefit of studying all three areas of engineering is evident in our current students as well as alumnae working in the field. “A lot of engineers pick their niche and follow that one track,” Rachel observes. “But then, they have limited experience in the other areas. Since our program is multidisciplinary, it is easier to land the job you want because you are well prepared. Plus, it’s a unique perspective on engineering to not only know the mechanical and electrical side but to know how they work together, which is a huge benefit.”

With Sweet Briar’s focus on multidisciplinary education, students’ career opportunities and futures are wide open.

Angel points out how common it is that when you begin

working in the field, you find yourself using more than one type of engineering. She shares how during a manufacturing engineering internship last summer, she ended up working on electrical projects, which was not what she anticipated she’d be doing.

“The multidisciplinary approach makes us excellent candidates for anything,” says Rachel. “I had an internship working as an assistant director of public works for a local government, and I found that I was able to draw on what I’d learned across various areas of study to successfully take on that leadership role.”

The ability to pursue diverse interests is supported by the leadership core curriculum, which in itself, is designed to blend multiple areas within each course. “The structure of the leadership core has allowed me time to explore classes outside my major,” Hannah says with a big smile. “I took an art class in the fall, which was a great experience. It’s fun to be able to branch out.”

Rachel hones in on a core benefit of the liberal arts. “I found that different subjects required a completely different mindset, such as engineering versus art versus philosophy.

It’s an interesting challenge that will benefit me throughout life.”

Reesa Artz

Adapting to different mindsets across disciplines has an equally important counterpart: exploring the similarities.

For Reesa Artz ’22, her psychology major and dance minor

are a perfect blend. “Dance relates to the body and psychology studies the mind,” she states. “For me, they go hand-inhand.”

But her academic pursuits are only the beginning. The number of ways in which she’s involved on campus is impressive, and yet, you can clearly see the common thread of her interest in leadership, creative expression and caring for the community. Reesa is the president of the Campus Events Organization and especially enjoys bringing different interest groups together. She is the vice chair of the Admissions Ambassadors and next year will be the chair.

She is an orientation leader; a member of the Founders’ Day dance and lectures and events committees; the Sweet Tones treasurer; the Taps n Toes vice president; the QV secretary; and a member of Delight Ministries, Sweet Dancers and Sweet PEAs. Dance has been a major part of Reesa’s life since the age of two, and being able to continue dancing while studying psychology has provided her the perfect balance. “Having dance as a minor shows you can take educational classes that might not directly relate to your career,” she shares. “You’ll be able to use those experiences as a positive influence on whatever you choose to do in life. Even if there’s not a direct link, there’s always a way to bring it in. For instance, dance has taught me dedication, persistence and self-confidence.”

As an admissions ambassador and orientation leader, Reesa encourages new students to take classes outside of their major. “Do what you love,” she says. “Sweet Briar will set you

spring 2021

REESA

25

SIENA up to pursue your interests whether it’s starting your career or continuing on to grad school.”

While pursuing what you love, it is also important to get outside of your comfort zone, and college is a great opportunity to discover unique aspects of yourself. “Combining a supportive and encouraging environment like Sweet Briar with a personal desire to push yourself to discover new things creates this opportunity,” she observes. “Every experience you have will help you in life.”

Outside of academics, clubs and committees, Reesa points out how friend groups can be diverse, naturally extending beyond your major and lasting a lifetime. Not only does Sweet Briar’s unique liberal arts curriculum encourage this range of experiences and friendships, but it’s the resourceful campus and tight-knit community that form the core.

sbc.edu

Siena Annable

26

Encouraging diversity, supporting the community and helping others also resonates strongly with Siena Annable ’22, an English major in the secondary education program who plans to continue with the Master of Arts in teaching.

She is an education tutor with the Academic Resource Center, a Sweet PEAs peer educational health advocate and a member of the diversity, equity and inclusion committee, which has been her main focus.

Siena has experienced how classes at Sweet Briar go beyond their primary educational focus. “I’m taking a landscape painting class which is teaching me a great deal about the surrounding area, and archeology taught me about art, history and culture,” reflects Siena. “The Economics of Wine class gave me the opportunity to bring in alumna DeDe Conley ’72 as a guest expert, and I interviewed her for a project. The feminist philosophy class was fascinating, as well. All of these classes have been a valuable complement to my education and English studies.”

This type of variety in classes helps students acquire a range of skills to observe, analyze, problem solve and think critically. They have more options for solutions and can look with different perspectives at whatever is in front of them.

The benefit of multidisciplinary studies directly impacted Siena one day when she visited the Virginia Museum of Fine Art and realized how much she knew about what she was seeing. “The archeology class opened me up to having entirely new conversations that I confidently started up with other museum visitors. I hadn’t realized just how much I would bring into the world with me, especially from a course that wasn’t in my major.”

Like so many others, Siena sees Sweet Briar as a place where you can feel comfortable and free to explore many areas. She also sees how the core curriculum is very good at

JACKIE Jackie Vari

For Jackie Vari ’22, growth and development apply both to her experiences and to the physical growth of the plants and gardens that she loves. Jackie is a biology major with a love of art who’s in the arts management program. “My biggest passion is the science behind plants and gardening, but because I’m an artistic person, I’m using Sweet Briar as my bridge to connect the two,” she shares.

Jackie further combines her interests in biology, sustainability and art through her extracurricular activities. She has been a part of the hybrid music ensemble Daisy’s Harp, is the director of club programming for the Inter-Club Council and is involved with the beekeeping and sustainability clubs. But, she didn’t stop there. Jackie noticed how much students enjoyed crafting activities and the community bonding experience that naturally came with it. So she used her knowledge in art, sewing and crafting to launch a new

club called The Crafty Vixen. Plus, since sustainability is something she’s always been interested in, she incorporated that principle into the club and crafting activities.

Combining art and biology supports Jackie’s goal of working in a botanical garden, which, for her, is the ultimate combination of both areas. Before college, Jackie had been focused on art and wanting to study psychology, but “coming to Sweet Briar opened me back up to the plant world,” she recalls. “That was the turning point for me.”

Like many other students, Jackie appreciates the differences and similarities between science and art. “In biology, you need to be a creative thinker, observe the natural world and ask questions. And to me, art is the expression of that process,” she shares. “I see reflections in them.” Jackie also astutely points out how beneficial it is to be both a right and left-brain thinker. “It’s good to avoid the binaries. It helps you be flexible when problem solving.”

Each of these student’s experiences share common threads that demonstrate the power of a multidimensional person in our diverse and interconnected world. Developing a full range of skills, characteristics and values sits at the heart of Sweet Briar’s mission to prepare the next generation of women leaders. The end goal is not to be successful in one area, but to thrive in all areas of life.

spring 2021

combining more than one content area and is a great way to find out what areas interest you.

“At Sweet Briar, when you get involved in one thing, so many more doors open,” says Siena. “The College is eager to give opportunities to those who show an interest. It provides the environment for you to succeed as long as you are willing to take those risks, to join in and push yourself to grow.”

27

The Sweet

sbc.edu

OUTDOORS

28

Jackie Vari ’22 on a camping trip hosted by SWEBOP

and utilized our beautiful campus. We worked together to make sure we still had something to offer the students.”

Mikel has been thrilled to work directly with these excited, passionate students and help to make the outdoor program inclusive of people with any level of interest or experience. “My favorite thing so far has definitely been working with the student leaders, growing the student staff, and training and working with them,” says Mikel.

The program allows students to experience the outdoors in many different ways and at various levels. “There are a vast number of things that make Sweet Briar and the outdoor program unique, Mikel Mayo-Pitts, but I think the biggest one director of the is the inclusivity,” says Renee outdoor program Taylor ’24. “There is something here on campus for everyone, whether it’s clubs, athletics or the outdoor program.” by interested students and a small “A very prominent part of my childgroup of student-staff. They kept the hood was spent with a wilderness program thriving, and they did it with training program in Vermont called dedication. “We were all really close, Coyote’s Path,” says Sita Moses ’23. and it was a lot of extra work,” says “This is where my love for the outdoors Weatherly Ryder ’22. “We couldn’t aldeveloped beyond being just a kid in ways go on the trips we wanted, so we the woods. I was ecstatic to find that did the best we could. We often went Sweet Briar had its own outdoor proto Rise Up climbing in Lynchburg pects of outdoor knowledge needed for backpacking, hiking, basic safety and more. After graduating from Radford University with a degree in outdoor recreation, he worked for their outdoor program where he honed the skills he needed to lead people on outdoor excursions.

Before Mikel arrived at Sweet Briar, the beloved program was being run

spring 2021

One of the most unique and treasured characteristics about Sweet Briar are the scenic Virginia fields, forests and rolling hills that surround its historic campus. Experiencing all that the land has to offer and teach us is an intrinsic part of Sweet Briar. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that many alumnae have fond memories of the College’s outdoor program and all the adventures it provided both on and off campus. (Did you just say SWEBOP in your head? Because we did.)

In 1979, the president of the College, Harold B. Whiteman, Jr., received a $5,000 grant from Procter & Gamble to be used for a “new and innovative” program. Just like that, the outdoor program was born. With the help of Lori Adam, the program's first director, SWEBOP was introduced to campus life.

Today, Mikel Mayo-Pitts is at the helm of the outdoor program. Not long after he arrived in early 2020, Mikel suddenly found himself having to navigate ways to keep the excitement and participation growing even through the pandemic.

Fortunately, that wasn’t too difficult with a campus that has so many accessible and diverse outdoor spaces.

Mikel is pretty familiar with the countryside near Sweet Briar. His family moved to rural Fluvanna County, southeast of Charlottesville, just before he went into middle school. His new home exposed him to the countryside more than he had ever been before. His family always had a great appreciation for the outdoors, and they found themselves spending even more time hiking and camping. These experiences led Mikel to search for a college degree program that would teach him the important as-

29

Devon Felton ’21, Sita Moses ’23, Izabella (Bella) McCloskey ’23, and Renee Taylor ’24 on a hiking trip

gram, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I completed the application process to become an apprentice and, in turn, a leader in time for the start of my sophomore year.”

“There’s a bit of a running joke that I am the sunrise hike person,” says Sita. “Though initially not the most enticing thing, getting up to welcome the sun is my favorite trip we lead. Usually, we start these journeys off a little groggy and sleepy—perhaps even resentful of our past selves who signed up—but to watch the first rays of sunlight turn the world to gold before our eyes with a warm cup in hand (we bring a stove and pot for hot drinks) is incredible. On the return, everyone's a little warmer, awake and there is still the whole day ahead!”

The staff plays an important role in helping plan and orchestrate activities and encouraging students to participate.

They also learn the basics of outdoors training, backpacking and camping so that they can be helpful influencers and teachers to those that participate in any of the activities or excursions.

Sweet Briar has no shortage of outdoor spaces.

With 2,840 acres of land and 18 miles of trails on campus, there are a wealth of opportunities when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. In particular, the 83-year-old Outing Cabin has provided students with many memories and opportunities for recreation and celebration over the years.

THE OUTING CABIN

During the 1935-1936 academic year, the College’s athletic association decided to build the cabin. With the blessing of President Meta Glass, students selected a site on Paul’s Mountain the following year.

Students lent a helping hand to the superintendent of the Sweet Briar Farm, J. Edwin Dinwiddie, the local tradesman who cut, hewed and cured the logs which were harvested on-site. The students used the lacrosse field to lay out the logs and boards for the walls and windows, and the Outing Cabin was ready for a retreat from academic life in May 1938.

sbc.edu

In addition to the historic preservation assessment happening on Sweet Briar’s main campus [read more on page 6], the College has also assessed the maintenance and stabilization requirements for the Outing Cabin and the Boathouse. Based on those assessments, work will take place this summer.

30

Xxxxx xx xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx.

“My favorite memory so far has been the staff training trip to Bozoo, W.Va. We went over the basics of backpacking and camping and had an introduction to climbing, ropes systems and anchor systems,” says Mikel.

Despite the pandemic, the outdoor program has been able to provide many opportunities for students to escape for a little bit. They had a full list of trips planned, but Mikel and the students knew they were going to be limited to campus, so they kept trips at a beginner level for students who might not be used to certain types of outdoor activities or excursions. Their adventures have consisted of hikes with hot chocolate, canoeing and kayaking on the lake, and tree climbing, which was added this spring.

Mikel had no problem finding things to do thanks to Sweet Briar’s distinctive characteristics. “I always love paddle boarding on our lakes,” says Weatherly. “I like night hikes as well.

Seeing the stars on a clear night is super special,” she remarks.

Mikel says, “Our program is an incredible opportunity for building leadership skills. For anyone joining in on the activities, it's a community to connect people and nature. It’s a nice escape.”

“The Sweet Briar Outdoor Program is brought to life by the students who are in it,” says Sita. “Mikel has been an excellent leader for all of us and aids us in pursuing our own interests and ideas while connecting them back to what we can do for students at Sweet Briar. Because of this, I think our program is constantly evolving and bettering itself, and in doing so, it defies stagnancy.”

Mikel plans to grow the program by adding a variety of trips and opportunities for student involvement. “I want to build a cohesive program around the students who are currently involved and want to take trips, plus include new students, as well,” he says.

He also hopes to one day bring back an annual week-long expedition, giving outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity

to do something out of their comfort zone. At one time, Sweet Briar’s outdoor program provided the opportunity for students to attend Outdoor Women Leadership training. Students would take extended trips filled with in-depth outdoor camping opportunities. “I am hoping to resume the practice of expedition-length training for student leaders. In the past, they have primarily been backpacking trips somewhere in the surrounding states,” says Mikel. “That is probably how it will be when I first start it back up, as well, however, I want to work towards yearly expeditions to other parts of the country that are a bit less familiar,” he says.

“This program has helped me become a leader that I never thought I’d be,” says Weatherly. “Putting students in leadership positions through the outdoors and the amazing nature around us is one of the best things I’ve experienced here at Sweet Briar. I’ve found my voice and spot on campus through the outdoor program.”

spring 2021

A trip to the Outing Cabin, fall 1953

31

GIVING

Sweet Briar Fund

Goal: $8,270,000

Left to Raise: $1,641,896 Pledges to Convert: $1,672,942 Total Raised: $4,955,352

As of Mar. 23, 2021

sbc.edu

Why Does Alumnae Participation Matter?

32

Each year, the Office of Alumnae Relations and Development assesses alumnae giving to Sweet Briar. While this metric may not be something that alumnae use daily, our participation rate is critical to planning our fundraising efforts each year. Here are seven other reasons why participation is important: 1. Our participation rate is used to determine our ranking in publications like U.S. News and World Report. A higher participation rate can mean a higher ranking and higher rankings are one way potential students evaluate colleges.

2. Foundations use the alumnae participation rate as one measure to compare the Sweet Briar to other colleges that they view as successful. They use the participation rate when considering Sweet Briar for potential grants.

3. Participation means more diversity in our donor base, allowing the College to withstand changes when donors’ capacity or interests shift.

4. Participation is one of the signs of health of the College, just like enrollment, the endowment and graduation rate.

5. Participation is a sign of love and respect for the College. If alumnae don’t love and respect the place, why should anyone else?

6. Participation needs to be perpetual. Some amount given every year by as many alumnae as possible provides a reliable income stream that steadily funds the operations of the College.

7. Participation engenders a sense of ownership and belonging, and is something that sets that group apart.

GIVING

In short, there is no greater demonstration of confidence in and loyalty to your alma mater than making a gift to support Sweet Briar’s greatest needs.

When we evaluate alumnae giving to Sweet Briar, we want to see two key indicators of success: consistent and significant gifts to the College.

Consistency is important because it helps build a foundation of support that we can rely on from year to year. When we say significant, we

mean significant to our donors— the best gift that you can make to Sweet Briar each year. When we saved our college in 2015, we did so by committing to support Sweet Briar each and every year, not just in our anniversary Reunion years.

So each year, when you receive a letter from Sweet Briar or a class leader asking you to support your alma mater, don’t wait to respond with a gift. Sweet Briar still needs you!

30% Participation Goal

Alumnae Participation in the Sweet Briar Fund 32.5% 30% 24.9%

25%

24.5%

23.8% 21.5%

20%

17.6%

15% 10% 5%

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020 2021 YTD

No matter where you are, The Book Shop is your source for all kinds of Sweet Briar swag, including sweatshirts, T-shirts, caps, mugs, decals and more.

Show your pink and green pride!

shopsweet.sbc.edu

spring 2021

Shop in the store or from the comfort of your own home.

33

GIVING

sbc.edu

Your Gift to Sweet Briar Fosters Resilience and Excellence

34

In a year like no other, Sweet Briar’s promise to our students—and to our legacy of women’s leadership—remains steadfast. Our alumnae and friends make this possible through financial contributions to Sweet Briar, for which we are exceedingly grateful.

Sweet Briar has always been a place where young women arrive ready to test themselves, find their strengths and explore their world. This fiscal year, our deposits are tracking well ahead of where they stood at this time last

year. Our growing student body is the ultimate evidence that a Sweet Briar education continues to have value and relevance for today’s young women.

In President Meredith Woo’s Convocation address to our students last fall, which was held on the Dell to create a setting safe from COVID, she charged them to advocate for their own rights and for the rights of everyone who is marginalized. She did so because a college like Sweet Briar, where women can realize their full potential in an

atmosphere free from discrimination, is just as necessary now as it was a century ago.

We have done the hard work of reinventing the Sweet Briar experience for a new generation, while remaining true to the College’s enduring character. We invite you to become our partner in these efforts before the end of this fiscal year on June 30, 2021. With your gift to the Sweet Briar Fund, we can navigate the enormous challenges of our time and deliver our promise to our students.

GIVING

Giving to Sweet Briar COVID-19, which we are all learning may linger longer than originally anticipated. You can help us answer this need, while fueling enrollment growth and furthering a tradition of academic distinction through attracting bright students to Sweet Briar.

• Faculty Support. Dedicated and talented faculty make an indelible impression that ignites curiosity and inspires students to learn and lead. By investing in faculty scholarship, research and development, you invest in the lives and careers of each Sweet Briar student. One of the many hallmarks of a Sweet Briar education is the devotion of our faculty to fostering our students’ academic growth.

• Stewardship of our Natural and Built Environment. Sweet Briar’s renewal is evident from the view of Monument Hill and freshly-manicured trails to our thriving vineyards, 20-hive apiary, bustling 26,000-square-foot greenhouse and renovations at our riding center.

We have also completed an assessment for the rehabilitation of our 21-building National Register Historic District. With the Commonwealth of Virginia’s current restrictions on gatherings, the use of our outdoor spaces has increased exponentially. Your gift will ensure an inviting and supportive campus where excellence thrives both now and in the future.

As a campus, we are again facing down unforeseen circumstances. While there is good news with the arrival of COVID vaccines, the impact of the pandemic will likely continue for several months, if not years. As you know, Sweet Briar College has a distinctive ability to be resilient—perhaps more than any other college in this country.

It is a capacity honed over our nearly 120-year history and anchored in our promise to one another and to the young women we serve. Your gift to the Sweet Briar Fund in this fiscal year will allow us to continue to be flexible as circumstances change quickly—so that there is nothing that we cannot do.

Give Today sbc.edu/give

spring 2021

Your support will underwrite our most vital priorities: • A Robust Response to COVID-19.

With the health and safety of our campus community in mind, we have devised a comprehensive plan to ensure healthy living and learning. Even better, we have proven over the last eight months that this plan is working; we have experienced only a few cases of COVID among our student body and have been able to keep our students safe while they recovered. Your gift will help offset our response to the pandemic, including a single room for every student; a new health clinic; updated instructional spaces, campus dining and health services; personal protective equipment; and symptom checking, testing and contact tracing.

• Scholarships. Each year, Sweet Briar offers scholarships totaling nearly $4 million. Our assessment, however, is that more students will need more help as families cope with the financial fallout of

35

GIVING

Sweet!

sbc.edu

Entrepreneurial Artists –

36

GIVING

Sweet Briar alumnae across the decades have long had a bent for entrepreneurship, creating their own businesses, particularly in areas of artistic endeavor. To support these efforts, the Alumnae Alliance is assembling a searchable catalogue of alumnae-owned-and-operated small businesses and alumnae artists and artisans, extending the ability of all alumnae to “shop sweet.” This special guide should be available in time for the next holiday season.

Throughout 2021, look for social media posts soliciting inclusion in the catalogue. In the meantime, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek!

Meet Amy Campbell Lamphere ‘80, who started Storyline Collection with her business partner Sunil Ramchandani. Sunil and Amy believe that a woman’s wardrobe should be built around well-constructed, perfectly imagined essential pieces. Check them out at storylinecollection.com.

If you’re looking to add color to your life with some artwork, check out Egg Art, the studio of Emma Zak ’20. You can support a fellow Vixen by purchasing Emma’s paintings, drawings, prints and notecards. To see Emma’s work, visit zak205.wixsite.com/egg-art.

Of course, that’s just the beginning of the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by so many Sweet Briar alumnae. We look forward to making it easier for you to support Sweet Briar businesses. Stay tuned to the Alumnae Alliance social media pages for more!

spring 2021

@sweetbriaralumnae @sbcalumnae

37

living

sbc.edu

the sweet

38

Sweet Briar students aren’t immune to the emotional toll the pandemic has had, but since August, when our students first returned to campus, they’ve been busy developing a wide variety of events—both virtual and in-person—that have allowed the College to retain at least some semblance of the social life that is so important to mental health. Even better, the College has been able to maintain some social interaction without sacrificing health.

Reesa Artz ’22 is president of the

life

We’ve all read stories over the past year about how difficult the pandemic has been on students of all ages—from distance learning to a lack of social interaction.

Campus Events Organization and one of Sweet Briar’s COVID captains.

COVID captains are student leaders who have volunteered to help keep themselves and their classmates safe by checking students in and out of events and doing temperature and other symptom checks. The captains also ensure that everyone is following social distancing and facial covering guidelines. “COVID captains were a result of the many discussions between the student task force during summer

2020,” says Reesa. “They include many student leaders on campus, including class officers, SGA cabinet and executive board members, and trained student volunteers. All COVID captains have gone through proper training to ensure students attending campus approved events are correctly and safely following appropriate COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Student Events Committee.”

The willingness of the students to buy into the COVID safety proce-

Twins Caroline and Natalie Czarra ‘22 enjoy the nice weather on the Quad during Oktoberfest

132

dures has been critical to the quality of campus life. During the fall semester, multiple events were held every week, put on by clubs, the Student Government Association and the Office of Student life. Events have included monthly Tuesday Trivia Nights, a Dell party, S’mores under the Stars and a Festival of Frights costume contest.

For Reesa, the best event was the 2nd annual Oktoberfest. Organized by CEO, it was open not just to students, but also to faculty and staff. “It was wonderful being able to see members of the Sweet Briar community, beyond our immediate friends and classmates, come together and enjoy a beautiful fall day,” Reesa says. The two-part event began in the late morning with a German-inspired brunch, a candy and trail mix bar, beer garden, photo opportunities and pumpkin painting. Later in the evening, there was a showing of the movie Halloweentown, hot cocoa, apple cider and a bonfire. “Having two parts of the event over multiple hours,

The cross-country team gets ready to take off at the start of the GLOW Race

a fun and interactive way to cheer on provided the opportunity for as many their classmates. “Partnering with our people to come as possible,” Reesa wonderful athletics observes. “The event department was a was successful due “It is so much fantastic way to get to the volunteers and more rewarding to know even more COVID Captains at people on campus, as this event. Plus, many to create these well as support our staff and faculty events during this student-athletes,” volunteered their time to assist with time, when human Reesa told us. “Having these scrimmages the various activities interconnectedness was a way to have and check-in, along them feel like they with our COVID is so needed and were playing a real captains!” valued.” game like in preCEO also partnered COVID times. Rewith the athletics gardless of COVID, department to supI think all student-athletes appreciated port the College’s student athletes. In the support and enjoyed sharing their the fall, CEO organized a Spirit Week passion for their sport and team with with a wide variety of events including the Sweet Briar community.” daily dress-up themes. Even though As a student leader, Reesa knows official games weren’t being played, Spirit Week featured “tailgates” at prac- she has a role to play in building a sense of community despite the tices and scrimmages. Pink and green pandemic. “While I understand how pom poms were handed out at every difficult COVID has made life, I see sporting event, providing attendees

spring 2021

That’s how many events our students and the Office of Student Life put on just during the fall semester.

39

sbc.edu

Katie Balding ‘21 celebrates graduate school news with a scroll game

40

the positives as well,” she says. “It has definitely been different planning socially distanced events, and I have found that part of the excitement of planning them is the challenge. It is so much more rewarding to create these events during this time, when human interconnectedness is so needed and valued.”

Sydney Campbell ’21 shares Reesa’s gratitude for the community at Sweet Briar. “We have been presented with many challenges this year, but as Sweet Briar students always have, we found a way to persevere and make the best given what we have,” she says. “We saw clubs and organizations working together, community service, appreciation events for faculty and staff of the College thanking them for all that they do, creativity and many other things last semester from every event that was hosted. I am truly impressed with the student body’s ability to uphold the Sweet Briar community we know,

Director of Student Engagement Jess while still keeping our health and safeAustin noted that the pandemic has ty at the forefront of our minds.”

Sydney is president of the Inter-Club forced the students to think differently, but sometimes that Council, which held has been for the best. their traditional Haz“We saw clubs “Sometimes the changing Prevention Week in the fall despite the and organizations es the students made because of COVID pandemic. The week working together...” made the events better is a chance to educate and that was unexpectthe community on a ed,” she says. critical topic. “This Sydney experienced topic is crucial at a that first hand. Because of COVID, school like ours that is rooted in tratwo of her favorite traditions—the dition, as sometimes it is hard for students to see the difference between tra- Founders’ Day dance and ghost stories ditions and hazing,” Sydney points out. with the Chung Mungs—had to be held outside this year, a change from “Hazing Prevention Week provokes how they are usually done. To ensure reflection and discussion on what can social distancing, the Founders’ Day be considered hazing and what a club can do to implement positive changes.” dance was held all over the upper side of campus—in the Quad and in front Throughout the week, ICC hosted a of Benedict and the library. The dance number of events including a paint night with Culture Club, bracelet mak- also featured a photo booth, bar, catering with BAM, donut decorating and a ing and other activities. “Having the event so spread out made it feel like we banner signing.

be more of those to look forward to.

“Seeing all of the students wearing their masks, sitting on the Dell on outdoor blankets and enjoying the music and food made me fall in love with Sweet Briar all over again because of our resilience and determination to keep things as normal as possible—

by having “grab and go” events. For example, CEO might host a trivia or movie night online, but students are encouraged to come by the student life office in the afternoon to pick up snacks for the evening event. Likewise, students might pick up supplies for a virtual night of crafting or vi-

Annika Kuleba ‘22 and Abby Cahill ‘21 at Quad Rocks

there really is nothing we cannot do!”

Despite the challenges, Jess Austin encouraged the students to step up and set the tone. “The way I viewed it, there wasn’t room to fail,” she told us. “We had to preserve the integrity of the campus life we strive to create. That’s how the club presidents approached it.

After we mourned what we were going to lose, we just jumped in and made the best of it. It was up to the staff and the student leaders to do it.”

As we go to press, COVID restrictions imposed by Virginia’s governor are still impacting spring events, but the students remain hopeful that as the vaccine rollout continues, the restrictions will be lifted and more events will take place as the weather warms up.

In the meantime, virtual events are the order of day. Zoom fatigue is real, but Jess and the students combat that

sion-board making.

The Office of Student Life has also teamed up with their counterparts at the University of Lynchburg and Randolph to host some entertaining Zoom events this spring. The events are taking place about once per month and include stand-up comedy, a beatboxer, a VCR party where old movies are muted and the dialog and sounds are made up, and mentalist Sean Bott. Certainly, COVID has meant that many things about life on and off campus are less than ideal, but Sweet Briar women know that they can do anything they put their minds to. While we look forward to a return to normal, our students’ leadership has shown that as a community, we can make the best of whatever life throws at us.

Holla, holla!

spring 2021

were at a huge street festival!” Sydney says. “I, and many other students, feel that Founders’ Day should continue to be held outside—a new twist on an old tradition. The ghost stories were also a huge hit! This event was hosted at the bandstand and bonfire at night, which made the event feel even spookier. I hope that this becomes the new tradition for future Chung Mungs.”

Creativity really has been the operative word for events this year. Natalie Czarra ’22, president of the Sweet Tones, had to employ a sense of creativity because the group couldn’t have the concerts that they normally would.

The answer? Virtual open mic nights!

For Natalie, the open mic nights were a great way to keep music at Sweet Briar alive. In fact, the events were so successful that Natalie has had to develop set lists to make sure everyone had the chance to participate. In fact, one event in the fall took place on the same day as one of the open houses for prospective Sweet Briar students. The visitors joined in, giving them a sense of the “real” Sweet Briar. We hope that we’ll be able to welcome some of those students to campus in fall 2021 when they join our Sweet Briar family.

Like Sydney, Natalie sees some benefit to the virtual events. “I hope that these events inspire some other students to audition for the Sweet Tones because I know the in-person auditions are super stressful,” she says.

“There’s a sort of barrier between the performer and the audience when it’s virtual, and I think that eliminates some of the jitters.”

Despite the pandemic, Sweet Briar’s beautiful campus and outdoor spaces meant that we were able to host Dell parties with live music and food. And just like for generations of Sweet Briar women before her, those were Natalie’s favorite events. She hopes that when the weather warms up that there will

41

Fleming Parker Rutledge '59 on the cover of the alumnae magazine

ALUMNAE PROFILE

Leaders of and

Faith Community munity and help people, they just didn’t know how it would manifest in their life. Here, they share their journey from college student to a leader of faith and community.

Fleming Parker Rutledge ’59 Rev. Fleming Rutledge ’59 is an internationally known preacher and teacher and one of the first women to be ordained to the priesthood of the Episcopal Church. She is the author of ten books, and her most celebrated one, “ The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ”—which took her 20 years to write—is being described as a new classic on the subject. She served for more than 20 years in parish ministry, first at Christ’s Church in Rye, New York, then Grace Church in New York City. After that, she began an international preaching and teaching ministry as well as writing and publishing.

Her reflections on Sweet Briar are largely in terms of her intellectual formation. “I had a pretty rigorous education.

Some of our professors were very demanding and had high standards,” shares Fleming. “It was very important

spring 2021

Some students come to Sweet Briar knowing exactly what they want out of college. Some discover it once they arrive and some find it long after graduation. Five alumnae—Fleming Rutledge ’59, Makanah Morriss ’66, Keenan Kelsey ’66, Beth Preston ’78 and Laura Glover ’86—fall into the latter category. All five are now working as religious leaders—just a few of the many spiritual leaders among Sweet Briar alumnae. For Fleming Parker Rutledge '59 many, this was not a path that was open to them at the time they graduated from Sweet Briar.

Though the paths of these women have been quite different, their lives clearly share Sweet Briar and spiritual elements. Each of them also has had a strong desire to help others and make the world a better place. Each points to the broad liberal arts curriculum, the openness and authenticity of the community and the freedom of self-discovery as the strong foundation upon which she stood tall and confident in whichever direction her life took her, often at the calling of God. As priests, ministers, pastors, directors and educators, these women always knew they wanted to serve the com-

43

ALUMNAE PROFILE

sbc.edu

to my formation. I think about that a lot.” She also points out that several of her professors were Christian, and she felt supported in her theological interests.

A native of Franklin, Va., every woman in her family attended Sweet Briar, and there was no question that she would attend, as well.

“That’s the joke, nobody in my family ever went anywhere else. I never even applied anywhere else,” she laughed. Fleming remains an active alumna.

Fleming clearly recognizes the many societal changes Makanah Dunham Morriss '66 that have happened since her graduation. “ The change in women and their role in the world has been revolutionary since I graduated in 1959,” Fleming reflects. “The book ‘ The Feminine Mystique,’ by Betty Friedan, which came out in 1963, gave me permission to start to think big about my future. I had always assumed I’d be a housewife like my mother.”

Indeed, that’s how her life after Sweet Briar began. But after 11 years of family life and running the household, she entered Union Theological Seminary in New York—a thought that had been percolating for a while. “The academic standards were very high, and I was in great shape because I had such wonderful training at Sweet Briar,” she says. “I didn’t have any trouble entering into the life of graduate school. I’ve continued to be grateful for the education I received at Sweet Briar. I’m very proud; it was peerless, really.”

For Fleming, she knew it was always her calling to do something for Chrisianity, the faith and the church. But

44

she had no idea what that might be. “I was floundering, in that respect,” she recalls.

“But then the possibility of women’s ordination came about, and I realized that was the direction to go in.”

After graduating from Union, she was ordained as a deacon and had already been hired as a member of the clergy staff at Christ’s Church in Rye, New York.

At that time in 1975, women could be deacons but not priests. However, one year later during their General Convention, the Episcopal Church’s national governing body changed the rules and allowed the ordination of women as priests, effective Jan. 1, 1977.

After this shattering of the stained glass ceiling and eighteen months into her work at Christ’s Church, Fleming was ordained a priest.

“Being in ministry is a multifaceted endeavor,” she shares.

“I love being with people, trying to help them grow and develop in faith. But largely, I’m a preacher. That is my sustaining passion, my calling. Preaching isn’t just getting up and giving a speech; it’s a channel for what God is saying, and that’s an awesome responsibility.”

Makanah Dunham Morriss ’66 The path Rev. Makanah Morriss ’66 took was somewhat different. Her interest in social justice and counseling led her across the country and down the path to becoming a minister and educator in the Unitarian Universalist Church. For an equestrian from suburban Connecticut,

coming to central Virginia in 1962 was a life-changing experience—from being able to ride across the vast countryside to experiencing the community and culture. Originally a political science major and psychology minor, she switched the two once she felt the pull of serving others.

A classmate of Makanah’s who was majoring in religion said that the best way to do something in the church was to marry a minister. “Women ministers weren’t on anybody’s radar. It just didn’t happen,” she says. “Of course, it had started to happen; we just hadn’t noticed it yet. I had seen maybe one woman minister, and it never occurred to me as a career path while at Sweet Briar. I loved church and its community but had no concept of a woman’s role within the church.”

With her strong interest in serving others, Makanah recalls several Sweet Briar experiences that opened her up to how she could fulfill that desire. “During my first year, we partnered with the YWCA to help in a small two-room school in Madison Heights. Then, Mrs. Wailes, my sociology professor, took students to visit a Bedford County nursing home, where we sang carols,” she remembers. “It was a very eye-opening experience. I felt like Sweet Briar invited me to go beyond the common edges of volunteer work, to places I didn’t even know about. It showed me what was needed in the world.”

Makanah’s family was very conscious politically and believed that the world always needs to be changed for the better. Politics in her family revolved around ethics and compassion. “Maybe I’ll be a secretary or administrative assistant in Washington and work for some noble leader doing noble things,” she says with a chuckle. “ That was my game plan coming out of college.”

When she got a car her senior year, Makanah went to Amherst to listen to one of the religion professors who was a Methodist minister. “I found it all very

interesting. But I proceeded down my path of being a medical secretary for ten years,” she says. During that time, she received her master’s in counseling, building on the strong psychology background she gained at Sweet Briar. “I tried an internship in medical social work, then in family counseling, but it wasn’t quite right; I was just bouncing along as a young adult.”

Then, she became very involved in a young adult church group, and was asked to teach a class of all boys. “‘You can teach them anything you want,’’ she was told by the assistant minister. That turned out to be a life-changing experience. Through the church, she could work in social justice and counseling. Next, Makanah pursued her second master’s degree, which led her to a job in a church that set her path in motion to be ordained as a minister in the Unitarian Universalist Church.

She served a church in Richmond for ten years, then moved to a large church in Delaware where she focused on program development. After that, she joined the denominational headquarters in Boston where she was dean of the graduate program and director of the religious education department. “It was wonderful working with congregations across the country. We traveled all over the country training religious professionals. Everyone felt like part of my congregation,” she says lovingly.

Her most important project during that time was creating a comprehensive sexuality education program that could be used in the church as well as in community groups. “ This wasn’t what I expected I would do, since I’m not a sexual health professional, but it’s what was needed,” she states. “I really put my psychology degree to good use in creating that program.”

After her work with the Unitarian Universalist Association, she and her husband went to Wyoming to lead a small church for several years. “I missed being part of a small parish. Sweet Briar had really developed

spring 2021

ALUMNAE PROFILE

45

ALUMNAE PROFILE

within me a sense of belonging, responsibility and accountability to a community. To a first-year student, I would say listen to the nudgings of your heart,” Makanah shares. “Gather those nudgings as seeds of possibilities to follow after graduation or later in life. Collect them and don’t judge them. Watch what you like to do and what makes your heart sing.”

Keenan Colton Kelsy '66

sbc.edu

Keenan Colton Kelsey ’66 Like Fleming Rutledge, Keenan Kelsey ’66 wasn’t the first Sweet Briar alumna in her family. Her mother, Howell Lykes Colton, was a member of the Class of 1938, and if you visit campus today, you’ll see that Sweet Briar’s recently renovated stables are now named in Howell’s honor.

And, also like Fleming and Makanah, Keenan’s path to becoming a religious leader was a winding one. It took her across the country and through highs and lows as the phases of her life unfolded. “I was from a southern patriarchal family where women’s roles were often reduced to manipulation rather than leadership,” she recounts. “I knew how happy it would make my mother to go to Sweet Briar, and looking back, I wish I had understood a little more what college could mean and the opportunities it provided.

But, I made lifelong friends and learned how to think and be in this world. And that’s a gift.”

A few years into married life in Washington, D.C., Keenan decided she wanted to work. “As an English major, everyone assumed I’d be a teacher,” she says through a smirk. “But I was already enough of a rebel to say no—I would be a good teacher, but no thank you.” Instead, she

46

took a job on the editorial board of the Journal of Forestry. At the same time, she began to feel her own calling and values. “I had started out working for Barry Goldwater and ended up writing for Bobby Kennedy and working for Head Start. My biggest claim to fame was being part of the original group that organized Earth Day in 1970.”

Following her D.C. years, her family moved to San Francisco, and she continued her environmental action work. Life took a turn and she, her husband and her sister (who had joined them out west) found themselves out of work. “So, we decided to buy a pet store,” she declared. That spontaneity and confidence had a lot to do with her time at Sweet Briar, she points out. Life took more twists and turns, including a drug and alcohol problem. She entered recovery and began another phase of life and rediscovery. “I found myself becoming more attached to my college experiences than ever before. They became more important,” Keenan says.

“During recovery, my daughter led me back to church after she was invited to participate in a play at a friend’s church,” she remembers fondly. “And of course, the Presbyterian Church asked if I’d like to be on a committee, and that’s how I became involved again.”

One year into recovery, she knew she didn’t want to return to retail and thought about becoming a teacher, getting a law degree or being a social worker. “ Then one day I was invited to lead a group in a church workshop on the church’s response to AIDS,” she says. “I watched speakers from street, homeless, youth and chaplaincy ministries

and thought, ‘that’s what I want to do, and I can do it through the church.’”

Within six weeks, Keenan was in seminary. “I often felt imposter syndrome while in seminary. I wasn’t sure I could do it. But when I told my college roommates, they said, ‘Oh yeah, that makes sense.’” Even though the Presbyterian Church was fairly advanced in ordaining women, there was still a big stained glass ceiling. She did some writing for the national church, had three interim calls and then joined a small church in San Francisco where she Beth Cone Preston ’78 (right) stayed for 14 years.

“It’s easy to trace my choices in life back to Sweet Briar, not so much in the specifics but in the intangibles,” reflects Keenan. “It’s not just buildings and learning. It’s knowing people from around the world and coming together in the campus experience that bonds us. The chaplain gave us an understanding of God and was an undercurrent of our community. Sweet Briar has a sense of sacredness in how its community works, in the people that come there, in the faculty. It gave me a sense of gratitude and grace.”

Beth Cone Preston ’78 Rev. Beth Preston ’78 was ordained an Episcopal priest in 2018, yet the majority of her life had already been dedicated to serving God and her community, especially children.

“I didn’t have a typical Sweet Briar experience,” she shares. “It was a bit of a difficult time, being in an all-women setting and far from home—we had moved from Missouri to the Netherlands, then to Massachusetts. College

was my introduction to a service influenced by the Episcopal Church. I didn’t attend regularly, but I loved the liturgy. If I could do it over again I would have gone a lot more,” she laughs.

Even though she says her “academics were not stellar at Sweet Briar,” she pursued her master’s in journalism and went on to graduate from Nashotah House seminary. Perhaps this could encourage undergraduate students, she says: “Even if you aren’t at the top of your class or one of the leaders on campus, you can go on to do amazing things with God’s help.”

Beth, who always knew she wanted to help people, majored in psychology but by her senior year, she found herself spending most of her time in the art studio. “Turns out I was much more interested in art than psychology,” she recollects. “I remember in one art class there was a woman from the community who was an Episcopal priest.

Interacting with her in studio art was very formative for me. The fact that Sweet Briar encouraged multidisciplinary studies and welcomed community members was a very enriching experience.”

After graduation, she became a social worker in child protective services, which was difficult but rewarding.

“But I also continued with art over the years, teaching at a Christian school and using it in my outreach ministry, The Way Station.”

spring 2021

ALUMNAE PROFILE

47

ALUMNAE PROFILE

sbc.edu

more workers, I felt Originally, she thought that God was calling the ministry would me to the ministry,” she reach out to young Milsays with a definitive lennials or those who air. “But I was terriaren’t affiliated with a fied and thought ‘Oh church or denominano!’ I told my priest tion, but they ended that I needed to go in up pivoting when they discernment, which learned that middle is what you do when schoolers needed a place you think you might to go after school. “Ofbe called to ordination. ten, they were staying at He said, ‘I’ve been waitschool until late in the ing for you to say that.’” evening without anyFor Beth, she now thing to eat. It wasn’t sees how Sweet Briar what I thought I would and every step in her be doing, but I prayed life came together to about it and realized, prepare her for exactly yes, this is what I want Laura Glover '86, senior chaplain at Epworth Villa what she’s doing. “I feel to do.” And so, The so honored and priviWay Station became an leged to be a part of it.” outreach program to all Laura Hand Glover ’86 youth, but specifically to middle school students who are Rev. Laura Hand Glover ’86 found her calling through often overshadowed by support for elementary and high a series of circumstances and connections that shifted school students. her focus from civil rights work in Washington, D.C., to Having been ordained a priest only three years ago, it is feeding the homeless, to serving small rural community still a new path for Beth. “I was very traditional and didn’t believe in women in ministry,” she shares. “At the time, Na- churches in her home state of Oklahoma.

“My grandmother grew up in Amherst County, and I reshota was a conservative seminary where women didn’t celmember visiting for family reunions and hearing all about ebrate the Eucharist but did preach and made many other Sweet Briar, May Day and other community events,” Laura contributions. But as a traditionalist, that didn’t bother reminisces. “So when it came time to look at schools, she me, and I felt very welcomed. I know that for women who made sure I visited and learned about their creative writing heard the calling to be ordained ministers long before I program, which was one of the best in the country.” did, their path was probably much more difficult.”

Since the Class of 1986 was one of the largest ever, not Originally, Beth went to seminary with no intention of seeking ordination and thought that with a journalism de- everyone could take English in the first semester. “My advisor recommended I take Intro to Logic. As I was planning gree, maybe she was supposed to write. “I continually said on going into law school, I said ‘yeah, sure, logic sounds that I’m not seeking holy orders, but after a while, I began good,’” she says with a shrug. “But after that, I was off and to ask myself, ‘Is that right?’ Then during one particular running and never took a creative writing class.” class where we were talking about the harvest and needing

48

ALUMNAE PROFILE

She enjoyed her work, but time and again through her life, the notion of attending seminary made its way into her thoughts. Then in 2014, she received a letter of acceptance to seminary, a scholarship, a church appointment and joined the program for local license ministry.

“I realized that nothing in my life was off my true path.

It all came together. I found my place serving and advocating for the rural church,” she says. As if to further confirm her path, the United Methodist Conference offered her a position in a new program of cooperative parish ministry, which connected four churches, enabling them to share staff and hold joint ministries and worship.

“I’m a very collaborative person, which I believe has a lot to do with a background in the liberal arts. It’s about seeing connections, the value of community and the importance of utilizing the many different gifts that people have,” Laura says with a smile.

“It’s important to bring many viewpoints to the table to address a situation, solve a problem and create something special. These are skills you acquire at Sweet Briar.”

For our future women leaders Each of these alumnae experienced a journey that is both unique and similar. Grounded in a desire to help others, they clearly see how Sweet Briar took that foundation and helped shape them into confident, compassionate and curious women.

Beth perhaps sums it up best with these words of advice for current students: “How do you ask questions? Shift the narrative? Find a connection? Start a conversation?

Build trust and respect? It is all based on understanding.

Sweet Briar fosters such personal development. Everyone has a place to fit in here because there are as many ways to do that as there are people. Trust the experience. Be unafraid. Take courses you’ve never heard of and join activities you’ve never done. Experience new things and challenge yourself. Ask the hard questions and have the difficult conversations. What a wonderful place to do all of that. Treasure this environment of women’s wisdom.” spring 2021

Laura did, however, take advantage of the broad education that the liberal arts offers. “Everything was interesting and eye-opening. I spent a lot of time in the theatre department, which was like a second home,” she remembers. “No matter how different it was from my childhood home, I had my place in its world. That is something I think is special about Sweet Briar: No matter how different people were, they always found their place and were a vital part of the community.”

Laura, like many Sweet Briar women, always wanted to make the world a better place, pursue justice and make an impact. Her heroes growing up were Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks. “I assumed I would go into law in Washington, but I quickly learned that D.C. was not for me, and I wanted to change the world from the rural midwest.” She went back to graduate and law school then accepted a federal courtship position in Houston.

And this is when her calling began to take shape.

Her office overlooked a park where many of Houston’s homeless population gathered during the day. “Having grown up in a small community, I couldn’t understand how people could fall through the community net and how others could turn their back on those in need,” Laura remarks. So, what did she do? She’d bring them lunch a couple of times a week and chat. When it came time for her second term as a federal law clerk, she turned it down and spent the next 10 years pursuing this calling and raising a family.

She continued to work in missions and volunteered with feeding ministries particularly in a homeless network of 12 churches. “It was very fulfilling, and I thought how great it would feel to give myself over completely to the church and go to seminary.” But life changed course again, and she returned to Sweet Briar to work in the development office. During that time, she enjoyed working with the chaplain’s office, supporting their ministries and the young women in their spiritual life. After her time at Sweet Briar, Laura returned to Oklahoma and joined a feeding ministry as regional director of a food bank.

49

in MEMORIAM 1937

1947

Dorothy Gray Tucker

Elizabeth Abbot Langhorne

March 9, 2008

June 1, 2020

1940 Elizabeth Mercer Hammond January 11, 2021

1942 Sudie Clark Hanger November 23, 2020 Margaret Leonard Proctor December 19, 2020

1943 Virginia White Brinton December 11, 2020

1944 Shirley Coombs Ramsour December 24, 2020 Ann Moore Remington October 12, 2020 Barbara Clark Utley Date Unknown

1945 Frances Estes Seibels October 9, 2020

1946 Barbara Warner September 29, 2020 Barbara Stern Piermont February 7, 2020 Ruth Houston Baker November 11, 2020

sbc.edu

Marie “Bobbie” Dennig Gildehaus

50

November 20, 2020

October 24, 2020

1956

Elaine Adams Harrison

April 5, 2020

Nancy Carter Jewell

October 11, 2020 Katherine Street Sharp December 1, 2020

1948 Ruth Faulkner Howe January 24, 2021 Closey Faulkner Dickey December 30, 2020 Idris “Tate” McArthur Todd November 28, 2020

As of Feb. 15, 2021

Diana Dent March 20, 2016

Elizabeth “Betty” Pierce Bradshaw

Blanche Lambert Choate January 18, 2021

Shirley Long Collins

1957

January 27, 2021

Sue Roth Olson

Frances Cone Kirkpatrick August 27, 2019

1952 Nancy Moore Whitney September 8, 2020

April 5, 2020 Elaine “Elayne” Steele Shults October 6, 2020 Louise Wallace Wilemon September 6, 2020

Cynthia Balch Barns

1958

February 28, 2019

December 29, 2020

Lettie Hurlbert North

Indiana “Indie” Lindsay Bilisoly

Nancy Laemmel Hartmann

Elizabeth “Betsy” Anderson Bennett

October 26, 2020

January 4, 2021

Rosemary Gugert Kennedy

Carolyn “Casey” Black Underwood

November 24, 2020

1959 Margaret Cook

November 27, 2020

November 17, 2020

June 9, 2020

1949

Josephine “Josie” Sibold

Lucia Woods Lindley

November 25, 2020

December 14, 2020

November 3, 2020

1953

1960

Margaret “Peggy” Cromwell

Katherine “Kitty” Guerrant Fields

Carolyn Cannady Evans

Aida Wolfenzon Belansky

December 2, 2020

December 29, 2020

October 1, 2020

Margaret “Maggie” Graves

Mona Stiles

1950

December 23, 2020

Taliaferro

Henrietta Hill Hubbard November 27, 2020 Lola Steele Shepherd

McClung

October 24, 2020

Anne Green Stone

1961

October 27, 2020

Sara Finnegan Lycett November 18, 2020

November 11, 2020

1954

Helen Weintz Scott

Victoire “Vicky” Toof Johnson

1962

March 12, 2015

October 9, 2020

Jane Aldrich

Patricia Halloran Salvadori

1955

October 8, 2020 Marie “Peggy” Gilliam Park November 8, 2020

Lucretia “Dede” Crater Pearse November 2, 2020

October 26, 2020 Janice Smith Stearns December 16, 2020

October 25, 2020

1965

1972

1987

Susan Hobbs Crowder

Kathleen “Kathy” Walsh Drake

Anne Bourne

Loti Kennedy Dunn

October 30, 2020

January 4, 2021

November 29, 2020

1966

1976

1990

Anne Frothingham Cross

Martha Hays Cooper

Lisa Bernstein Brenner

December 20, 2020

February 4, 2021

December 15, 2020

Mary Haskell Walker

1979

2001

Marianne Hutton Felch

Tammy Anderson Abneyhughes

December 25, 2019

October 30, 2020

1984

2002

Elizabeth Benn

Mariah McGill

February 4, 2021

October 26, 2020

Frances “Fran” Early

December 19, 2020

1963 McNair Currie December 18, 2020 Patricia “Pat” Calkins Wilder October 14, 2020

1964 Jane Bradley Wheeler December 18, 2020

October 9, 2020

1968 Suzanne Little December 27, 2020

1971 Melissa McDowell Stevens November 19, 2020

in MEMORIAM:

Margaret “Maggie” Burwell Graves McClung ’53

Margaret “Maggie” Burwell Graves McClung ’53 passed away on Dec. 23, 2020.

Maggie was a proud graduate of Sweet Briar College. She delighted in being both a Bum Chum and a Chung Mung.

A biology major, her classes were held on the third floor of Academic—now known as Benedict—where they could stir up a ruckus in front of the library by sounding frog mating calls out the window to the population of frogs that lived in the reflecting pool below. Her biology classes were occasionally conducted in French by her favorite professor, Elizabeth Sprague, to help the class develop the required language proficiency. She cherished her Sweet Briar friends and suitemates life-long.

Maggie is far from the only Sweet Briar graduate in her family. Her mother, Margaret, was a member of the Class of 1923 and her sister, Blair Smith, graduated in 1948. Maggie’s daughter, Frances Ferguson, was in the Class of 1980. Two granddaughters, Julia Ferrintino ’09 and Carol Prickett ’12, graduated from Sweet

Briar. Granddaughter-in-law Kate McClung is a member of the Class of 2011.

That’s quite a legacy!

Over her lifetime, Maggie was active in the Junior League, the Girl Scouts, the Salem Garden Club, the Blue Ridge Orchid Society and Salem Presbyterian Church. She worked in advertising for the family business, McClung Lumber Co. Margaret was a gifted artist and delighted in sharing her creativity with others. She cherished time with her family and provided her children and grandchildren the gift of international travel. She entertained and enjoyed a large circle of friends, both near and far, and was a member of The Roanoke Assembly and The Salem Junior Guild.

Maggie will be missed by the entire Sweet Briar family.

in MEMORIAM:

sbc.edu

Douwina Anna Bouma Osinga

52

Douwina Anna Bouma Osinga, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in February.

She was born on a dairy farm in The Netherlands in 1928 and married the late Jan Osinga in 1952. They immigrated to

New York in 1952 to work on a dairy farm and in 1953, they moved to Sweet Briar College.

In the nearly 35 years that Jan—with Douwina by his side—worked the farm and dairy at Sweet Briar, they helped define the College as one of the most bucolic places of higher learning. The alumnae remember with fondness the milk and Dutch yogurt—often with a hint of onion—that the Osingas helped provide for the campus. In carrying the Old World traditions to Sweet Briar, they were ahead of time, inculcating in the students the love of the land and the ethics of sustainability throughout the College.

“I last saw Douwina a few months ago, near the circle next to the train station and the butterfly garden,” said President Woo. “She was driving by with her daughter.

She rolled down her window to tell me how pleased she was that Sweet Briar was bringing back the farm. What she said was heartfelt, as was my deep gratitude to her and her husband for what they had wrought for our College and its students.”

Douwina hiked the mountains with the Happy Hikers until she was 86 years old and was an active member of the Village Garden Club and the Amherst Woman’s Club. She also found time for the Amherst Presbyterian Church and choir, White Cross and being a Girl Scout Leader. Her interests kept her motivated. Her life, her beliefs and her passions inspired all who knew her. Douwina will be remembered and missed by all who knew her and loved her.

1949

Preston Hodges Hill 3910 S Hillcrest Dr. Denver, CO 80237 edhillj@earthlink.net I attended the virtual memorial of good friend and classmate Carolyn Cannady Evans who died Nov. 2, 2020. After the college notified me of her death I called one of her children who invited me to the first of a number of memorials they plan to hold. A relative who is a minister conducted the service. 46 friends and relatives attended. After prayers and Bible readings, we were each asked to give our connection to Carolyn and special memories.

I had met Carolyn freshman year.

We learned that we were each dating guys in the same class at Princeton so often double dated, attended each other’s weddings and, in later years, reunions together. After our husbands died, we often traveled together. Especially memorable was our trip to the Middle East in 2011 in the midst of the “Arab Spring,” the only trip that got through between Jan. and Sept. that year.

Though I sent the usual number of Christmas cards to classmates, I heard from very few. A number live in retirement homes and have been in “lockdown” due to this awful pandemic. I am happy to have received my first vaccine last week and will have had the second before you read this.

Peggy or Larry Lawrence Simmons who is still in her own home in Midland, TX, wrote that she is doing well, in good health except for extreme deafness. She misses delivering Meals on Wheels and reading to children in the school where she was Headmistress for many years.

I frequently talk with my roommate Katie Cox Reynolds and husband Phil. They live in a lovely retirement home outside Hartford, CT. Phil has long been a gourmet cook. Recently she said they had grown tired of the meals so he was

cooking. Daughter, Molly, lives near and brings requested groceries. They have 2 grandchildren living in CO so had planned to visit them and me last summer but then the pandemic hit so could not.

I usually join most of my children and grandchildren in Aspen for Christmas but felt it unwise to do so this year. I was disappointed not to meet Leo Hill, the newest great grandson born last Aug. I believe I reported that last July I did go to Nantucket to my son’s home there for his daughter’s tiny, fully masked wedding in July. A larger event had been planned in May but the pandemic intervened.

1950

Lea Bennett ’83 classnotes@sbc.edu Sally Ann Bianchi Foster lives in the skilled nursing wing of a lifecare community in northern NJ. Although she can no longer enjoy the pleasures of theater, reading and old movies, she has never lost her affection for Sweet Briar College.

Her children recently came into possession of a recording of Sally in her freshman year at SBC, a rare treasure that affirmed Sally’s deep enthusiasm for the college and her friends, many of whom she retained for a lifetime.

BG Elmore Gilleland keeps in touch with Betsy Markgraf King and reports the passing of one of her roommates, Diana Dent. After 55 years in her Winter Park, FL, home, BG moved to a nearby retirement home about a year ago. She stays involved with virtual activities such as Zoom book clubs and French conversation groups. (Her French major has given her much pleasure through the years.) She keeps active with crossword and jigsaw puzzles and daily walks in the enjoyable FL climate. Pre-virus, whenever the central FL SBC alum group met for lunch where she was always the oldest in the group! One daughter

and a son live nearby and a younger daughter lives in MI, but is in the process of moving to Williamsburg, VA, so when BG visits her she hopes she can “can pop over to Sweet Briar.”

Ginger Luscombe Rogers writes, “I am still living in my home in Hudson, OH. My son Justin has been living in Halfway, VA near Middleburg so I have been back recently to see the beautiful VA countryside and I am hoping to go back to our 50th reunion. I went to Charlottesville to visit Anne Fiery Bryan ’49 at her house at Boars Head on the UVA property. I drove us down to SBC to see the campus, the new library and of course The Travelers in Amherst. I am managing COVID by staying very close to my small pod and waiting for my turn for the vaccine. I am going to Boca Grand again for March. I got stuck there for a while in 2020 which was fine but worried my family.”

Dotsy Wood Letts is living in Palm Beach, FL. She received a Christmas card from the daughter of her freshman roommate, Judith Campbell Campbell. She keeps in touch with Ginger Luscombe Rogers and is looking forward to a visit from Ginger in March.

1951

Lea Bennett ’83 classnotes@sbc.edu Mary Jane Eriksen Ertman writes to say she is moving to a smaller apartment, still on the first floor, of the complex where she has lived since 1997. Her new apartment also has a garden (shady and easier to manage) and is inside the main building, so no more icy-cold walks to dinner, friends or the mailbox in the winter. MJ’s husband, Gardner, died of dementia two years ago.

Her children came for visits before COVID but now they are visiting thanks to Zoom. She’d love to hear from other classmates.

Angie Vaughan Halliday and her husband sold their house of 50

years in Aug. and moved into a retirement community—a lovely place and much less responsibility. She says if COVID is over she will probably come to reunion!

Patty Lynas Ford reports, “In Santa Rosa, CA, where we live in a retirement home, there are cases of the virus—a few on campus and several in the town of Santa Rosa itself. Social life exists (at a distance) on the computer and the staff is very creative with movies, puzzles, and general information. We are free to drive into town and go to the Safeway or a drug store but there are no face-to-face meetings. We faithfully wear our mask. Thank goodness for the in-house TV, which keeps us all connected. And the campus is about 40 acres and is very spacious with many mature trees, so walking is a pleasure. The Santa Rosa creek forms the northern boundary. So, if we have to be quarantined, Spring Lake Village is the ideal place. We got our vaccines yesterday. Returning to our normal schedules will be a pleasure. But I can’t say that we are suffering in any way. It’s just an inconvenience and I’m looking forward to the day when we can return to a more normal life.”

Barbara Birt Dow says, “I never envisioned life in my 90s and am stunned to find myself here, celebrating with my darling Bill, our 68th wedding anniversary! Lucky we are to winter in FL and summer by the sea in MA, to still have our wits about us, be healthy enough to play a bit of golf and see to read a good book. And thanks to zoom and video to keep in touch with our 3 tiny great-grands. I’m also in touch with Joan Davis Warren who lives not far from us in PA. and still looks younger than springtime. I also talk often to Mary Pease Fleming who continues to amaze us with her ever growing family of adorable grands and greats. All of my Sweet Briar roommates have sadly gone to the great beyond and I miss them all.

But my hat is off to Meredith Woo, Mary Pope Hutson and Claire Griffith and the host of others who have

spring 2021

CLASS notes

53

CLASS NOTES

(R to L) Joan Warren, her daughter Polly Coxe, Barbara Dow and Polly’s mother-in-law

brought SBC from the brink of extinction to a new level of excellence.

Also, I’m proud to have my daughter, True Dow ’80, to share “Sweet” memories with. Wasn’t it fun?!”

1952

sbc.edu

Pat Layne Winks 312 Arguello Blvd., Apt. 3 San Francisco, CA 94118 plwinks@earthlink.net

54

Remember the old expression, “No news is good news”? I hope this applies to the Class of 1952. I’ve missed hearing from many of you.

Despite the constraints of social distancing, we find ways to be together. Many of us marked our 90th birthdays with scaled down but still joyous celebrations.

Thu Pham Nguyen (Lillian) received Zoom greetings from all over the world.

Nancy Hamel Clark’s son and daughter gifted her with electronic devices to keep her in the loop.

Other celebrations included the wedding of Ann Whittingham Smith’s granddaughter on board a ship in the Boston harbor, illuminated by the lights of the city.

At Christmas Pat Beach Thompson Zoomed with children, grandchildren and great-grands in TX, FL, MD, MA and ME all at once.

We have much to be grateful for, especially the loving attention of our children, who monitor our well-being as closely as they can. Phoebe DeFoe Adams and husband Park live near their two children in a small

NH town.

Joanne Holbrook Patton’s children have moved Joanne to Darien, CT, where they can see her more often. She looks forward to reuniting with three classmates who all live in the same retirement community in nearby Stamford: Jackie Razook Chamandy, Kate Shaw Minton and Ginger Sheaff Liddel. By the time you read this, Joanne hopes to be back home in Topsfield, MA, where she plans to attack her multiple personal file cabinets. Family archives are already organized and studied at the Patton Homestead, which offers Zoom conferences on military history.

Unfortunately, many retirement facilities have limited get-togethers and mealtimes. Happy hours without companions are less happy. Benita Phinizy Johnson has resolved that problem. She and friends have their own pod so they can continue to play cards and drink wine together. Wherever we live, we find ways to pursue favorite activities.

Phoebe DeFoe Adams volunteers at her town’s historic garden.

Harriet Thayer Elder (Binji) has moved her meditation group to Zoom.

Nancy Hamel Clark maintains the unending task of decluttering and organizing, and works jigsaws and crossword puzzles.

Ann Whittingham Smith plays the piano, and has been reading the journal of her junior year in Paris.

Jane Russo Sheehan no longer rides her beloved horses, but gets vicarious pleasure from her daughter Diana, who stopped riding at age 15,

but has now taken it up again. Jane keeps active walking her Jack Russell terrier, managing the upkeep of her 200 year-old farmhouse, and visiting husband Dick at a nearby assisted living facility. Dick has made a remarkable recovery from COVID. Another good COVID story comes from Helen Graves Stahmann, who lives in Australia where she has been spared the virus’s ravages and consequent restrictions.

We have sustained many losses. Among those no longer with us are Nancy Moore Whitney, Josie Sibold, Casey Black Underwood, Cynthia Balch Barns and Nancy Laemmel Hartmann. (NOTE: Apologies for not giving each her due in these notes. Please let me know if you’d like me to send you copies of friends’ obituaries.) I recall with special pleasure a conversation with Cynthia last summer. She stated firmly that she wanted to stay alive long enough to vote for Biden in the 2020 election. And so she did!

There have also been losses of spouses, friends, health and activities. Still, we need not lose connection. Even those of us who are averse to technology, reluctant to Zoom, FaceTime or Vimeo can pick up the old-fashioned reliable telephone. Please take advantage of this amazing device! I know I speak for everyone in saying goodbye, good riddance to 2020, and in hoping for a brighter 2021. This year got off to a rocky start, but I fervently hope that by the time you read this, the vaccine provides us protection and we can resume more activities that give us pleasure.

1953

Flo Pye Apy 40 Riverside Ave., Apt. 6Y Red Bank, NJ 07701 floapy@verizon.net Unfortunately we have lost 3 more classmates: Anne “Kim” Green Stone, Katherine “Kitty” Guerrant Fields and Margaret “Maggie” Graves McClung. Born in Natchez, MS, Kim came to Sweet Briar from Marshfield, WI, and majored in biology. She was selected to spend her junior year in Scotland at St. Andrew’s College. After graduation, she obtained her master’s degree at

the University of Arizona in Tucson.

In 1965, she married John G. Stone, a geologist. Together they lived in 11 different states and raised 5 children. For 30 years, she and John raised Arabian horses. Kim was a gardener and landscaper (they are 2 different skills) home designer and artist as well as a biologist. She was survived by 4 children and 9 grandchildren.

Kitty was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She graduated from St. Catherine’s School prior to attending Sweet Briar where she majored in mathematics. She was a Bum Chum, Secretary of the Judicial Board, a member of Tau Phi, Vice President of the Student Government and Inter-Club Chairman. Following graduation she married Louis Glenn Fields Jr. She was an avid participant in community activities. When Lou became an Ambassador with the State Department, she enjoyed traveling.

She lived in Geneva, Switzerland, for 7 years. She was survived by her daughter, Frances Fields Nugent and grandson, Stephen Guerrant Nugent.

Maggie came to Sweet Briar from Roanoke, VA. where she majored in zoology. She was a member of the Classical Club, Boxwood Inn Committee, Curriculum Committee, Social Committee Chairman and a Bum Chum and Chung Mung.

Shortly after graduation she married David Simmons McClung and went to live in Salem, VA, where they raised their 3 children. Hers was a Sweet Briar family. Her mother ’23, her sister ’48, her daughter Frances ’80, and 3 granddaughters attended Sweet Briar. In Salem, Maggie was active in the Junior League, Girl Scouts, and the Salem Garden Club.

We send condolences to all three families. Editor’s note: Read more about Maggie on page 52.

Jane Perry Liles writes to say, “I was so sad to lose my old roommate Kitty Guerrant Fields in October and precious friend Maggie Graves McClung in Dec. We are heading toward 90 so we will just hang onto our memories. I talked to Katzy Bailey Nager and she is still her ‘with it’ self, staying busy in FL. My grandson, Paul, married his beautiful Anna in Aug. in the front yard of his new house in SC. Kirk Tucker

Clarkson, Tucker and Jack’s son was in the wedding. Another wedding coming up in Oct. where Woody is marrying a girl from SC too. Will be so glad when pandemic leaves and the world turns right side up again.

Love and Happy New Year to all.”

Kirk Tucker Clarkson says, “Jack and I are very happy in our lovely retirement community in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Both of our children live nearby in Jacksonville, and two of our grandsons live here as well.

We now have 7 great-grandchildren and another due in March. We enjoy the beach and the great weather here but we miss VA. We have got our second Pfizer shot on Jan.13 so we are thrilled. We are lucky that no one here has gotten COVID, but our son Palmer had a very severe case, but thankfully survived. What a crazy year we all have had! I try to keep up with my Sweet Briar friends, but I am very sad that so many have left us. We had so many great times together! My years at Sweet Briar were wonderful.”

Page Phelps Coulter has been weathering storms and sun and rain here during the pandemic with her partner, John, and her Aussie and 2 cats. The puppy and 2 kittens arrived 1 year ago at Christmastime, and give them constant entertainment. She continues to lead poetry and writing workshops twice weekly on Zoom, and also teaches a Zoom poetry course for Osher (adult learning at Dartmouth) for fall and spring terms. Luckily 2 of her daughters live in Sandwich, and do all grocery shopping for them. Aside from 2 or 3 daily snowshoe walks through the woods with her wonderful Aussie pup, she completes daily NY Times crosswords with John, news watching and reading, life goes on and stays the same. John has been reading Alice in Wonderland to her to keep their minds off all the distressing news. Wonderful adult reading!

Nan Locke Rosa reports that she spent a period “lying in the Jackson Hospital Montgomery, AL, COVID ward. Hope to go home Jan. 19. Frank and I both tested positive 2 weeks ago but he’s doing better than I.” After doing so well for 10 months, she and Frank were sadly needlessly exposed and she admonished all to “continue to

take care, wear masks and get shots ASAP.” Katzy Bailey Nager writes, “We are saddened to lose both Kitty Guerrant Fields and Maggie Graves McClung in such a short span. Not the virus. We have had such good times with them over the years. May they RIP. C. J. and I are glad we moved here to Longboat Key full time 2 years ago. As we have owned our home here for 30 plus years, it was not hard to get acclimated. The lovely weather has enabled restaurants and shops to stay open, so we have not felt the impact of the virus so much. Our oldest grandson, Adams Bailey Nager (my Dad’s namesake) was happily married in Oct. in Chapel Hill, where he will earn his PhD. very soon. In Nov., 2 of our neighbors here, who never let an occasion to celebrate go to waste, staged a wingding 90th birthday fete for C. J. Some 40 friends and family joined in the merriment. I received a Christmas card from ever-the-lady Jane Perry Liles shows her resplendent in a beautiful flowing gown at the wedding of one of her grandsons. It is good to know the young generation is getting on with their lives. At the other end, my sister, Bill Bailey Fritzinger ’50 lives by herself on the farm in Weston, VT, which has been in our family for over 200 years. Hardy stock inured at Sweet Briar. And what about the College?

Such a plus that the students can be there in person. And the use of the land—huge gardens, an apiary and a winery. Kudos to President Woo. Maybe we were born too soon. But I wouldn’t trade the memories of the time we spent there, would you?”

Lastly I want to thank Lea Bennett ’83 of the alumnae office for being a major help in compiling this column. Shortly before I was informed of the deadline for these notes my computer was hacked and scammed. Three days later the scammer restored the computer but remained in charge and is still there. He also hacked my printer.

By a stroke of luck I managed to save our bank account. Chet and I have been in and out of quarantine for COVID for almost 3 months, including the entire month of Jan. I have therefore been unable to shop for new equipment. However we are

both well, although Chet’s dementia is increasing. He has an appointment for his vaccine. Because I had Guillain-Barre Syndrome 30 years ago, I am not eligible. I am told I have to be especially careful and I try. I hope that by the time the next issue comes along that things will be back to “normal” whatever that may be. In the meantime stay well, get your vaccine and obey the rules.

1954

Bruce Watts Krucke 201 West 9th St. N., Unit 184 Summerville, SC 29483 bwkrucke@gmail.com Our sympathies and condolences go out to the families of Jayne Berguido Abbott and Victoire “Vicky” Toof Johnson.

Jayne, who died in Aug. 2020, had recently suffered from a fall, and wasn’t able to bounce back as she had in the past. Known around Falmouth, MA, for her bicycle commuting, her organizing of coastal, neighborhood and town-wide cleanups, her many years as a town meeting member, tireless supporter of local candidates, inveterate letter-writer to the Enterprise and Cape Cod Times, self-appointed citizen monitor of the board of selectmen, involvement in the League of Women Voters, 300 Committee, Falmouth Beautification Council, Waquoit Bay National Earnestine Research Reserve, Waquoit Association and Citizens for the Protection of Waquoit Bay and supporter of Neighborhood Falmouth and the Falmouth Theater Guild, Jayne was appointed Mayor of Waquoit in 2012. She was always pushing to create a better Falmouth and a better world. In 2019, she was honored to receive Falmouth Water Stewards first Lifetime Achievement Award. She is survived by her brother, 2 of her 4 sisters and their families.

Vicky died in Oct. of last year.

She received her master’s degree in French from Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT. Vicky studied for her master’s degree at the Sorbonne, and she lived for several years in Paris guaranteeing her life-long love of France and its culture. She taught high school French in Great Falls, MT for 37 years. Vicky was an alum-

nae representative for Sweet Briar and the secretary of the Montana Association of Foreign Language Teachers. She delighted in leading her students through the chateaux, museums and cathedrals in France.

An avid reader, Vicky also wrote a short story about her own French teacher that was read on NPR. She is survived by her son Drew and a brother.

Our condolences also to Hattie Hughes Stone whose husband Dick died last May, also from a fall.

They were great travelers to many countries and also great lovers of the theater, having season tickets to the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic.

Caroline “Kobo” Chobot Garner writes that she broke her foot just before the pandemic, but it has healed well. Living in a retirement community in Signal Mountain, TN, she has had good care for the duration. Her daughter Laurie continues to sell toys, traveling worldwide to trade shows before COVID. Kobo’s grandson is food and beverage manager at a golf club south of Birmingham. Her granddaughter graduated Summa Cum Laude in May from UGA. Gailor, Kobo’s son and family live in FL where he teaches at Admiral Farragut Academy.

Their daughter is a junior at Randolph Macon, where she is on the Dean’s List. And their son is now executive officer of his company in the First Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, TX. They have recently deployed to Germany and Poland to support NATO. Jerry Dreisbach Ludeke writes that she has survived the pandemic by basically becoming a hermit and is planning to stay that way till Oct. She has groceries delivered and had big family Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with Zoom. Jerry also Zooms church and her prayer group.

Anne White Connell writes that she and Jean “Sissy” Morris Long live right across the street from each other in a wonderful retirement community, Trezevant Manor.

They would have lunch every Tuesday with Virginia “Pony” Bramlett Lowrance before the pandemic.

Anne sees Anne “Peaches” Davis Roane in their study group, now with Zoom. Anne also enjoys a virtual Shakespeare class. Rose Mont-

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

55

CLASS NOTES gomery Johnston ’55 is in the class too and they think how proud the Ramage sisters would be of them, still studying after all these years.

Faith Rahmer Croker moved in Jan. to a town house in the King’s Mill community of Williamsburg where she had lived when she first moved to VA. I am nominating Faith to replace the late Mary Jane Roos Fenn as our class president.

Vaughan Inge Morrisette seconds the motion. Are there any other nominations?

His personal assistant has written to me to say that Sir Bob Reid, husband of our late classmate Joan Oram Reid, has written a book which will come out in Feb., but she didn’t say anything about it, not even the title. I’ll let you know if I hear more.

Bill and I got our second COVID vaccine shots in Dec. and are so looking forward to eating among friends in the dining room again starting in mid-February. We too have been so well cared for and protected from the virus here in the Village at Summerville, the largest of the 6 campuses of the Presbyterian Communities of SC. Because we haven’t been able to meet properly in a year, I’m still president of our Resident Council, which this past year has consisted of mostly being a liaison for complaints and suggestions of the residents to the directors of dining, housekeeping, and landscaping, and of course, also our CEO. I hope you and all your families are also doing well with COVID. As usual I have to add a note about giving to Sweet Briar. The number of alumnae who give is just as important as how much is given. Please send something. Hopefully you will get the magazine in time to give before the end of March, a special giving period. Other than the obits that SBC sends me, these few notes are gathered from Christmas cards I received. Don’t you wish you had sent me one with your news?

sbc.edu

1955 56

Emily Hunter Slingluff 1217 North Bay Shore Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23451-3714 emilyslingluff@aol.com Our second Zoom reunion for

our class took place Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 and joined by more of us this time! Taking part were Phyllis Joyner, Sue Lawton Mobley, Bexie Faxon Knowles, Jane Feltus Welch, Mary Boyd Murray Trussell, Kay Roberts McHaney, Nancy Anderson Shepard, Mitzi Streit Halla and Emily Hunter Slingluff. I think we all loved seeing each other. And we heard each other talk a little bit too. Oh, wonderful Sweet Briar memories!

After I had found out at that time that Mary Boyd’s husband, George Trussell, had recently died, I phoned her to say how sorry I was and how sad she must be, knowing that they had been so very happily married for over 60 years. Instead of being a downer, the conversation was uplifting. Mary Boyd was wonderful. Her attitude and acceptance were beautiful. Her description of George’s dying was dear as she told me about his understanding and true acceptance and his caring words to her about her and about life and death. Our conversation was special. Mary Boyd always seemed, and still does seem, happy with life. She has been in Columbus, GA. forever. What a lovely Sweet Briar classmate and friend. As I often write…all of our classmates seem so smart and nice, too!

Bar Plamp Hunt sounded great in Santa Rosa, CA. She and her now retired Episcopal minister husband, George, moved to a retirement complex there some years ago and they love it. George’s last position had been as the bishop of Rhode Island.

Now they are on another coast. Santa Rosa is just north of San Francisco so she says they can drive there easily. Where they are is a beautiful countryside, with many vineyards all around them. The Pacific Ocean is less than an hour away, too. Bar said she misses her dear sister Lydia, which we can imagine as Bar and Lydia were both so loved in our class.

Bar and George have 3 children, one in CA, one in MD and one in PA. And they have 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She said “life is wonderful!”

Anne Kilby Gilhuly writes that she is well and signing up for a vaccination for COVID. (That was in January) She writes that she spends lots of time on Zoom because none of her children live nearby. She has

2 great-granddaughters and 3 more on the way. One of her great-granddaughters who she has not yet met lives in Seattle and Anne hopes to get to Seattle to see her before she (they) leave for Japan where they will be living for the next 5 years.

Her oldest grandson and his wife are doctors at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC and she does see them often as Anne lives in Cos Cob, CT, close to NYC. They play Scrabble games and cook for each other. She hopes to give her course on the Greek classics again this Spring, but writes that it is not a sure thing as it depends on the delivery of vaccinations in her town.

Anne says she reads a lot and walks in the woods as often as she can and like everyone else, laments what has happened to our country.

Lumina Verney Greenway (who we knew as Diane when at Sweet Briar), in RI, answered the phone in a fine clear voice when I called her in Jan., but immediately said she could not talk because she just got out of the hospital and is recovering from COVID. She said she thinks she will have to be on oxygen for the rest of her life. She said her dog walker had been coming into the house and then found she had it. Sadly Lumina has also had to give up her dog because she can no longer take care of him. She had a caregiver bringing her meals. And her daughter comes to her on the weekends. In Feb., we talked again and she said she is still in recovery and still connected to the oxygen machine but is now to do the cooking, laundry, etc and that is a cause for celebration. She said to ask all “to take this disease seriously, to please be careful because it can be devastating and life-changing.”

A sad story to post here, but with hopes she will continue to impro ve.

Ethel Green Banta has been dutifully staying in Natchez almost totally in her wonderful house there.

She said she is actually enjoying this time. As I told her, I understand.

Living a simpler life than usual is all right. She did go on to say how much she is missing seeing her children.

She just talks on the phone with them. When we talked in Jan., she had not seen any of her children in a year. But she hopes it will be soon.

Also she misses seeing her friends and even only talks on the phone

to her sister, Ruth Ellen Green Calhoun ’57 who is in Natchez. But she feels really fine, she said, and is reading a lot and enjoying a quiet life.

Kay Roberts McHaney says she is mostly working from home but goes to the office about once a week. The paper they own in Victoria where Kay lives, The Victoria Advocate, is the second oldest continually operating newspaper in TX, 175 years this year. Kay not only is involved there but keeps up with her community in other ways and also keeps up with her 4 children and 12 grandchildren. One grandchild graduated from the University of Texas in 2020 and 2 started college in the fall of 2020, one at Ole Miss and one at Baylor. Kay had recent hip surgery but says she is now fine.

Peggy West Valentine seems wonderful even after her stroke about a year ago. She said she was at their condo in Delray at The Oceans Club when she had it and did not remember anything until she was back there a day or so later from the hospital. Now she says she feels just fine.

This year they are staying in Richmond and amazingly, she and Henry have all 4 of their children living in houses that are walking distance from their house where they have been for years. All are in the especially beautiful Windsor Farms area of Richmond. All 4 of the children are married and all have several children and all are doing well.

Mitzi Streit Halla, our helpful class president, sends information to us about Sweet Briar and about herself and her family so we are somewhat up to date about her getting along well, involved with her retirement community in McLean, and keeping up with her children and grandchildren. She has 2 children and 8 grandchildren. She is also fortunate that she still has her nice husband of 67 years, Roman, alive and well.

Interesting statistics I bet all want to know is who is still alive from our class. According to the latest list from Sweet Briar, 77 of our original class at Sweet Briar have died, but 73 are still alive and from what I know via responses to me, are mentally fine, deep thinkers and happy.

Bexy Faxon Knowles says she is absolutely fine, in a wonderful spot and so happy to have a wonderful

CLASS NOTES yard is time consuming but fun. And wasn’t Sweet Briar’s outdoors beautiful?! I am continuing to promote kind parenting through writings, shows and talks, and may bring out another book soon. I now have 4 great-grandchildren and they are all darling and happy. Also, of course I am happily busy connecting with wonderful Sweet Briar classmates.

Please call me or email me any time.

It seems to be true that those of you I have heard from are, above all, appreciative of life. Thank you, Sweet Briar, for getting us together!

1956

Mary Ann Hicklin Willingham P.O. Box 728 Skyland, NC 28776-0728 828-674-3924 hicklinw@bellsouth.net Sad news first. Marlene Etienne Engdahl tells us that her roommate Ann Hodgin died several years ago.

The college sent me the obituary for Blanche Lambert Choate who was in our class freshman year, then transferred to the U. Of Arkansas where she was a Chi Omega. She died Jan. 18. An Arkansan her whole life, she is survived by 1 son, 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas H. Choate. Macie Clay Nichols sent a sad email that her beloved husband, Robert, died Nov. 30, 2020.

Now we have the winner! The prize for being most on top of her emails is Marlene Eteinne Engdahl in cold Kennebunk, ME, the first to reply to my email request for news.

Now 86, active and living on her own, her family consists of 3 daughters, 1 son, 4 grandchildren and a lot of graduate degrees in the family.

Sadly her son became mentally ill, she has not seen him in the last 5 years, nor does anyone know where he is. Marlene asks for our support for changes in the HPA laws and support for mental health care.

Nancy Ettinger Minor, writing from Hilton Head, where she has been for the past few years, remembers the fun of reunions. Her focus, like so many is us, is avoiding COVID. At this writing, she has had the first vaccine. Nancy still plays bridge (her freshman year major!)

a couple times a week plus several games of bocce. She misses church, but hopes to soon become one of the 20 or so allowed to come, bringing their own bread and wine.

A glimpse of Jan. 2021 from her retirement home in Elliott City, MD, came from Janet Monroe Marshall who wrote that the pandemic hit them, of course, just as everywhere, but they made lemonade from the pandemic lemons in their isolation.

It was not bad that meals had to be delivered! Finally croquet reopened and she felt as though she had been let out of prison. Fortunately there was very little COVID within her facility. In spite of her family having to stay distant for the holidays, she found that the time was filled with good cheer and goodies from the community. She loves Zoom and is busier than ever influencing the state legislature.

Karen Steinhardt Kirkbride says because of the virus they are staying home being senior. Exceptions have been important things like safe trips to physical therapy for husband Richard to get more exercise due to his Parkinson’s. Karen stays busy trying to keep up with everything else. However, they are managing well. Their 3 sons, wives and grandchildren are managing well also. They are grateful that one son, Steve, lives nearby. Karen is thinking about her classmates and hopes to share somehow in our Spring Reunion.

Catherine Lotterhos Mills in Jackson, MI, and I recently had a delightful phone call. She and Henry are looking forward to returning to the western NC mountains in May and we are hopeful we can see each other this summer, both of us now having had the vaccine. Like the rest of us, Catherine goes very little.

We marveled at the fact that our St. Catherine’s classmate and dear friend, Rose Montgomery Johnston, Catherine and I are still alive at 86, and in the summers we are no more than 30 miles apart!

Caroline Robertson Ellerbe and her husband moved to a retirement community on the west side of Columbia last March. She and I were unable to have a reunion in nearby Highlands, NC, last summer, but are hopeful it can happen this summer.

She sends her best to all classmates!

As I write this, our summertime playmate Rose Montgomery Johnston is planning a springtime trip to Patagonia in South America with her daughter, Bailey. Fulfillment remains to be seen because of COVID. Bette Rayburn Forbes now resides in Fort Valley, GA. She sees her children and grandchildren often. Her livestock now consist of a horse, a mule and barn cats. She and Ann Stevens Allen are frequently in touch.

Marty Fields Fite sends love from Vero Beach, FL, and sent a Christmas picture of her family gathering.

Kay Smith Schauer wrote from her retirement home in Palo Alto, CA, that she is not traveling these days. However she is enjoying the view from her apartment of Palo Alto and the mountains beyond.

Nancie Howe Entenmann Roberts has taken up the life of a poet.

With apologies to Lewis Carroll, she has shared one of her poems expressing our recent situation. With apologies to Lewis Carroll: “The time Has Come .....”

Friends and family by telephone Skype and Zoom, Time to plan to clean up that junk room.

Buying paper products galore, and not to visit a favorite store.

Time to put up Holiday lights, and drive by to see the sights.

Lists to make And parties to forsake .

But, for now be of good cheer With positive hopes for a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

As for me. Getting the vaccine early in the year was fortunate, although I still do not venture about for fear of being a spreader. As it is easy to entertain myself, I have actually enjoyed the abundant free time COVID created. As a needle pointer, my hours can easily be absorbed. I am VERY thankful for good health!

I have seen my children mostly over Zoom in the past months, and although Zoom is better than plain phone calls, I have really missed being with them. I plan to go to reunion. I have enjoyed being class secretary and am indebted to all of you who have made this job fun for me! spring 2021

kitty cat, Sammy, to keep her company! She walks on the beautiful campus there at Piper Shores, a retirement community which is right on the Atlantic Ocean in ME and has 800 feet of oceanfront. And it adjoins one of the premier beaches for surfing so it is fun to walk there too.

She usually stays busy there in many ways, singing in the chorus they have, on the “Arranging Committee” before the coronavirus caused not so much flower arranging which Bexy said was special fun because there are many beautiful plants and flowers all available to use, and helping clerk at the small private grocery shop in her building, and more. She has a daughter and granddaughter living in Portland which is only about 20 minutes away. They visit and even in this weird pandemic time, it is arranged that they can see each other safely. The life there sounds grand!

Betty Byrne Gill Ware and Hudnall have been staying at home in Richmond more than usual. Sometimes in the summers, they go to the family house at Ware’s Wharf on the Rappahannock River where some of the Ware children go, too. And also sometimes they go enjoy their condo on Smith Mountain Lake which is several hours from Richmond. Betty Byrne goes to exercise 3 times a week at the country club in Richmond where she says they are very careful about not having too many people and also they sterilize everything.

Three of the days she does not work out, she walks 2 miles in their lovely neighborhood which includes a nice hill too. Wow! She sounds good and happy, and while aware of this weird time, is graciously accepting. Hudnall actually shops for and prepares dinner every night. That has been going on for some time, and it occurred to me, is noteworthy enough to pass on.

How many husbands manage that?

Emily Hunter Slingluff. All is well here even though being a hermit all the time is weird! I miss not actually seeing family and friends but use the phone and internet a lot for that. I also miss playing bridge and oh more, more. But I get outside a lot, here in my yard and on my dock on Linkhorn Bay. I often go to the ocean even when it is cold.

The ocean air and splashing it on my face feels so good! Keeping up my nice 80 year-old house and the

57

CLASS NOTES

1957

sbc.edu

Carol McMurtry Fowler duxfeminafacta@gmail.comm

58

All 1957 responses wish Carrol McMurtry Fowler a speedy recovery and are thankful to the Alumnae Office’s Lisa Wray Longino ’78 for her assistance in gathering the following notes.

Suzanne Gipson Farnham reports, “A 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION of Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community, a book that I co-authored, is scheduled for publication this June, with a Spanish edition coming out in the fall. The book, considered a bestseller in its field, is updated and contains additional new content.

Other than that, I am managing to stay cheerful during the pandemic, living the life of an urban hermit.

With the help of email, phone calls and Zoom, I enjoy watching my 10 grandchildren transition into adulthood. I am eagerly awaiting spring when outdoor socializing resumes here in the mid-Atlantic.”

Nanette McBurney Crowdus: “Staying safe and healthy isn’t very exciting so I have little to report. She says that a May trip to Dordogne was canceled but two weeks in Sept. to South Bristol, ME, did happen.

She enjoys following classmates on Facebook and is really proficient on Zoom. She closes with, “We have our 65th Reunion coming in 2022!

I hope to be there.”

Carolyn Swift Fleming: is still living in her own home in Omaha, NE. She has 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Her daughter Alice and family in Greenville, SC, son Will and family in Boca Raton, FL, and son Ed and family in Omaha. Like everyone, her activities have changed.

In lieu of bridge, she has been enjoying the many great courses available per Ed’s suggestion! Human Prehistory and the First Civilizations was fascinating. She is class corresponding secretary for Packer, Class of ’53.

Choir is on hold, with Zoom classes on music in the church. Church services are now online; outside services were possible this past summer. In the summers she enjoys “senior swim” at Ed’s house. She has discovered great exercise DVDs from Amazon and her garden, walks in the nearby

parks are great. Her family members have been arranging the Fleming family Zoom gatherings! “All good wishes to each of you for 2021. We look for the vaccine, mask wearing, social distancing and a sense of appreciation for all the blessings of life!”

Diana Robin sends greetings to Carol for a speedy recovery. Her news from snowy, windy Chicago: “I’m still working with my co-author Lynn Westwater on a new bio of the 15th century Naples duchess Ippolita Maria Sforza (we published a prelim bio in 2017) and am finishing up an article on a pilgrimage Sforza sponsored in 1473 and an article on the Latin-writing Ferrarese correspondent of Filelfo’s Bianca Maria d’Este. Daughter Anne Benning and her husband, Tim, both teachers, are retiring after 30 years in the Minneapolis public schools. Architect, city planner, and town council member son Robin Benning is still designing and building up a storm in Phoenix, AZ, where he and his firm are active despite the swamping effects of COVID there. Love to all my friends from ’57.”

Beth McMahan Tolbert: is so sorry about Carol and remembers that she met Carol and Elaine Steele Shults on the train as they worked their way from Amarillo and Oklahoma City to Sweet Briar in 1953.

She reports that they are doing well, staying close to home with much hand washing. Their bookstore has remained open and although they had to limit appearances by authors, books have continued to be a source of pleasure for many. “Personally it is great fun to have a constant supply of reading material with the added bonus of a spot where grandsons can have their first jobs.” She has reflected on her Sweet Briar experience as her college age grandchildren who attend Stanford, St Olaf and Georgetown, deal with an entirely different world, much of the year being spent at home. She has been impressed with how Sweet Briar has handled this challenge. Beth left after her sophomore year and transferred to The University of Oklahoma. In her sorority were 2 other members from Sweet Briar ’57: Sally Bish Grigsby and Patricia Lodewick.

Averala Ann Paxton Poucher and husband Howell moved into a retirement community in Toledo,

OH, almost 4 years ago. They love apartment living and are both doing well.

Ninie Laing writes, “Like everyone else, I have been staying close to home for the past year. Sadly I had to put Sal, my last horse, down in April.

I don’t think I will get another; at my age that doesn’t seem to be a wise choice so have been riding other people’s when invited. I am lucky to live close to my brother and sister, who also live on our farm. I have my gardens and lots of books so I am never bored. It has been difficult with our church closed, but I gather with my siblings each week to say morning prayer together and to catch up on whatever news they have of friends and family. When the weather was nice, I was able to have friends for a socially distanced visit. BYOL (Bring your own lunch) on the lawn. I saw our classmate Judith Ruffin Anderson several times as well as some of my former students who are involved in the art world, Kate Haw ’92, Emily Pegues ’00, Lynn Kahler Shirey ’76 and Lynn Pearson Russell ’69 (so technically not one I taught). I long for warmer weather again so we can see each other and for an end to the pandemic so that it is safe to travel and to visit museums and galleries.”

Char Heuer Watts and Bob have been able to enjoy several weekends at their Mt. Snow, VT, home with pre-tested family in their bubble. Unfortunately any plans to go to their home in Lesa, Italy have been scrubbed until the vaccine is available to more of us.

Ruth Ellen Green Calhoun has received her second vaccine and is thrilled to be able to go out after having been totally isolated since March.

Pre COVID, she and Sandra Stingily Simpson enjoyed mini-reunions with Lynn Crosby Gammill ’58.

Jane Englert sends prayers for Carol. She says that once a week she pulls herself together to go to church to read the lessons on camera for their virtual service on Facebook.

She spent some time in Aug. with her daughter at her home on Outer Banks, NC. Before coming home she was able to make the rounds of her NC families: one son, two grandsons, one granddaughter and one great granddaughter in various towns. Jane’s daughter, Anne Butler Ferguson ’84 is singing at her church

at OBX and giving voice lessons to her pupils on Zoom. She was saddened to learn of the death of her roommate, Louise Wallace Wilemon. Though Louise was in CA but they had been able to see each other whenever Jane came to San Diego to see her brother.

Eliza Stevens writes: “I’ve been out of touch for dozens of years. VA to Denver to LA to historic home in WV and then to Albuquerque and now in Los Alamos, NM, mountain aerie and home of the A-Bomb.

Along the way I have been widowed twice and divorced thrice. All of them great guys—except the first.

I have 3 children, 5 grands and 14 great grands. My younger son, born with CP and in an electric wheelchair, has a high paying job with DC Metro and a wife to take care of him; he was sort of a life’s work which paid dividends!” Eliza’s older son and family are in Loudoun County with many grands. Daughter recently moved near Tulsa because her husband had major serious COVID and could no longer breathe in Colorado Springs. While in LA for 20 years I became an antiques and fine arts dealer and wound up teaching American Decorative Arts at FIDM. There were numerous other careers not nearly as much fun as treasure hunting in CA, CO and NM. I am presently living with a retired nuclear physicist named Richard Cooper.

They are POSSLQs, (persons of the opposite sex sharing living quarters) very happily installed above and near Santa Fe at 7,300 feet. I still play golf with the ladies and am waiting for a new hip sometime this spring. I am glad to still be alive and glad SBC has found fresh soil in which to plant new roots.

Barbara Tetzlaff writes, “After 6 years as an IBM Systems Programmer in upstate NY and the south of France, I drove across the country in my little yellow sports car to San Francisco to work for FICO teaching their credit scoring system to customers. Two years later I found myself in law school preparing to become a tax lawyer. A nationwide job search yielded no takers, so I opened a solo law office doing estate planning and administration. In those days it involved a lot more tax planning than today, but I’m still at it. Along the way I’ve had adventures

CLASS NOTES Flo Barclay Winston lost her beloved husband, Charles, in Feb. They were married for 64 years, have 3 children and 7 grandchildren and are known in Raleigh for their leadership and philanthropy.

Carol McMurtry Fowler is very appreciative of all the get well wishes as she recovers from pneumonia. She and her constant companion, Spice, look forward to returning to SBC in the spring.

With sad tidings we inform you of the passing of the following beloved classmates during the past year; Majorie Whitson Aude, Mary McCarrick Holahan, Anne McGrath Lederer, Joy Peebles Massie, Sue Roth Olson, Elaine Steele Shults, Jane Fitzgerald Treherne-Thomas and Louise Wallace Wilemon.

1958

Claire Cannon Christopher Clairepenn2837@gmail.com It seems like only a few days ago that I sent in our class news for the spring alumnae magazine, but now it is time for our fall 2020 news, so thanks to you all who sent me a note, and I hope our other classmates will do the same next issue. Sadly, I must begin with the news of the passing of two of our classmates.

Claire Cannon Christopher and Jane Oxner Waring sent this letter: Some of you may already know that our dear classmate Lanny Tuttle Webster died of a heart attack on May 28 at her home in Greenville, SC. She was a natural leader and presided over many of the causes she valued. We will never forget her kindness, her smile and her great spirit! She remained committed to Sweet Briar all through the years.

Please join us in making a gift to the greenhouse at Sweet Briar in memory of Lanny.

Sally Byers Sugar died peacefully in her home in Columbus, OH, on June 25, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband, Jack, four children and several grandchildren.

More information can be obtained from the college alumnae office.

Cornelia Long Matson and her husband, Dick, have given a $500,000 donation to Sweet Briar to support viticulture and provide a path for the future. We all owe Cor-

nelia and Dick a huge vote of thanks!

It is a very wonderful and welcome gift to the growth of our college campus.

Betsy Alden Robinson’s news came last winter, just after our deadline, so I promised her I would save her notes for this issue. She keeps busy, singing in a cabaret, going to a Shakespeare class and keeping in touch with her far flung family.

Mary Lane Bryan Sullivan writes that she and her husband John celebrated his 95th birthday!

They are pretty much at home but enjoy Zoom times with family and friends. Grandson, Jack Jurgovan, will enter his second year at the University of Georgia this fall.

Beedy Tatlow Ritchie and her husband are still enjoying a quiet life in Palm Desert, CA, dropping plans for their annual summer trip to Michigan given the current state of travel. She looks forward to hearing from her classmates.

Betty Rae Sivalls Davis says that she and husband, Paul, have been enjoying reading and eating. Her question is, when this weird time is over, what do we do: Go to Weight Watchers or go to AA??? LOVE that question.

Ethel Ogden Burwell spent the winter months in Lexington, VA, near her daughter Ethel ’82 as she has for the last few years. She stayed there until June, due to safety from COVID, but is back in MI now. Her grandson and his wife brought her twin great-grandson twins for a long weekend which was fun. She keeps in touch with Beedy Tatlow Ritchie when she comes to MI, as well as with Betsy Alden Robinson who is still singing professionally in Santa Fe, NM. Tibby Moore Gardner is currently in Richmond and very concerned about the whole issue of monuments on Monument Avenue, as are most of her friends and neighbors. She and Bill spend time going back and forth to Virginia Beach.

Mary Taylor Swing and her husband Bill are sheltering in place in Burlingame, CA, but keeping busy.

When she wrote, Bill was very busy working on the 20th anniversary of the United Religions Initiative (which he founded when Bishop of CA), celebrated this summer on June 25. Bill is also working with George Schultz and Mikhall Gorbachev

(among other dignitaries) on an event to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing on Aug. 6. Obviously busy lives!

Lynn Prior Harrington wrote from Skidway Island, GA, earlier this summer to say not much news, except disappointment that her trip to the Amazon in August was canceled. She does see Celia Dunn ’61 from time to time.

Jane Shipman Kuntz and her husband are still in Powell, OH, and writes that she has had extensive back surgeries for the last five years, with eight screws in her spine!

This has slowed down her gardening work, but she is still active at St. John’s Episcopal Church. She reports on her three daughters, all of whom are doing very well. Martha and Don building a retirement home in Ponte Vedra, FL. Lee has been on TV with tales of interesting crimes her DA’s office has prosecuted, and Anne was recognized by her state professional association as the top communications director for long term care facilities in Ohio.

Eleanor St. Clair Thorp (that’s me) and her husband, Peter, still spend their winters in Bronxville, NY, and their summers in Dennis, MA, on the Cape. This year they spent March and April on Hutchinson Island, FL—a month longer than usual due to the virus conditions in NY. All three girls and all seven grandchildren are doing well.

Teddy Donohue is off to UVA and Eliza Migdal off to the University of Chicago this fall. Henry Rentz will go back to the Naval Academy for his second year.

1959

Ann Young Bloom 77 Middle Rd, #364 Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-283-5949 annbloomie@gmail.com Judy Nevins LeHardy lives not far from SBC, “just up the road” in Crozet near her daughter. She lives in a private retirement home as one of the youngest residents. She has 15 grandchildren (ages 3 to 39 years old!) and 4 great-grandchildren all living in the east. Judy still owns her Kiawah Island, SC, cottage which her children handle the main-

spring 2021

in the Desert Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, Bali and other spots, but my base remains San Francisco. The lockdowns have been difficult, but I’m feeling a measure of relief after my first COVID vaccine; when this comes out, I’ll have had the second.

Age has its benefits!”

Marguerite McDaniel Wood: “I am still living in Montgomery, AL. My husband, George, died 11 years ago, but I have enjoyed dating since then. I have 3 children who are happily married and living in Birmingham, AL and Gulf Breeze, FL. I have 8 grandchildren, the oldest of whom got married in a small, outside wedding (due to the virus) in the Fall.

I am in 2 study clubs and a bridge club. I also enjoy arranging flowers for the altar at my Episcopal church here. I’ve taken numerous courses there, as well. Since the virus situation, I have read more books than usual, and thoroughly enjoyed most of them. I have also enjoyed STAYING WELL!” Carol Whitesell Rivers: “I am so glad 2020 is over. My pinched nerves have mostly been taken care of and I have had both doses of the vaccine, so I hope for a better year. My annual trip to England to visit daughter Reinette was canceled, of course. It was to be her marriage to Mark, but as they weren’t able to have a party, they had 2 honeymoons instead.

Son, Buist, is the purchasing agent for Bishop Gadsden, which is my retirement home. I have a splendid cottage! I have lots of friends I would not have met. A retirement home is the answer to lonesomeness.”

Anna ‘Chips’ Chao Pai is in her 11th year at the retirement community known as The Pines in Davidson, NC, where they moved to be near their son, Ben and family. Four years ago she lost her dear husband of 47 years, David Pai. Son Mike and family continue to live in Lake Oswego, OR. Normally they have family reunions at least twice a year, but last year because of the limitations on movement by residents at The Pines and in general on travel due to the COVID virus they were not able to visit even once. Chips had a hip replacement last fall, and she’s eager for warm weather and more golf! She hopes this note “finds you all well and still enjoying life and if you’re near Davidson, NC, do consider visiting with me. It would be a joy!”

59

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

60

tenance and rental schedule. She fulfilled Ward’s wishes last summer by spreading his ashes in the water there. Last winter she attended her sister’s funeral in Arlington. Closing, she wrote she is happy and in very good health.

Anne Wimbish Kasanin is a member of the Fromm Institute and presently attends classes online.

She cannot wait until fall when she can attend classes at the institute in person! She enjoys caring for her cat, Daisy, and her dog, Cammie, who keep her feet warm at night and is her loyal watchdog. Anne also spends her days caring for her garden and her house.

Mary Todd Singh managed to break her hip when she fell walking to the grocery on election day. She writes recovery is progressing and eventually expects to recover. In the meantime, she enjoys reading about the changes and progress at Sweet Briar.

Mary Blair Scott Valentine loves living close to her children in Seabrook, SC, the beautiful barrier island south of Charleston.

Patsy Bulkley O’Brien is lucky to now live in ME in the summer and NC in the winter, enjoying kids and grands in both places. She doesn’t ride anymore but has been driving ponies and horses for several years. She serves on the boards of the Maine Driving Club and Skyline Farm Carriage Museum in North Yarmouth, ME. She says it sounds like a bigger deal than it is. Mostly she walks her 2 dogs these days.

Although an admittedly poor correspondent, Patsy keeps in touch occasionally with Sue Hight Rountree and Pat Gay Sills.

Patricia Chandler Burns is staying at home like most. She had to have a drive-by 90th birthday celebration for her husband last June.

Ali Wood Thompson turned her job of class secretary over after doing it for 10 years due to health reasons (thank you for 10 years of news!). Their daughter and sonin-law are with them for a month helping Travis and Ali with doctor appointments and deep cleaning of the house. Even with the pandemic, Ali enjoys walking to the beach, doing water aerobics with Travis and growing orchids.

Tabb Farinholt Thornton has been trying to avoid the virus by liv-

ing at her very remote home of over a half-century by the Ware River in Gloucester County, VA. Her Richmond condominium has come in handy for various family members’ quarantining. One of these days she expects to reside there more and see classmates again. Until then, she’s trying to be a happy hermit.

Jane Jamison Messer is doing well with a new hip, knee and 2 new shoulders. She still lives in her hometown (West Lafayette, IN), still goes to Torch Lake, MI, and currently is in Naples, FL. She admits she is still somewhat naughty as you would expect. She is active in her church and a loving neighbor. Grandfather lives!

She misses her Sweet Briar Days.

Meriwether Hagerty Rumrill says the one positive about this dreadful pandemic is being more in touch by phone—old friends, kids and 9 grands. Also she feels very lucky to be able to work since she meets clients outside in their gardens. A sweet connection is a neighbor of her Richmond kids who is an old friend of Mary Blair Scott Valentine. She is another grandmother to her 2 Richmond grandkids and is also a plant nut. She hopes everyone stays well and says “better times coming!”

Betsy Colwill Wiegers has seen enough snow and ice after 30 years in Vail to last her another 30 and is spending the winter in Palm Beach.

She has seen Alice Cary Farmer Brown and Gay Hart Gaines several times.

Elizabeth Johnston Lipscombe and Lloyd are grateful for the care of Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg during this pandemic year. They stay close to home and enjoy Zoom visits with family each week. She is finishing a two-year term as co-president of the Lynchburg AAUW and is hoping to retire from all committee work in July. Her friends will not be surprised to know that reading is still her favorite leisure activity but also is currently enjoying water aerobics 3 mornings a week. She hopes that our class will provide strong leadership for Sweet Briar’s fund drives.

Val Stoddard Loring says this is a year to remember, not to repeat.

She hopes all have escaped COVID. Steve and Val have lived at Ocean View Retirement Community in Falmouth, ME, for 3 plus years. No vaccine in sight. Travel has been can-

celled and no in-person activities.

Masking, distancing and quarantining encouraged. They are fortunate to have 2 children in the area. They walk or visit outdoors, in a garage or around a fire pit. They are appreciating new activities: poetry reading, bird-watching and learning how to appreciate great movies. She reminds us to respect nature, respect science and respect one another. She sends love to all.

Betsy Duke Seaman is happily ensconced at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. She participates in a Sweet Briar Book Club where she sees several classmates. She looks forward to the time when we will be able to see each other at a mini-reunion at Sweet Briar.

Fleming Parker Rutledge writes she has been nowhere and done nothing for almost a year except acting as her husband’s 24/7 caregiver (he has dementia), “It is a privilege to accompany Dick; he is a wonderful person and made my career possible.” Fleming spent all of Feb. 2020 lecturing, preaching and being interviewed in London, Oxford, Cambridge and Exeter while “ignoring the looming plague.” Fleming got the last plane out of Heathrow (so to speak) on March 3. “It was the month of a lifetime, and the joy of remembering it has sustained me during the subsequent months and will, I think, for the rest of my days.”

Ann Young Bloom lives, like many of you, in a beautiful retirement home in suburban Philadelphia. She has had one replacement which was a hip. Her husband, Lawrence Bloom, who made a number of visits to Sweet Briar College and to various weekend events died in 2011.

His family’s grandfather clock from the 1700’s will be installed in Sweet Briar House where all may enjoy it.

Ann has enjoyed talking to many of you and reading about what you are up to now. She is totally committed to SBC and those responsible for making it the best small liberal arts college in the country. Ann credits much of Sweet Briar’s recent success to the leadership of its President, Dr. Meredith Woo, and Mary Pope M. Hutson ’83 and Claire Dennison Griffith ’80 of the Office of Alumnae Relations and Development. Please remember no matter the size of your gift it will count. We are reaching for 30% alumnae participation for the

very important rankings with US News & World Report and granting agencies. As always, “call me with any suggestions or concerns about anything,” and she promises to get back to you. Calling is preferable over email or texting due to her limited vision. Ann says “I cannot do any of this without my assistant, Allison Baur (267) 218-4401. It is significant Claire asked me and Allison to be class secretary and has done the lion’s share.”

We regret to inform you of the passing of the following beloved classmates during the past year; Mary Cooke Carle, Margaret Cook, Deborah Dunning, Lucia Woods Lindley, Cecile Martin Pearsall, Adora Prevost Ragsdale and Barbara Kelly Tate.

1960

Lura Coleman Wampler 1406 Thomas Rd. Wayne, PA 19087-1318 lcwampler@comcast.net Elsie Burch Donald writes from London with the good news that her book, YOUNIVERSE, A Short Guide to Modern Science, will be published in the UK in April. A real departure from her previous novels, it is a primer written after she selfschooled for 4 years, reading innumerable books; using her notes she presents scientific information in clear and simple language for those adults who may not have taken many science courses. She thinks it will be available from Amazon. This is a real testament to the saying’ it’s never too late to learn.’

Sandy Schuhmacher Lawrence now lives in the Dallas/Ft Worth area of Texas in a senior living complex which is near her daughter. Sadly, last April she lost her husband of 56 years due to Alzheimer’s and was unable to be with him due to the pandemic. In New York City, Gail Lloyd is taking masked walks and doing lots of zooming. From Knoxville Tennessee, Alice Jones Torbett writes that she is happy to have gotten her first dose of vaccine.

Teddy Hill and Liz Few Penfield are quarantined in a very safe and comfortable bubble at a lively retirement community, The Marshes of Skidaway Island near Savannah, GA. Their cottage is right on the

marsh where they view great sunsets over the water; they walk in an adjoining state park and enjoy watching the wildlife. Last summer, they were unable to go to their mountain cabin in Carbondale, CO, but hope to get there this year where Teddy’s daughters and granddaughters visit off and on. Missy Meyers Gibbs has lived in the same New York City west side apartment for over 56 years. For the last 15 years, a young Romanian concert pianist has lived with her. She is a long-time volunteer at Mt Sinai West and has been involved with the St George’s Society Beneficiaries Committee, of which she is currently the chairman. She misses the opera, theater and ballet.

Jane Tatman Walker and husband Frank made the decision to sell both their FL and Indianapolis homes to move into the newly constructed Hoosier Village Retirement Community in nearby Zionsville, IN. She notes that major editing of their furniture and personal belongings is an understatement! The good news is that they are both healthy.

Heidi Wood Huddleston writes from Hilton Head, SC, where she spends much of her time. She still has a townhouse in Bowling Green, KY where one of her daughters also lives. Her other 2 daughters live in TN and both have husbands who fly airplanes. She is excited to be a great grandmother!

Judy Cowen Jones and her husband, Mac, of 60 years live in Waynesboro, VA, and are fortunate to have their 3 children within driving distance; one daughter is a Sweet Briar graduate and is now senior VP and director of Capital Markets for Citizens Bank, a second daughter is founder/developer of Organic Vodka, a boutique vodka that is receiving notable recognition and her son has returned to VA to take over Mac’s business. Finally, from Lynchburg, Betty Forsyth Harris reports that she is retired from teaching and has become passionately attached to a new hobby of quilting. She also encourages us to visit the campus to see the new greenhouse, wildflower meadow, apiary and vineyard.

You should have received a postcard from Sweet Briar saying that reunion 2021 is scheduled for May 27-30. We missed our 60th last May so our class will celebrate then.

Hopefully we can return to campus, so stay tuned for details. In any case, Lucy and I will set up another virtual reunion for sometime in this spring, we look forward to seeing everyone one way or the other. Stay safe, healthy and happy.

1961

Julie O’Neil Arnheim 41 Pitt St. Charleston, SC 29401 jarnheim@princeton.edu Bess Hutchins Sharland 1724 Aberdeen Cir. Crofton, MD 21114 thefroghall@verizon.net The urgency with which I emailed Class of ’61 classmates for their news to cover for my error in not requesting it sooner brought these immediate replies. This bulletin will be published close upon our 60th reunion celebration, whether that will be in person or virtual. We are here and are thriving thanks to email, Zoom and the exercise of good taste and good judgment. We are wise, if elderly, women/ladies who wish not only to preserve our own health but the health of others!

As Mary Denny Scott Wray notices, “It’s been a year of ups and downs, as far as COVID is concerned. My family and I have been well, and I hope to receive the vaccine in a few days, but I have had 5 appointments that have been cancelled.”

Mary Gellerson Adams answered me double quick from Garland, ME, where she and Thatcher settled over 45 years ago. They spend summers at their camp on nearby Sebec Lake and enjoy visits with their children and grandchildren whenever they can arrange it. Mary has been chairing a center-right coalition of tax-conscious leaders for almost twenty years and is learning to Zoom as they now meet virtually. Both are well and send all good wishes.

Molly Pickering Gross also took pity and responded right away. Molly decided to remain in Manhattan even though her niece (in NJ) and nephew (in TN) were so nervous that she promised to write them every day.

That brought them closer and, I venture that their correspondence might

become a publishable plague journal.

As Molly muses, “I suspect we will not return to ‘normal’ ever.” She reads ebooks, watches Netflix and pays for everything electronically—no cash.

“Would we have guessed when we graduated how we would be living at this time? Clueless.” Marion (Mimi) Lucas Fleming and Peter continue to stay isolated and wait in FL for the vaccine. Mimi continues as a senior judge at the courthouse where she dispenses justice via Zoom hearings.

Together in the courtroom with her are the Clerk (10 feet away behind a Plexiglas barrier) and the bailiff (also 10 feet away behind a barrier).

Courts have to stay open.

Celebrating 60 years of marriage this year, Chloe Lansdale Pitard writes that they are “healthy, reasonably alert, active, and happy to have each other. So much of life seems so fragile these days. We are thankful for every day.” Suzanne (Seabreeze) Seaman Berry is in her apartment at Westminster Canterbury in Charlottesville while Fritz is in the memory care unit due to Alzheimer’s. She feels so lucky they are where they are.

Deeda Hill Bradford and Reed have been holed up since March 2020. Both have had 2 vaccine injections—Jan. 2 and Jan. 30. Tennessee did a good job of dispensing the vaccine. Unfortunately, Deeda is in an advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease, so this communication came from Reed. Deeda also has scoliosis, which makes it difficult to stand straight. They no longer laugh as they once did at “those old folks” who sit around all day and talk about what ails them. We are them! Their 3 sons, Jay, Mike and Tom, are all doing well. The Bradfords send love and good wishes to ’61.

Molly Haskell is only now, in winter, feeling claustrophobic after the beautiful fall weather in NYC allowed more normal coming and going with restaurants spreading their tables out into their parking lots and a festive spirit prevailing.

She received her first inoculation but is closely watching the news about variants. Molly is working on a book, had an “immersion mentorship” with a grad student at Syracuse, and saw almost every film of 2020 in order to vote in several groups. She does miss seeing movies in the theaters though.

Not only has Paige Wilkerson

Pruitt received both COVID vaccinations, but she has been tested more than 20 times. She and her son are both involved in health care…many nursing homes, so both are well aware of the danger of this virus. “Masks and vaccines are the only way to end this.” Paige has been mainly staying on Lake Rabun (GA), a beautiful place for isolating.

She plays lots of bridge online. The nice part…she has reconnected with old friends. Her high school class has Zoom meetings once a month. She has been in touch with Dedo Gray Casey in NC and Claiborne Smith Jones, who is spending her isolation in Hawaii.

Bee Newman Thayer is prepping for a return to the golf course. She is back in independent living at Kendal at Hanover (NH) after revision surgeries of both knees. She hopes to get back soon to her home up in the mountains at Dalton (Whitefield), NH, that she and Brad have owned for 51 years. “Things are really looking up.” Bee is taking a photography course offered by Dartmouth via Zoom. In Weston, VT, Marty Holland Bartsch, artist, illustrator, and photographer, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, reorganized and culled thousands of underwater slides taken in predigital days while scuba diving mostly in Fiji and the Solomons when on sabbatical from Pace University. Still an avid rider, Marty plans to spend time this spring in Baxter, TN, where her horse spends the winter. She and Don have children living in NY and OR. I, Julie O’Neil Arnheim, also a student, am taking a very relevant College of Charleston class called Medical Humanities the spring 2021 semester via Zoom. Medical denialism has a long history in this country based on our feeling of the right to choose and on public health and corporate mistakes and misdeeds of the past. Rounding out my spring are courses called American Monsters, American Judaism and Reproduction. In each, I am the only senior citizen, and I am overbooked homework-wise. I took refuge in July in my youngest’s garden cottage in Indianapolis, away from the madding crowd of Charleston’s downtown. I got a first inoculation on Jan. 27. Shopping on eBay has added

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

61

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

62

wool sweaters and long pants to the shorts and tee shirts I arrived with in mid-summer.

Lynn and Sheila Haskell Smith are not yet ready to stretch their wings to check out the new normal, although Lynn is fully inoculated, and Sheila is halfway there. They are anxious to meet their first great grandchild, Beckham, who arrived in Dec. in Utah. Ann Gregg McIvor reports from her long-term Brooklyn brownstone digs that oldest daughter, Kathryn Garcia, is running for mayor of NYC! Kathryn has a long management history in NYC operations. “So, we’ll see!” Ann is helping with remote learning with young grandchildren. The excited Sheila suggests we check Kathryn out at “KGforNYC’’ on the web.

Margaret Wadman Cafasso is a little bored in South Florida. She had her first vaccine but had to go to Miami for it, which is an hour’s drive on the *&#@* I95. En français, svp?

She is hoping to go up to the Berkshires next summer, as usual. Sue Robinson Syquia has been vaccinated and would travel, but where? Her eldest granddaughter, Cloie Skarne, will marry on July 4 if all goes well by then. “Other than getting older, falling more, and being isolated, nothing else is new!” Maria Garnett Hood and Bob have been diligent about staying home with no visitors, although they shared their kitchen “in shifts” with their grandson when he lived upstairs temporarily but went into the real world to work during the day. Both have had 2 vaccinations. Kate Groat Henchman is still waiting for hers in Concord, MA, and will be patient as she stays put since Michael has not been well recently.

Thoroughly modern and informed, Lou Chapman Hoffman and Stuart Bohannon Evans texted back and forth during the election and the attack on the Capitol. Lou corresponded with Celia Williams Dunn and Mimi Lucas Fleming during the holidays. Lou has had 2 Pfizer inoculations, so she is hoping for herd immunity and summertime!

Rue Wallace Judd in DC had a first vaccine inoculation. She reports relief with US election results but also great sadness that Willia Fales Eckerberg’s husband, Lennart, passed away in Sweden.

Judy Greer Schulz and Steve

are still waiting for their first vaccine injection in early Feb. in Lynchburg.

She teaches piano at Sweet Briar via FaceTime and anxiously awaits the time that she can go back to in-person teaching; and, of course, she is practicing for herself and for a future recital. She is reading Boccacio’s Decameron “at last” for her book club, in this time of COVID. (My class is reading Camus’ The Plague. JOA) Judy praises the College’s efforts in keeping everyone safe and is grateful for the resources she was given

by Sweet Briar that prepared her to weather any challenge. Most of us would agree with that.

On Nov. 18, 2020, Sara Finnegan Lycett, passed away of a heart ailment at Seasons Hospice in Baltimore where she lived in Mount Vernon Place. Her husband, Ike, had died in 2011. Sara had a distinguished career in medical publishing and was the first woman board chair of the Sweet Briar Board of Directors. She received the Outstanding Alumna Award in 2000.

Co-secretary, Bess Hutchins Sharland, enjoys watching the snow while she and Jean isolate in their MD home. I, Julie, look for ice on my short walk from Richard’s garden cottage to his house where I can partake of morning coffee. By the time these notes are published, birds will be nesting and singing and trees will be in bloom. They care not about this pandemic.

We are saddened by news of the death of Catherine Caldwell Cabaniss on Feb. 25, 2021.

1962

Parry Ellice Adam 33 Pleasant Run Rd. Flemington, NJ 08822 peaba@comcast.net Anne Parker Schmalz and Bob have lived at Carlton-Willard (a CCRC in Bedford, MA) for 7 years.

They are well, active, and vaccinated. She is editor of their resident magazine, an opportunity to learn new skills. One son and family live nearby, and the other 3 families are at least in the East. There are 6 grands in college. She is impressed by how SBC is coping, especially with all the agricultural emphasis. “We all have been riveted by national events and

hope that 2021 is a quieter year that leads to a good future for everyone”.

Pat Perkins Wolverton writes: Things are pretty quiet in Wichita Falls. Really do miss being able to travel. Have a new great grandson who is almost 1 and we haven’t been able to visit him. Hope all is well”.

Julia Shields hit it on the head: “It’s hard to make 10 months of isolation sound exciting.” However, she is grateful to be cozy, with the companionship of an adorable puppy, Grace. She has spent many months doing some writing, working on downsizing, and collating a history of the local Colonial Dames Committee. Zoom meetings occupy lots of her time. She suggests a Zoom reunion of our class. Any techies out there to make it happen?

Betsy Shure Gross sends warm and sunny news from their new lives in Davis, CA. They miss Brookline, but enjoy having 4 generations of family nearby. She retired from the Commonwealth’s (MA) Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to turn all of her volunteer attention (since 1970) to protecting The Olmsted Legacy of designed landscapes.

When Gary retired, they came to the West Coast to join the family. They love the native wildflower gardens, old and new friends, and of course, the grand and great grandchildren.

Gary was quickly lured back into his medical practice. Betsy enjoys book and knitting groups, their Giant Schnauzer, and watching her gardens bloom. “ah...California!”

Mina Walker Wood and Robin moved to Westminster-Canterbury 1-1/2 years ago. It’s still their old neighborhood, located across from Virginia Episcopal School. She keeps in touch by phone with Alice Allen Smyth, Ray Henely Thompson, May Belle Scott Rauch, and Betsy Cate Pringle. Peggy Mundy Mosby also just moved to W-C. Being near SBC is a big plus. She gets to visit the beautiful campus, and meet with Pres. Woo who is doing a fabulous job. No COVID cases now.

Judy Greer Schulz ‘61 is teaching in the music department. “I also think that Mary Pope M. Hutson ’83 and Claire Dennison Griffith ‘80 have done outstanding work.” Mina and Robin have 7 grands, 6 boys and a girl. Note: new email address: minawwood@gmail.com.

1963

Allie Stemmons Simon 3701 Guadalajara Ct. Irving, Texas 75062 asimontc@outlook.com Greetings to the Class of 1963!

And for many of us, welcome to the year we turn 80! How did this happen? Unfortunately, the COVID virus continues to plague us but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel – almost everyone I’ve heard from says they have had their first vaccine shot or are scheduled for it – and we pray for returning good health and the resumption of “normal” living. In the meantime, I have discovered one positive from COVID—since we “cannot go anywhere or do anything” we have time to send in class notes and this is by far the most responses I have ever received in all the years I’ve been writing them! So on with the news, and unfortunately, we must start with sad tidings which come as we age, the death of 3 of our classmates: Pat Calkins Wilder, Oct. 14, 2020; McNair Currie Maxwell, Dec. 18, 2020; Joy Berguido Campbell, unknown date 2016 (this was recently discovered in the obituary of her sister but no obituary for Joy has been found). We send our sympathy to their families. McNair had been our Fund Agent for many years and aggressively brought our class into the upper realms of giving and she was an enthusiastic participant in every reunion.

Our class president, Lucy Otis Anderson has prevailed on Stevie Fontaine Keown and Lee Kucewicz Parham, both of Lookout Mountain, TN, to assume McNair’s mantle as co-fund agents for which we thank them. Big shoes to fill! You may all look forward to hearing from them. The rest of Lucy’s news is typical of most of us—“Not having a lot to report certainly sums up where I am right now. But I did have my first COVID shot and am scheduled for the second in mid-February. Besides that, and trips to the grocery store I am amusing myself by studying the very prominent veins in my hands!

I hope the members of the Class of 1963 are doing well and that our 60th reunion in 2023 might be in their planning.” From Stevie, “Lee

and I will have fun working together as Fund Agents. Mark and I got our first vaccine shots and feel so relieved to have them. Our son-in-law had a mild case of COVID but is fine now with no side effects. We all must continue to be careful.” And from Lee, “I continue to substitute teach at GPS when they are in class and not virtual. Needed Keitt’s and Margaret’s (our roommates and suitemates) help last week in math—I kept thinking it would all come back, but alas, no! English next week should go better.” Lee and John are keeping safe and their family doing well.

Both grandchildren are at the Univ. of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Margaret Millender Holmes is not worried about math but has found a creative way to occupy herself, she writes “I’ve been out most of the day burning a huge pile of brush and tree parts—the leftovers of the continuing project of clearing more pastureland. Why, do you ask, do I need more pasture? There is no need; I think it is a self-imposed work routine!” And she adds, “2023 will be here soon and my wish is to get reacquainted with many of you on the beautiful Sweet Briar campus.”

Katharine Blackford Collins writes “I’ve been in Seattle since mid-October, living in my son’s backyard cottage and ever grateful not to be old and isolated, just old.

I go kayaking pre-dawn twice a week with my son and join the family cross-country skiing in the Cascades about twice a week (which doesn’t sound old to me!). I continue to advocate for humane treatment of immigrants and immigration reforms with a couple of volunteer organizations. Remote volunteer work is clearly not as satisfying as in person!”

Jean Meyer Aloe sends the sad news that her husband, Ed, passed away in Aug., 2020, after 52 years of marriage. Jean has moved to Doylestown, PA, near her younger daughter and 2 children. She has bought a totally renovated 1829 house and can walk almost everywhere in that beautiful small town with very friendly people.

Nerissa Vom Baur Roehrs writes “My news is that last Oct. we became grandparents for the third time to a granddaughter, Rosie Arabella Heppenstall, lovely and perfect and born with a smile on her face

which she maintains, delighting us all. My husband and I are chugging along, grateful for everything including being in the luckiest generation the world has ever known, those born between 1940 and 1945.”

Betty Stanly Cates says “Vero Beach is a nice place to be grounded—we have lots of sunshine and fresh air so I can’t complain. Even with all this “down time” I can’t seem to be interested in cleaning closets, though it would help to be able to put the TV in an empty closet these days!”

Cheri Fitzgerald Burchard has had an interesting experience while being homebound, she writes, “We are well and hope for the vaccine soon. During the lockdown I first cleaned closets and drawers. I continued to paint daily until a couple of months ago when a large painting of a woman almost painted itself. I call it “Grief.” It is so overwhelming I had to hide it away. I guess it came from my soul because I have not painted since. Hopefully spring will return with joy and hope.”

Cynthia Livingston Gibert says “I retired in June, 2019, but in many ways wish I was still working as an infectious diseases physician. Hope that the coming year will be better for all across the globe. I went yesterday with Valerie Elbrick Hanlon to Lancaster, PA, where she was picking out a puppy.” And from Valerie herself, after her adventures getting back to the States from Europe when the pandemic struck she finally arrived home to Gilbertsville, NY, in August. In Jan. when 3 feet of snow topped the front porch she moved to Waterford, VA, where she is living in the former Methodist Church, renamed Grace Cottage. Waterford was founded in 1733 and is a landmark historic site. Valerie says “I am living in another time. I walk the streets to the “baas” of sheep and goats, chickens cross my path, and everyone says hello. I’m enjoying the pleasures of beautiful Virginia after fifty years.”

From Katherine Haskell Subramanian, Ken and I have survived so far, living the quiet, masked life with our cat. I think I had COVID in mid-February when I was still singing without Oratorio Society which was definitely a super-spreader setting even though the coronavirus

wasn’t on the radar back then. We’re both fine now, but feeling distressed about what our country has had to endure in the past 12 months.”

Anne Carter Brothers has recovered from a difficult time. She writes “I am living alone again after having wonderful caregivers round the clock at home from Jan. to Oct. Turns out the ear virus that left me with severe hearing loss and limited balance was probably COVID. I started walking again in June and could stand at my easel in July—was able to enter a virtual art show in Nov. Anne Leavell Reynolds and Herbert spent the early months with their son here so I was gifted with back door visits.”

Lynn Carroll Blau and Jeffrey have been staying close to home in West Hartford but hope to be fully vaccinated by next week and able to travel and visit their grandchildren in Las Vegas and Nashville. They have gone briefly to their apartment in NYC but report that “the city is so sad, many restaurants and shops closed, and a ghost town after dark.”

Prue Gay Stuhr and Ed have enjoyed their back yard with flowers and trees and the constant comfort of their Dalmatian, Ticket. They have kept in touch with children and grandchildren through Zoom. Prue stays involved with organizing and writing for the Regional and National Dalmatian Clubs.

Sallie Yon Williams was packed and ready to leave to visit her younger son and his family in London when the lock down was declared in March. She has been relatively isolated at home in Virginia Beach since then, and misses seeing her family.

She enjoys walking on the beach at sunrise and since volunteering at the hospital is not allowed she has spent that time baking cookies for her church’s outreach program.

Anne Strite-Kurz and Bill are “healthy and happy and still enjoying each other’s company.” Bill spends his time reading—Anne stitching needlework projects. Since most guilds are having Zoom meetings during the pandemic she has developed 2 lectures which have been well received. She would not be surprised to see this format here to stay since it does not require travel expenses or lodging on the part of the host guild.

Otherwise they have spent a lot of time outdoors following the bird mi-

grations on the Eastern Shore.

Mary Ann Utterback Burritt and Jim stayed home but spent a lot of time on their boat cruising the Chesapeake Bay, a very clever way to socially distance. Their younger daughter, Kiendel, came down with COVID before Christmas and could not come home from South Africa but their older daughter Cheri and her son Jonathan were able to come from Charleston. Their son Jimmy and his family live in California. They acquired a new lab puppy just before COVID hit and he has kept them busy!

Jane Goodridge reports it’s cold and dreary in Richmond and she longs for a Seabourn cruise!

Laura Lee Brown and Steve have managed some travel by taking a founders’ bus trip to visit their 9 hotels and 2 more on the way. They had a wonderful driver and were gone 3 and a half weeks and covered 6400 miles in Nov. It was wonderful to check in with their staff, especially during this time, and they visited lots of children and grands along the way.

Finally, from Adelaide, South Australia, comes news from Renee Regan Sage who says life there has not been so disrupted because of COVID. “A few weeks of almost lockdown and the closure of restaurants, etc. but basically we have been able to live our lives cautiously.” Unfortunately, Renee’s husband, Ed, has had illnesses resulting in his being on oxygen 24/7 and dialysis twice a week but he is coping and 3 of their 4 children are in Adelaide so they have a good support team. Renee continues to coordinate her painting group but admits she misses the socialization. She sends her best to all her classmates and hopes all are safe and healthy.

Nothing new from Heinz and me (Allie Stemmons Simon) as we are hunkered down in Texas, first vaccine done and waiting for an appointment for the second.

We have not been able to go to our Colorado home in over a year and miss it dreadfully. Next week we celebrate the 60th birthday of our younger daughter, Kimberly, while our oldest, Karen, now retired from JPMorgan, continues to commute to Europe where she serves on several boards (and has discovered all sorts of devious ways of getting back and

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

63

CLASS NOTES forth and avoiding quarantines.) The old folks stay home with our best friends, the cat and the dog.

Stay safe, my dear friends. Hopefully when I write again in July we will all be vaccinated and our lives approaching normal again. Love, Allie.

1964

sbc.edu

Virginia “Ginny” deBuys 7312 Saint Georges Way University Park, FL 34201 gdebuys@gmail.com

64

As you write to me this Jan., I hope you are all doing well and expecting to be fully vaccinated by the time you read these notes. You have creatively and productively adapted to these difficult and isolating times—a feat no doubt enhanced by your liberal arts education. Each of you sent warm greetings to your classmates, have enjoyed seeing classmates on Zoom, and appealed to all to stay safe and be well. If you are on Facebook, you have had the pleasure of seeing Elizabeth Matheson’s photographs of scenes indoors and out that move her. “I am grateful to have spent my short-leashed pandemic in my (mostly) sweet village which I now know SO much better. And I am grateful to Instagram and cheesy, infuriating Facebook for bringing us all closer (Sarah! VM! and on and on) windows on life beyond the lockdown and a sense of community in this truly crazed time.”

Nina Sledge Burke and Frank hunker down in the mountains in NC in summer and in the country in SC in winter. “I stay busy as Master of Foxhounds for the Lowcountry Hunt and keep up with my gardening—a euphemism for yard work nurturing camellias in winter and dahlias in summer. I am active in lineage societies as well as local preservation and conservation groups.

Grandson Will Farris is 18 and applying to colleges (a nerve-racking exercise) and granddaughter Katherine had a lead part in the Nutcracker here at Christmas.”

Penny Writer Theis and Stu feel lucky that they both enjoy watching sports on television as well as old movies. “We just finished ‘Lonesome Dove’. I miss my tennis and bridge games and even more seeing our kids or grandkids, other than through

Zoom or FaceTime. Thank goodness for those options. I have been reading a lot with 2 book clubs.”

Tuck Mattern Harvey has taken COVID seriously and quarantined.

“Not one person has been inside our house since Oct. when we returned from our VA lake house.” After receiving vaccinations in Feb., Tuck and Ralph went to their timeshare in Cabo San Lucas for 2 weeks. She hoped that, with the vaccine and continued masking and distancing, they would have fun. “At least it will be warm, sunny, and beautiful! Not to mention fresh fish every evening!”

Linda Lee McAndrew: “CNN and Zoom have gotten me through this year. My groups Zoom regularly including one with my grade school friends. Lucky so far. Fingers crossed.”

Kate Carberry Siemsen: “Okay here. I had knee revision surgery (PT also), then back to golf (our club had restrictions to be safe), lots of puzzles (as challenging as I could find online). We miss family; our children and granddaughter live in CA and we are in FL.” Leezee Scott Porter is loving her new home in Portland, OR. where she is 2 blocks away from her daughter Erin, Jesse, and 2 of her 3 grandchildren.

Sarah Strother King is covered in snow in Luxembourg and says: “I used to love Michigan winters but I’m less enamored of snow now. I lost my beloved husband Robin last year. Happily, my son, daughter and their children in Amsterdam are well and have avoided COVID as I have.”

Barbara Little Chuko is sad for the young people like her grandson, a freshman at University of Kentucky, and her granddaughter in Philadelphia, a senior in high school, both learning virtually. Her daughter, Kat, took a leave of absence from teaching due to COVID. “My son Ed who lives nearby, in a small group home, comes over a lot, and we go to outdoor exercise classes most mornings.

He needs my help, and it has been nice to be able to see him more and know that he appreciates it now.” For Barbara, the pandemic has meant more evening reading and mornings with the NY Times. And she paints!

Do take a look at barbchuko.com.

“Our Zoom art class offered to do free portraits of COVID health care workers; I did several which were

well received. The fundraiser for the Friends of the Columbus Symphony was a virtual online auction. I gave several paintings, which helped make it one of their most successful fundraisers with minimal work.” She sends “kudos to Sweet Briar for the innovative and creative ways they are finding to meet the needs of young women’s education!”

Jackie Nicholson Wysong is weathering this storm with books, TV and crossword puzzles. “I live in a gated condo community and have a “bubble” of friends that dine and play games together. I am working as a home healthcare aid, so I was eligible for the vaccine early. My family are all well but we miss our in-person visits.

I did take a trip to the Outer Banks with my daughter, eldest son and their children over Thanksgiving. It was great to be together.”

Gail Anderson Ramey: “This year I have spent lots of time with my iPhone for news, bridge, and just a window to the outside world.

I have discovered the wonder of grocery delivery. After 10 months of co-confinement, my husband and I are still speaking! And some news I never thought would happen–at age 46 my son is getting married to a lovely English girl.”

Elizabeth Pidgeon Parkinson: “We coped by reading much more and taking courses through the Great Courses program. Amazing variety and good professors. I entertained myself by doing a needlepoint stocking for a family member and knitting lots of prayer shawls to help my daughter, Heather, pastor of Care and Connection at our church.

The shawls were given to the sick in our church. We have 3 granddaughters graduating from high school this year. One was accepted early decision at UVA. There was great rejoicing here, as she is our eighth family member going to UVA.” Rosamond Sample Brown reports that 2020 has been a tough one. “I think of myself as being healthy and active but I have had 2 setbacks this year. In Aug., while taking a healthy walk, I tripped on an uneven sidewalk, cracked my kneecap, and spent a month in a full knee brace. By the time you read this my second setback will be history, after a little breast surgery and radiation in Dec. with car keys and passport in hand, I’ll be hard to find!”

Marjorie Kala Fleigh: “Bob and I are well, but not going out except for curbside pickup at the supermarket.

I enjoy my art, writing and Qigong groups on Zoom and am grateful for good health, friends, my studio and dear, dear Mother Nature. I recommend The Hemings of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed as a fabulous read for which she won the Pulitzer Prize. She is a lawyer and an historian! As I read and looked at my Paris street map, I realized that from 1787 thru 1789, Thomas Jefferson, US ambassador in Paris, Sally Hemings, and her brother lived right across the Champs-Elysees from where Vera Le Craw Carvaillo, Anne Litle Poulet, our friend, Cynthia and I lived on rue Quentin-Bauchart in 1962-1963. Neat factoid.”

Mary Deas Boykin Wortley writes: “During this pandemic, Zoom has been a real blessing for family visits, Sunday church, and family business meetings. I’ve been very grateful. I am ready for a family reunion, complete with hugs and kisses, and swapping stories and cheering each other on. That is the carrot in front of this donkey! Tommy has almost completely recovered from near fatal complications after surgery over 2 years ago. The kids and grandkids are all well and managing to progress in their various pursuits. The 2 college students have taken the year off and started online business ventures. We’re hoping they will go back to college next year, but it may be difficult for them to leave their fledgling businesses, especially if they become successful. Their situation may be the same for other students these days. Free time has allowed me to do a lot of painting, and recently sculpting. It looks like I will need to get organized and have another show!”

Peggy Aurand: “After starting 2020 with some fun activities with my granddaughter, Madelyn, I flew to Honolulu to deal with Honolulu’s ban on vacation rentals. A second trip to the islands in the beginning of April caught me up in the COVID mess. The governor kept extending his ban on tourism, which meant no guests, refunds, and disappointed friends and family. I flew back to CA in May and stayed until Oct., and then flew back again to get ready for some long-term tenants.” Peggy has gotten used to Zoom as a means to

CLASS NOTES Virginia deBuys: “Jerry and I are in comfortable seclusion here in FL. I hope you see these stories as a micro picture of how we all experienced the pandemic. Remember to take your granddaughters to Sweet Briar and show them the safe, vibrant, forward thinking school it is today!”

1965

Sally McCrady Hubbard 47 Parsons Green Circle Sewanee, TN 37375 931-598-5338 cell: 931-636-7320 sally@hubbard.net Blair Both says she has no news except being thankful to be alive, healthy, and so hopeful of seeing some of our class at reunion, assuming we will all be vaccinated by then.

Eugenia Dickey Caldwell and Peter feel hopeful for themselves and our country. She is concentrating on walking better and faster, so they can start birding again. Eugenia’s left arm and hand are slowly waking up, but writing is still difficult and she depends on Google Dictation. Peter continues to be the wonderful guy who makes everything possible for her. After a tumultuous 2020, they are looking forward to a much better 2021.

Sherry Bradford Christhilf sends best wishes for a better 2021, along with a family reunion photograph, one with everyone masked at the beach in Aug. Alice Virginia Dodd says she is just trying to maintain like everyone else, while aware of a lot to be thankful for in the midst of this confusion and challenge. It’s hard to believe that we are near our 80s!

Babette Fraser Hale announces that her story collection and husband Leon’s journal are in publication and will arrive in bookstores March 1.

Probably this year’s oldest author, Leon’s 12th book, part day book, part memoir, is See You on Down the Road. Babette’s A Wall of Bright Dead Feathers is her first book–stories about newcomers to the scenic countryside of central Texas. Some have romantic ideas of country life; others are attempting to escape the mistakes they’ve made. All of them find transformation of one kind or another. She and Leon (100 in May)

are waiting for their second vaccine shot and hoping for the well-being of everyone they cherish.

Sally McCrady Hubbard has crossed her fingers and made airline reservations to attend reunion at Sweet Briar May 26 to May 30.

It still seems very iffy, but at least she’s had the first Moderna shot.

She just needs to see the 26,000 square-foot greenhouse, 21 acres of vineyards and the farm’s rebirth to believe it! Orchards and eventual livestock? Remember our black and white dairy cows? We all need some Sweet Briar honey! Her brother Waring (83) is making an amazing recovery from the Nov. stroke that apparently only affected his vision; about 90% has been restored, except for some holes in the lower left quadrant. Sally is in the luckiest place she could be for a pandemic, with hiking trail access from her back door and lovely children around her hill. And blessed Zoom makes it possible for her to sing with the Washington Chorus—Mendelssohn’s Elijah in Jan., Bach’s Mass in B Minor in Feb., Fauré’s Requiem in Mar. There are some pandemic blessings.

Bonnie Chapman McClure has continued to stay in touch with Joanne Galleher Young, Molly Poole Wolfe, Polly Jose Earl until her death, Astrid Von Baillou, and Leslie Smith. She sees Jo on her round trip from Devon to Umbria twice a year with her 4 dogs. Bonnie and Jo went to London after graduation, and had their first children within a year of each other. Bonnie says Happy New Year, and her only news relates to tyrannical cats and to broken bones mostly from riding.

After 55 years of marriage, Laura Haskell Phinizy’s husband Stewart died on Jan. 22, 2021. Daughters Louise and Laura, and granddaughter Sarah Frances, were with her and daughter Marion will be back for a family burial in their church yard.

During the long winter COVID break, Sarah Frances has been Zooming her classes from Laura’s and riding horseback on days off.

Laura sends much love to all who have called and loved them during Stewart’s long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Carol Reifsnyder Rhoads and husband Bob Zoom with their sons, one in Tucson and the other in AR. Their daughter’s family joined them

Sherry Bradford Christhilf and family at a reunion Aug. 2020

Babette Fraser Hale’s new book about newcomers to central TX, in stores March 1

for Christmas, masked and sitting far apart at their long dining room table. They keep busy with projects, reading, and bridge on-line twice a week. They are able to walk in the park and go to the YMCA when it’s not too cold. They send best 2021 wishes!

Magda Salvesen spent COVID isolation setting up the Jon Schueler Archive, extracting financial and biographical details from his 40 years of tax returns, and working on the personal photos from Jon’s childhood in Milwaukee, through WWII, his first visit to Scotland in 1957, and on until 1992. Magda was educated in the UK and relocated to NY in 1976 with her husband Jon; she became a US citizen in 1992.

She is a gifted teacher in the fields of art history and education, an administrator, and an exhibitions officer. Magda was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who in Dec. She enjoys telephone chats with Genie Dickie.

spring 2021

attend church, be with family, and happily spend an afternoon with Sweet Briar classmates! She’s in the middle of a downsize and moving to Honolulu, which she hopes will be over by this April.

Carrie Peyton says “2020 was quite a year. Being shut in was weird.

And so was wearing a mask all the time. What will new generations think when they see pictures of the strange people back then? The great things about being shut in: I had more time to read which I love and I had more time with Rick, which I love even more.”

Grace Mary Oates: “It’s hard to report on 2020. No trips, all gatherings virtual, and journeys internal.

How long will I be strong enough and healthy enough to run off to Europe whenever I want to? Fortunately, I love my house and I love reading. It was a big year for rereading Faulkner and lots of poetry—even memorizing poetry. I am in constant touch with family, many Sweet Briar friends, and with 2 dear longtime friends here who declared us in the same pod. Wally and I would have had fun being locked in together, but I have also learned something about the value of being alone and relying on the richness of memory. And perhaps a little about patience. Alas, I have not become a better person or learned to meditate or finished cleaning out my closets. There may still be time—but I hope not!”

Susan Dwelle Baxter writes that she sees the travel business picking up–eventually–and that she looks forward to seeing her long-time Sweet Briar friends in Oct. Susie Glasgow Brown: “Last May a tree fell on our house, demolishing our bedroom! After months of reconstruction, we’re almost back in there. Quarantine meant lots of time to go through junk and clean out—but I’ll be glad when things go back to normal.”

Virginia del Greco Galgano: “We have kept busy during the lockdown being poll workers and doing an endless kitchen remodel. A fivemonth remodel! It is a rich learning experience. Otherwise, we wait for relief! I would not be doing my class duty if I did not ask you to continue supporting our wonderful SBC!” Joann Soderquist Kramer is in Vermont knitting mittens for Bernie Sanders.

65

CLASS NOTES

1966

sbc.edu

Keenan Colton Kelsey keenankelsey@comcast.net

66

Almost everyone is lamenting “I have been trying to think of ‘news’ to send you. But, living in a quarantined state for the past year doesn’t exactly render much of interest for my classmates to read.” says Vicki Chainski Verity.

And yet, we have a lot of greetings and comments! Take time to savor each–it seems I am not the only one with a heightened need to connect and appreciate my companions on the way. Every share has something to relate to, as in “We’re pluggin’ along with no major news to report.

Grandson Alex is applying to college. . .it seems like only yesterday that he was a toddler! How the years fly by!

(Sally Kalber Fiedler).

And these days, even the smallest thing is a big thing. . .witness, Penn Willets Fullerton: “Big surprise during COVID: how much I would look forward to the rat exterminator’s weekly visit! “ “What a year!” summarizes Susan Sudduth Hiller, reminding us all of its vicissitudes. “Never expected, so destructive! However, I will begin with positive news. A year ago Christmas, I drove to TN to visit my sister-in-law and husband, then on to GA to be with daughter Penn and her family (Note, I have not seen her since then, a COVID casualty. Hard to believe!) In Jan. Chuck and I made our annual trek to Snowmass, CO, and were joined by 2 of his grandchildren. Of course, I always love being there, even though, after 40-plus years on the slopes and being cast, sling, brace and splintfree, I again decided to leave my skis in the closet. Feb. found us in Walla Walla, WA, for the wedding of Chuck’s nephew. I had no idea that there are so many wonderful wineries in that area! Two days after our return I flew to FL to visit with my brother and his wife and her granddaughter in Sanibel—what a lovely place! Then—wham—March hit!

At that time none of us had any idea of the future scope and length of this horrible pandemic. Maybe a couple of months—a few hundred cases?

Nevertheless, I stocked up on a few essentials: dog food, canned goods,

pasta, and yes, toilet paper and paper towels! Of course, there was an immediate halt to so many things that I hold dear: being able to go to church, take Communion, hug my friends, visit my Hospice nursing home patients, see a nursing homebound friend, meet friends for lunch, travel to see my daughter and family and have the annual mini-reunion with SBC roomies Jane, Keenan and Penn. I have many thanksgivings.

Chuck, my Penn and family and I are all COVID-free and Chuck’s 2 children, who were not, are recuperating.

Our precious Cardigan Corgi Drea remains such a joy! And the messages of hope, love and unity espoused by the new President and Vice President lifted one burden off my heavy heart. And our College, President Woo has led the team who have persisted and brought Sweet Briar to renewed strength and stature.

And from Mary Anne Calhoun Farmer: “Although we are well and alright, and no one close to us has had COVID, we stay anxious, sometimes down. Trying our best to get on lists for vaccines! During the quiet reflection time, I have learned to be grateful, for every day, one day at a time, as this is in God’s hands, He has got this. Being 76 is a challenge, as arthritis has a grip, and I am generally slower about everything. But I can still get to my tennis drills/practice, still like to hit the ball, still want to improve, but do not compete. No more official matches!”

It has been such a mixture of joy and sorrow. From Lee Mackubin Miller: “Last year was a strange time and my life in 2021 has become even more crazy. Since COVID began in the US last Feb., we have spent a lot of time at our beach house on Dewees Island, SC (a small island nature conservancy just off the Isle of Palms). The island is only accessible by boat so we were fairly protected from the virus, only going off-island for groceries. We were blessed to have all of our children and grandchildren with us on Dewees for Thanksgiving last Nov. In Dec., we returned to Atlanta to spend the holidays here with my son and be actively involved in trying to make Zoom worship doable in the Episcopal Church. I have continued to be very involved in feeding the poor and working with the Holy Comforter Friendship Center, an organization that I started 25 years

ago that works with the mentally impaired indigent. On Jan. 2, Rick, my wonderful husband of 52 years, had a heart attack. On Jan 6, he had heart bypass surgery and is now recuperating at home. Rick is doing well now, regaining his strength. We were so very blessed to have had excellent medical care in the best hospital, top notch doctors and surgeons at a time when the hospitals are overcrowded, understaffed and limited in supplies and equipment. Hopefully Rick will be back to normal in no time. He is strong and healthy.”

From Marcia Pace Lindstrom: “2020 was definitely a year of both sadness and joy. My mother died peacefully in Aug. and Fred and I realized we needed a more permanent residence to be near my father.

After just 4 days we found the perfect house overlooking Pensacola Bay. We are keeping our house in western NC. but will be in Pensacola most of the time. Like everyone else we missed important events like our granddaughter’s high school graduation and several weddings. Our trip to Scotland is rescheduled for Aug. My duplicate bridge club games are now online. I am so proud of Sweet Briar’s exemplary management of the COVID virus.”

Linda Wallace Bailey brings another reality check: Jane Taylor Ryan’s husband Jack died on Jan. 11.

He had been ill for some time. They had moved to NH to be closer to daughter Caroline and her family, so Jane will have good support. We have all received notice of the death of Anne Frothingham Cross after a courageous fight with cancer. What a beautiful artistic soul.

Martha Madden Swanson also acknowledged the difficulty of not seeing family nor friends. “One bright light for me this past Christmas season was that Mary Meade Gordon Winn and her sister Anne rented a condo 5 minutes away from where I live for the last two weeks of Dec. and the first week of Jan. They are now in Vero Beach for the season and I meet them once a week for lunch outdoors which is possible in FL. Next week Marty Rogers Brown will come to Vero to rent a condo next to Mary Meade’s! I am lucky to have my Sweet Briar friends nearby while we can still practice social distancing!”

Jeannie Jackson Exum: “We are surviving the pandemic year. Lucki-

ly our son with his family (daughter, 10 and son, 7) live about 10 minutes away so we are in a bubble and see them frequently. We drove to FL to spend Christmas with our daughter and her family (daughters, 2 and 5) and our son and family flew down and we all spent a week together at the beautiful old Hillsboro club on the beach. They had very strict COVID protocols and we felt very safe. We have been home in DC since Jan. 5 and are just waiting to get vaccinated so we can resume our lives.”

Eleanor Thomson and husband Jim are very grateful to be in good health so far during this ordeal.

“Long walks, deep reads, preparation of a lot of very Slow Food. Long, deep, and slow are good descriptors generally for this time of Isolation!

I’ve chafed at sudden forced retirement; was just hitting my stride in a job helping teach young children.

But trying to be patient until vaccines take wider effect. And to behave. Best pandemic story: while Zooming a Yoga class I experimented with an extreme posture and dislocated my own shoulder. I mean that really happened, really! Probably a first for a 76-year-old in the ER. So, I’ve been doing more physical therapy than yoga lately.”

From Jane Nelson: “Life is basically the same as in the past months.

Continuing to go between Richmond and Culpeper; Church and meetings are virtual; Zoom and FaceTiming with family and friends.

Thank goodness for technology!

As with most, Thanksgiving and Christmas were not the usual family celebrations; and I missed the annual get-together with roommates Keenan, Penn and Susan. Things are not as I would choose, but so very necessary with the need to exercise precautions. I have come to realize how much direct contact with others means and treasure the time when that’s possible. I’m looking forward to again working with Gracie Butler Johnson on the Annual Fund and to seeing Anne Ward Stern, when possible, since her move to Charlottesville. Very thankful for health and all I have, especially given what so many are going through.”

By the time you read this, most will be vaccinated. But at this moment, we are still in anticipation.

From Jeannie Campbell Barquin: “I never thought I’d be glad to be 76

and excited about getting a shot! By Feb. 1, I will have had both Pfizer shots and ready to welcome spring with a little less fear than last year.

I have been able to keep up with friends through phone calls, texts and emails. I play a lot of duplicate bridge online, which has kept my brain functioning most days. Getting through the holidays was a real challenge, but we learned quickly how to bundle up, huddle around a firepit and enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas with paper plates and sterling silver. It worked just fine. We were truly very thankful to be able to do that. I remain in touch with Sweet Briar friends, especially Marcia Pace Lindstrom, Harriette Horsey Sturges and Sheila Nolan Fuller.

We haven’t seen each other, but find that we can easily pick up our friendships and keep on enjoying each other. We plan a mini-reunion once we are allowed to gather again.”

Sally Thomas Hoffman and Paul took a trip to FL to visit family and friends in Jan. 2020. At the end of Feb., Sally went to the Sewing and Stitchery Expo in WA for several days. All before anyone knew anything about COVID. They got their first vaccine Jan. 24 .

Kit Baker Sydnor chimes in: “We are feeling lucky, just had COVID vaccine, hoping for a better year 2021. If an SBC reunion happens, it would be great to see friends!

Funny, even Facebook is contact I enjoy with some classmates, I love the photos and humor. “ Tia Campbell McMillan and Bob are retired and son Andrew is now running the business. “Right now, we are stuck at home and waiting for our upcoming vaccine shots.

Then we are off to FL. Our family is fine. Julia and her family are still in the CA Bay Area. Grandson Evan is at UNC-Chapel Hill. Andrew and family live close by. No college age children yet. Son Will is at Episcopal High School. Tyler and his husband live in DC and we see them often.”

With her first shot in her arm, Randi Miles Long and Herb are looking forward to being able to travel to the East Coast to see family this summer. “So thankful our son Kent and partner Vanessa are close by.

Our lives revolve around our church, gardening, exercising, and birding, a hobby we took up when we both retired years ago. Now, we are learning

how to identify birds by sound. Like most gardens these days, our garden has flourished with all the attention.

We are thankful for zoom classes and webinars. By Zoom I am tutoring an 8th grade immigrant from Iraq through Harbor House Ministries in Oakland. It is rewarding to see how engaged he is during our sessions.

We are thankful our church, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, has provided classes on racism. As a result of these classes, Herb and I have been involved with identifying what organizations our church could partner with in the journey forward to address racial justice. We also are involved with our church’s programs that center on building schools in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and their Healing Hearts program that deals with trauma from violence that occurs in this war-torn county.

I have missed seeing Penn Mullin in person this year and our Sweet Briar gathering in San Francisco.

It is so good to keep up with SBC classmates by zoom or phone. I am thrilled that I have just received contact information for a sister of our classmate, Sharon Price Quill, who died of cancer.”

We have discovered ways to distract and deepen during Sheltering.

Anne Ward Stern aka Annie Kate can now gaze at the Blue Ridge Mountains! After being widowed in 2019, she turned the page for a new chapter, moving from Cincinnati back to Charlottesville, VA, in early Jan., 2021. “I happily divide my time between my Westminster Canterbury apartment and a tiny cottage on my sister Dearing’s property.

We have a lot of COVID-cautious gatherings around her fire pit, I love being back among family and old friends. I am in touch with VA classmates Jane Nelson, Marty Rogers Brown, Ellie Gilmore Massie, Virginia Williams Stanley, Nancy Bullard Reed, Betty Booker and Penny Winfree Gooch. Come visit!”

Andrea Pearson Pennington also used this time to move! “We downsized this year from our big old barn historic home into the only newer home I’ve ever had, built in 2007. It is about half the size of our other home, but it has what I sought, a downstairs bedroom and full bath, which is a lot easier. The 2 bedrooms upstairs are for our children and grandchildren when they

visit. We also bought a small house in Birmingham a couple of years ago, where we go one week a month to pick up our 2 grandsons there and keep them after school. We are lucky enough to have 5 grandchildren, 2 girls in Washington, DC (who lived in Spain for 4 years and consequently speak Spanish) and 2 boys and a girl in Birmingham, AL. That last little girl was born on my 73rd birthday. Al and I have been working hard to stay away from COVID (or as my younger daughter calls it, the rona or the vid!) Like everyone, getting tired of that, but we’ll have to hang in there, as we have been lucky so far. I’ve had one shot and my second is on Feb. 8. Al is scheduled for his first tomorrow, we hope—he is not 75 yet, so we hope he will get it as scheduled! Our whole family met in DC for Thanksgiving and, by everyone having a COVID test before and after, managed not to create a super spreader. Then we went to our home in Birmingham to at least be with that part of the family for Christmas.

Somehow, we survived both!”

Dianna (Peppie) Yaeger Rankin is staying safe at home during this pandemic but she does venture out to a friend’s stables to coach her on her Spanish stallions and at the same time get 3-5 miles walking, trying to stay fit. She now has 3 grandchildren in universities, one a senior in high school, one a sophomore, and the youngest in second grade. Her 4 children have been working remotely at home for their respective companies.

Reflecting all us moms and grandmoms, “It’s a different time in our lives. I miss traveling to see them.“ Vicki Chainski Verity writes “Fortunately, my husband and I get along because we have been sequestered for months in our house. He works Monday through Friday from his man cave/office for Verity Investment Partners. Considering the 2020 activities of the stock market, his work has kept him extremely busy.

With all the at home time, I thought I would do something meaningful like write a novel or find the cure for cancer. But, no. My life has evolved into enjoying the pleasures of connecting with friends from previous chapters, spending more time with Mother Nature and finding joy and gratitude in simple things. In the meantime, I urge everyone to think positive and test negative.”

Courtenay Sands Wilson shared book reports, “My favorite book from this period is The Paper Garden by Molly Peacock. It is the story of Mary Delany, who in the late 1700s at the age of 72, began creating beautiful cut flower collages.

During the next 10 years, she created 985 botanically correct breathtaking cut flowers (in the British Museum today). I then read Mrs. Delany and Her Flower Collages, by Ruth Hayden, which has even better illustrations of Mary’s flowers. Certainly inspirational.” I share her endorsement of Paper Garden, so enchanting! And I add my favorite book, albeit not new, The Hare with Amber Eyes. By Edmund de Wahl. A lot happens—that’s what stories are for—but none of it seems inevitable.

It is a family memoir but so much more. Courtenay and Steve have moved to Jacksonville Beach where both their boys live. “I’ve cut back on civic activities somewhat; Zoom meetings just aren’t the same as seeing people in person. No grandchildren yet, but a grand-dog due soon. I am able to walk on the beach almost every day—ain’t FL great!”

Penny Winfree Gooch also has book suggestions: “I read my Nook.

I have read Jack Reacher, Inspector Gamanche, Gabriel Alon, Seth Harvath, all of those series, and now I am reading some Dean Koontz novels.

She adds, “We have virtual church, but occasionally lay reading which requires my presence at church.”

Makanah Dunham Morriss and Bob have been lucky during COVID time as their 5-acre farm in Forest, VA, is inherently physically distant! They have greatly increased their Zoom skills! Makanah deeply appreciated the opportunity to offer the Invocation and Benediction for SBC 2020 (virtual) graduation which was held in Oct. She also was asked to do the Blessing of the Hounds for the Bedford Hunt in Oct., Bedford is the fox hunt which we hunted with at Sweet Briar so that brought back many memories.

We had 2 long visits with our son and granddaughter (age 12) over the summer which were very special.

Makanah is co-chair of SBC Friends of Riding and is glad to share the news that SBC’s excellent riding program is continuing to be a real plus in recruiting students! Numbers are strong and up.

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

67

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

68

Judy Bartholdi De Simone returned from her annual months in FL just one jump ahead of being locked down in her retirement community.

“Since then life has been quiet, with only activities being Zoom calls with multiple knitting groups, friends, and family. Children and grands far away—one in OR, the other in Ethiopia. At least I see and visit with other dog owners when out for walks. I am so grateful for technology!”

From Nancy Conkle Swann: “Like many of you, I have been supporting many political candidates in this recent crazy election. But 2 main focuses have been the camp I went to and have been so involved with over the years (Camp Merrie-Woode) and where my only granddaughter plans to go next summer and with our Episcopal Diocesan Retreat Center (Lake Logan). My Asheville parish has adopted one of the lakeside cabins there to totally renovate (4 bedrooms, 4 baths, great room with kitchenette). I have been co-chairing this project all year and recently have been doing the interior painting along with a few others.

“The promise of a vaccine gives us hope at last!” writes Gracie Butler Johnson. “And hope is good! Speaking of hope—I am hopeful for a continued brighter future for SBC! I am very proud of the way they have handled this pandemic. . .no easy task for any organization. They obviously will need our continued help. . .both to counter the extra costs of COVID but also to get back on the upward trajectory of innovation and enrollment they were so successful in. Jotham and I are very tired of self-isolating and not seeing family.

We’re thankful we can have church and bible study and book discussions on Zoom. It is nice to be able to see our church family’s smiles and faces each week and share concerns... even though we yearn for hugs. Our daughter Sarah and her husband Josh quarantined carefully for 2 weeks in Nov. so they could come down from MA with their Basset Hound, Ray, and visit for a week over my birthday and Thanksgiving. I didn’t hear any 76 trombones playing or celebrating, but we did have long wonderful walks and someone else to help me be creative in cooking! It was a welcomed break. . .that probably won’t repeat itself for many months now again.

Robin Randie Culter has also been on retirement-center lockdown.

She moved from NYC to Oakland, CA, to be near family, and almost immediately went on lockdown.

“Definitely a difficult year, but I look forward to seeing more of my family and grandsons Alex, 12 and Will, 10, later in 2021. I will have the second vaccine shot Feb. 5 and move ahead from there. I will have lots of physical therapy because I tripped on the sidewalk in Nov. and ended up with fractures in my right foot and the left knee. But today, in the middle of a burst of rain after so many months without enough or any rain, we saw a rainbow from our building on Bay Place. That has to be a good sign. I am very impressed with all the positive news coming out of Sweet Briar.

Staying in touch virtually with my NYC book group which includes Ginny Lee Butters who is holding it together. I send best wishes to all for good health and more chances for adventure by the time you read this.”

Penny Steketee Sidor has filled the months with health issues (ugh): “In the spring Mike got his second hip replacement, I waited a few months for him to heal, and then I had a couple of heart valves repaired.

We were fortunate to find windows in the healthcare world to get these long-awaited repairs done. My trips out of the house have primarily been for rehab and his have been for groceries. We are looking forward to getting our vaccines in the next couple of months (hopefully) and rejoining the world! The other major event during the epidemic was the arrival of our fourth grandson—Danny, Joey, Owen and Ian, ages 7 months to 9 years. Can’t wait to get together with all of them! Love being Grammy!”

Martha Madden Swanson: “We were fortunate to be on a cruise to Hawaii when everything shut down.

No one was sick so it was a nice bubble experience before coming home to quarantine and then stay home for ages. We’re healthy as are our children and they are gainfully employed.

My extended family is relatively unaffected, thank heavens. I’ve enjoyed the Sweet Briar Sweet Stories in the Dell, as well as lots of other online presentations from lectures to interviews to theatre productions. And of course, I’ve spent lots of time on Zoom calls for the 2 boards I’m on. I was grateful to the donors who made

it possible to pay all the staff of the school I support in Kibera Slum in Nairobi. We also did twice monthly food and hygiene packages and were able to keep up with school work on paper. People have been very generous.”

From Jane Utley Strickler: “It’s been a long time since 1966 and I am healthy and grateful. Life has slowed down since COVID arrived but I managed to take a trip to Williamsburg and the Concours d’Elegance at Amelia Island right before the shutdown. Since then I have been traveling the world with Rick Steves on YouTube. I spent lots of time in Highlands, NC, this summer and have played lots of tennis here in Atlanta getting some exercise, sunshine and seeing friends. Christmas was spent in Augusta with my daughter Kathryn, her husband David and 4 grandchildren. I also got to spend time with my daughter Leigh who lives in Marietta. They are all doing great. I am so thankful for them. I have recently been able to go to my Anglican Church in Atlanta and attend some exercise classes. My new year’s resolution each year is to drink better wine.”

Penn Mullin Fullerton paints us a lovely picture: “Just came in from weeding in my rose garden, trying to sweet-talk them into leafing out NOW. I’m ready! Looking ahead to self-publishing a children’s picture book late this Spring. It’s been fun working on it with a friend who is an artist.” She also acknowledges a year of hard personal losses. She is able to move forward with so much love and support from family and friends, and the ability to be in a pod with her grandkids. I am lucky to walk with her regularly, and she talks often with Jane Nelson, Susan Hiller and Randi Miles. “That is like gold,” she exclaims. “Sweet Briar seems to be in my life in some way every day!”

Muriel Wikswo Lambert also brings us into her living room: “I am sitting at my laptop looking out the window and thinking what an incredible year this has been. Just at the end of Jan. last year my youngest son was getting married here and we had a great time for the weekend with both of the families. Now after 12 months, my son and his wife, who are both doctors in internal medicine in Oklahoma City, have finally been able to fly home, visit and celebrate

their wedding anniversary with us.

Even with face masks and 6 feet social distancing, my husband and I have been able to see him and his wife in person and thought this was so great. What a change in lifestyles in one year. My daughter, who is in family medicine, and her family will drive down from ME at the end of Feb. for a short visit—we haven’t seen them in 9 months. Today my oldest son, a doctor in family medicine outside of Philadelphia, and his 9-year-old daughter came to celebrate my husband’s birthday. His daughter brought a cake she had baked. Due to the snow forecast, we had a brief lunch with them rather than dinner.

Again, we had facemasks in place and were social distancing except for quick goodbye hugs. Amazing, but you learn to adjust. My teaching and meetings at Rutgers NJ Medical School are all done by Webex or Zoom, as are national and international meetings. I hope that this is not a wave of the future. Personal contact with individuals is so important.”

And finally a special shout-out to Pat Gromel Young. Not only was she my “first responder,” she says,” I think this is one of the first times I’ve sent news! It was so nice reading about former classmates and yes living in our bubble many memories have surfaced. Our 4 years at SBC are cherished. Being 76 just gave us our first Moderna shot and we hope to be hugging our 3 grand girls soon.

(The oldest, Zoe 17, had COVID last summer with few symptoms and is awaiting college decisions) I can’t wait to resume NYC lunches with Susan Kjeldsen Roos, Pam Mendolia Abernathy and Lin Campbell and share the silver linings of this pandemic year. Stay well.” Do not stay a stranger!

For myself, I’ve been riding the political roller coaster, from horror to hoorays, and am so grateful for a road to recovery. Still many challenges, but I feel more secure. My garden, a COVID cat, a new love and writing projects have all helped. But the most joy has come from outdoor exploration. Marin Open Spaces are extravagant. We had an utterly fantastic murmuration of starlings, I’ve seen salmon spawning and listened to a mockingbird for half an hour.

Whales are migrating in the ocean, there have been otters and even 2 bat

rays in the local creek. I am grateful for all that, and for each of you.

Here is a wonderful pitch for reunion from Tracy Bean Kenny: After many years in VA (Lynchburg and C’ville), Sweet Briar had gotten lost in the shuffle of life. “But when Sweet Briar found itself in dire straits, I realized how much I cared about its future. Living as close as I did made the trauma of that time all too real. The College making its way back is nothing short of a miracle! I love now living in NJ and being close to my daughters and their families.”

Keep May 28 and 29 open. There will be reunion, whether virtual or campus. And we will make it fun and easy. Do we have reunion chairs?

I leave you with Judy Barthhold De Simone (who sent in a last-minute hello, acknowledging that she has always been prone to run to deadline!) “All I want to convey, really, is this: my profound gratitude for being able to reach out to old friends, along with my deep sympathy and sorrow at the abiding grief, heartbreak and loss being experienced by so many classmates, friends, family and fellow citizens.”

1967

Gail Robins O’Quin 2651 Kleinert Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70806-6823 cgrobins@ix.netcom.com Hope everyone is well and safe. I for one am tired of being locked up.

Bill and I are doing well with no major problems ourselves but we have lost several of our close friends. I am scared to open the paper these days.

I’ve gotten my first shot but had a terrible reaction to it; in fact, I ended up in the hospital for a day. All tests were negative so I guess I’ll get the second shot next week.

Victoria Jean Baker feels guilty that she and Lee feel guilty complaining that they have missed their favorite hobbies of travel and ballroom dancing. “My contributions to Eckerd College courses have all been via Zoom, and other activities have also been the safer-at-home kind.

My mother, a healthy centenarian, passed away at age 101 in Oct. Her passing was likely the result of many months of social isolation in an ALF, despite our daily calls. On Jan. 20 we

breathed a sigh of relief, toasting sanity, justice, science, truth, and hope.

Thanks to luck and persistence, we recently got our first COVID vaccination. I booked a trip to the Galapagos for next Nov., cautiously optimistic. Hang in there, everyone!”

We will! You go girl!

Glory McRae Bowen sent her usual holiday letter but had to cheat a little, sending last year’s pictures because all of her trips were cancelled due to COVID. However, she did not let her forced stay-at-home go to waste. She has an ankle replacement as well as a foot reconstruction redone—not much fun especially since this was the seventh surgery in 6 years. She did go to her brother’s wedding in Jacksonville last year on New Year’s Eve. “The pandemic has been a time to slow down, reflect and really appreciate the magnificent outside my window.” We all need to adopt that philosophy! Her daughter Glory is producing plays for her Planet Connections Theatre on Zoom with much success. Her son T.J. Lives close to her so she gets to visit with him frequently. Altogether, Glory seems to be doing quite well in spite of her physical issues. She wishes everyone much happiness and new life to look forward to in 2012 and thereafter!

Leila Carroll Randolph Barr reports “We had a glorious summer of 2020 in Michigan with family and friends. Michael and his family were there for 2 months! They worked from home, various rented cottages, and we all enjoyed the outdoor activities typical of lake living in addition to golf, tennis and pickleball. Angus still works at Wegmans—they are superlative employers. Mike is still struggling with his knee and has decided to go for surgery number 5 in Feb. Hoping this will be the charm. I work at the food pantry 3 to 4 times a month and love my freedom to play golf, tennis and pickleball.”

Lynn Frazier Gas writes, “I guess no one has done much of interest since the lockdown. I am getting the second vaccine Feb. 16, but I don’t think it will change much until herd immunity is achieved.” I’m sure we all agree!

Bonnie Blew Pierie says “Tim and I are doing well here in FL staying away from the raging pandemic by doing basically nothing but going

to the grocery and doctor visits. Best part is that our weather has been quite acceptable and very beautiful recently. Our Massachusetts home is not yet sold as we await some survey work to figure out a new plot plan configuration. Maybe this summer? I am very pleased at the success Sweet Briar has had in making the campus safe for everyone and hope that continues. Many thanks to Gail for taking on the task of our class notes.”

Molly Fontaine Randolph sends greetings from Richmond, VA. “We are awaiting our second snowstorm of 2021. The last one dropped 5 inches and schools were completely closed last Monday. The elementary school teachers in Chesterfield County’s 35 schools wouldn’t mind.

They had to open, face-to-face, last week. Some hadn’t even had the first vaccine injection. By week’s end, several teachers tested positive. They, and their students are quarantining.”

Unfortunately, that scenario is happening quite a bit in schools.

Just a little housekeeping; Vicki Baker states that the “J” in her name is Jean, not Jones as I had dubbed her in previous notes. Also, Mary Bell Timberlake is now going by Mary Timberlake; she no longer uses Bell now that she has a real last name.

Apologies, Ladies! Here’s to a much better 2021 than 2020 was. I hope everyone stays safe and well!

1968

Pembroke Herbert Kyle 26 Canterbury Hill Topsfield, MA 01983 pembroke.kyle@gmail.com Susan Hinner Avesian: “2020 a crazy year but so far, we are on this side of the grass! My husband was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. Then we saw 7 of our 11 grandchildren over Christmas resulting in us both coming down with COVID. It is not for sissies. We are slowly recuperating and now have to wait for the vaccine. We are still living outside of Atlanta.”

Andrea Sonfield Beerman: “I am so proud to say I went to Sweet Briar because of the mighty work our classmates did to save her! I’ll be 75 and I guess we’re all in the same boat, having experienced highs and

lows for so many years. I still work in my store Expressions Furniture in Hilton Head. My first husband died in 2013 and I remarried a wonderful man in 2018. My kids have had amazing careers and 10 grandchildren to keep me busy remembering birthdays and loving FaceTime. As I try to make sense of the world in these difficult times, I return to God and ask for His forgiveness and mercy. May we take Him seriously! God Bless us all!”

Phoebe Peacock Brunner: “My activity pretty much mirrors a cartoon I saw of 2 polar bears sitting on opposite sides of a zoo enclosure.

One says to the other ‘What are you doing today?’ His pal responds ‘Nothing.’ The reply to that was, ‘You did that yesterday.’ Response, ‘Yes, but I didn’t finish.’ Same here.

I do continue with Zoom monthly meetings for Watergate South New Yorker Readers Group and Watergate South Book Club. Daughter Anne, who lives on the top floor of my building, is very excited about our new Secretary of State. She has worked with him and finds him a very knowledgeable colleague, easy to work with, a very nice person. Anne’s identical twin sister, Mary, a veterinarian, the mother of my grandchildren, is forging on. Her husband, Phil, professor of musicology at University of DE, teaches his classes online and monitors the Wednesday session of my grandson’s second grade learning circle. I send a pizza lunch to their group once a month.”

Kazie Burton: “Bright spot from here was the arrival of first great-granddaughter, Evelyn Sloan Hurley, in Dec. Lots of pent up travel plans due to cancellations last year.

Summer was bearable with a newly screened porch watching the local flora and fauna in the evenings. I raised monarchs and swallowtails from eggs and released a few hundred over the summer. It’s an amazing life transformation to watch up close. I started a business a year and a half ago as a certified loan signing agent doing mobile closings. With interest rates at an all-time low I’ve been very busy—what began as a lark and a little hobby has morphed into a full-time business with more work than I can handle. After the Women’s March in 2017, I rediscovered my 1960s activism and have be-

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

69

CLASS NOTES

Suzanne Little

Great granddaughter of Kaysie Burton ’68

sbc.edu

Eloise, Edward and Estelle Croft, grandchildren of Susan Brush Croft

70

come involved in several progressive groups. I continue to keep a finger in the greyhound adoption pie with my little Etsy shop, Hats for Hounds— hand knit dog hats with all proceeds going to my local adoption group.

Good health and an active life are the biggest news of all. I hope everyone is finding joy and purpose in our 70s which just may be the new 50s! Stay safe everyone.”

Katey Buster: “I have been very fortunate throughout the pandemic months to have had a hobby that kept me socially distanced and outdoors! About 6 years ago I took up birding as a serious pursuit and have kept lists of all the species seen so far in the lower 48 states. I will soon join the 600 Club which means I would have seen and listed that many species. After moving back to KY from CO, I visited many nature preserves and parks in my area as well as a national forest only an hour away, always with binoculars and camera in hand to record birds each time on Ebird, a free online program that allows us to contribute to citizen science.”

Mary King Craddock: “As an anesthesiologist, I currently prac-

Family of Brenda Darden Kincaid

tice at a cosmetic surgery center in Bethesda, MD. Since the COVID restrictions have been in place, the surgery practice has only increased.

We were closed for about a month and when elective surgery resumed, patients poured in to get their ‘Mommy Makeovers’ and a host of other enhancements done. Working from home gave patients more opportunity to get that surgery they had always dreamed of having. My practice has changed to include all COVID precautions. The patients have had excellent results and no staff member has contracted the virus. It couldn’t be better in these trying times!”

Lynne Gardner Detmer: “Like Frances and John, Jim and I moved into a CCRC in Williamsburg, VA, in 2020. Just as we were getting settled, lockdown happened. Who recognizes strangers with masks on anyway? After we completed our move (without family help, due to COVID restrictions) and got our house on the market, we came up to the farm in NY’s Adirondack Mountains, where we stayed until going back to get our shots in early March. We enjoyed our time in the mountains getting all sorts of things

done that we usually do not have the time to accomplish and our house has definitely benefited from our attention. We are now in Williamsburg, with continued lockdown.

Some day we will be able to meet our neighbors, and share time, activities and life stories. For now, all is well.

We are safe, as are our families; we are happily occupied with multiple activities of our own creation, some very useful, and others totally frivolous. I hope the same for all our classmates!”

Anne Kinsey Dinan: “Fate tells me to find my 2020 news and simply change the date to 2021! Not much is new, and the repetition is exhausting. Terry and I are now both retired, Kinsey and Ashley continue working from their homes, our granddaughter has commandeered the dining room (with a very small “pod” that joins her once a week) and our grandson has proved to be better at working from Home Alone.

He reminds me of Macaulay Culkin, and even looks a bit like him. I wish all our classmates and their families a safe trip through the maze once again, hopefully this is it!”

Sara Granath: “Luckily, I spent

a week in Nice, sunny, almost empty, before all hell broke loose. Not a hug since Feb., almost no theatre (my job and my hobby), no movies, no restaurants and 7 months without a haircut. And, no trip to Galway, twice now, no Olympics, no sports at all for a long time. I have gym on the TV every morning, taking long walks, skiing lately, watching lots of TV and reading books. My book club is meeting more often than before and outdoors, even in the winter.

Christmas was at my cousin’s with one brother, good food, dog walks and card games. Also having Zoom meetings, doing some article writing and translating 2 Wodehouse short stories; that was fun. It is good to be retired, I would not want to teach now. Distance, distance, distance and the vaccine is coming! The days are getting longer, with 8 hours coming soon. Yippee.”

Percy Clarke Gwinn: “My husband, Michael, and I are managing to endure this COVID nightmare.

Fortunately, we live in a lovely, quiet community in Pinehurst, NC, so we have been able to get out, walk and see neighbors from afar. Our summer in ME was shortened to only 6

Amy Thompson McCandless, husband Steve and sons

ily and I are all safe and well. Who would have thought a year ago that we would be so excited about getting a vaccination? We had our first COVID shot in mid-January (Steve and I because we are over 70 and the boys because they work for a pharmacy). The hardest times for me were when we were quarantined. I longed to resume my church activities, tennis matches, social gatherings and restaurant dining even though I knew I should be thankful to be safe at home while essential workers were putting their lives on the line.

I found consolation in listening to Morning Prayer from Canterbury Cathedral on YouTube, Zooming with colleagues, friends and family, and walking/jogging 10 miles a day.”

Frances Kirven Morse: “I am grateful for 2 COVID vaccinations.

Yay! I can’t believe my anticipation was greater for a vaccination than for a vacation! The highlight of my last few months was being interviewed by the local Palo Alto newspaper about the vaccine clinic held at our retirement community, Channing House. Our county shutdown has meant that we spend lots of time in our apartment. But I have managed to start the Channing House Racial and Social Justice Committee.

It’s been tiring but exciting to plan events for our residents. We have used movies, books, webinars, art and music to start dialogues on what we each can do to end the systemic racism and white privilege in our country.”

Sally Lawrence Watkins: “Hello from DC where I am continuing to work as a real estate appraiser of

John and Frances Morse ’68 with vaccine certificates

complex properties mainly for estates and divorces. I like my job and it gets me out to meet new people and keeps me on my toes. I am active in my neighborhood association and I have just accepted a position on the Appraisal Institute Board in DC. I still like to garden, but cooking has not been so much fun in the pandemic. Looking forward to getting a vaccine and back to normal life soon.

Hope to see you all when it’s safe.”

Connie DeBordenave Williams: “Greetings to everyone in the class of 1968. What a year it has been! Tad and I are well for which we are so grateful. In Sept. we moved from an apartment where we had been for 5 years to suburbia. We now have a small house with room for visitors and grandchildren who want to sleep over. We are both gardeners, so it is nice to get our hands back in the soil again. Almost all of our family is in the Richmond area except for our youngest daughter who lives in Florida. We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren and we feel blessed.

Call and come visit when you are in our area. We would love to see you.”

Mary King Craddock at work

Nancy Hickox Wright: “I am sending a one-armed hug and much love and gratitude to all the dear women of the Class of ’68. I know we have ALWAYS been off the charts but because of your generosity and willingness to help, we are now OFFICIALLY off the charts! 61.5%!

I’m sorry that thank you notes will be a little late—this happens when you’re 73 and trip over your own feet.

I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.”

spring 2021

weeks. We were planning to spend Dec. and Jan. in Lyon, France, where our son William and his family were supposed to be living for a year while William was a visiting scientist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Needless to say, none of this happened! I mourn daily, the death of our dear, precious friend, Suzanne Little, just more sadness for 2020.”

Ann Biggs Jackson: “It’s been a dull year in many ways as we all know, but there have been a few bright spots. I had 2 foals born last spring and expect 3 this year. In spite of the vastly reduced racing calendar, my horse Flash Jackson ran twice in Middleburg, VA, and I even got to go to the race in the fall and witness his win. He had been second in his spring debut over timber. Christmas was great fun in Florida. My 2 daughters, son in law and 2 grandchildren were all with me in Palm Beach. It was a great 2 weeks! I am also one of the lucky ones to have gotten the COVID vaccine! Palm Beach has done a terrific job getting it to its residents over 65. I just hope the supply increases and we all get it soon and put COVID behind us!”

Brenda Darden Kincaid: “I started the year by taking part in the Master Gardeners class in Lynchburg. The classes went online in midMarch. I am not a master gardener but I enjoy learning. Zoom has kept me in touch with family and friends.

We did have our annual family vacation on the Outer Banks. Best wishes to all for a better 2021!”

Amy Thompson McCandless: “I am happy to report that my fam-

71

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

72

Pembroke Herbert Kyle: “’It was the best of times and it was the worst of times.’ Dickens’ words describe this past year. No travel to be with our CA family and friends, no cultural activities and no dinners out.

Yet priorities became clear: healthy family and friends. Zoom has offered opportunities for great online lectures from One Day University and YouTube Cocktails with a Curator at the Frick. Being outdoors, running, gardening or walking has saved me. Bill & I enjoy being able to spend time at our home on Nantucket. Please let me know if you ever visit, we’d love to see you, once our world has returned to normal.

A heartfelt thanks to Anne for all of her work over the past years gathering our news to gather us together.

It’s been great to hear from everyone, especially in this time of isolation.

Stay healthy, dear classmates. Sadly, our classmate Suzanne Little passed away on Dec. 27, 2020. Her obituary follows.”

Suzanne Middleton Little, 74, of Houston, TX, died Dec. 27, 2020 after a full, rich life which she continued to embrace even as she fought a three-year battle against sarcoma.

Suzanne was a beloved sister, and friend, whose resilience combined with an optimistic and darkly humorous take on her life and illness was an inspiration. She was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Lamar Little, her nephew John Siegel, Jr. She leaves behind sisters and brother-in-law, Roberta and Bob Head and Louise Little; nieces and nephew, Melissa Siegel, Shannon Siegel Neblett (Mike) and Chris Head (Kathryn); great-nieces and nephews, Katie An and Ivey Beth Siegel, David and Lauren Albuquerque and Anna Kathryn and Thomas Head; and her dear friend Doug Miller. Suzanne was an enthusiastic dancer, yoga practitioner, knitter, bridge player, reader, PBS listener and watcher, follower of current events, music lover, traveler, gardener, cook, gourmet, confidante and advisor. She loved to engage with people, including surprising strangers she encountered and found something in the moment to share or laugh about.

Her family and friends are especially grateful to Katie An and her little hero dog, Jake Owen, who stood in for all of us who could not be at Su-

zanne’s side during her final weeks.

Katie An suggested that Suzanne’s loved ones honor her memory in any way that gives them joy, including donations to causes important to them. Suzanne loved her alma mater, Sweet Briar College, so gifts in her honor there would also be appreciated. As Suzanne stated very strongly in a recent video, she wanted “a party not a funeral” to celebrate her life.

COVID is currently blocking anything in-person but her family and friends look forward to the day they can gather without masks, and joyfully hug, cry and, most important, laugh together while sharing their memories of her.

Finally, Frances, Nancy and I continue the search for missing classmates. So, please—if you receive this Alumnae Magazine but did not receive a request for news and/or photos, please write or email.

1969

Claudette Harloe Dalton 175 Rosewood Dr. Nellysford, VA 22958 cla.dal2t@gmail.com Often, news of our class includes both wonderful happiness and a catalog of bravery in the face of adversity. As we get older, while we hope for good news, we find that ordeals and tragedies become more frequent and they are a chance for us to grow wiser, support our friends and both smile and cry with them. As Crawford says “I know that some of you have suffered terrible losses and my heart goes out to you!” Couldn’t say it any better myself.

Jan Hugenin Assmus crosses many geographic lines by keeping up with a widely dispersed group of classmates every Friday by Zoom.

Marcy Bernbaum, Barbara Kent Attie, Pam Sinex Subalusky, Joan Adriance Michelson, Elizabeth Wyatt, Mary Chesnutt Hunt, Susan Bloomer Rice and Rose Ann Feldman ’70 bring their perspectives to news of the world and support each other during COVID. What a great idea! They have been encouraging each other to get the vaccine and I strongly support their call for the shots!

Kathy Blythe Southerland writes with all good news from

Charlotte. She and husband, Bill, have moved from their long-time family home to a lovely condo within walking distance of many local amenities. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and Bill balances his consulting business with golf and Kathy continues her successful work as a sales associate with Portraits, Inc. Call her to find the right artistic memento of your family.

Similarly to Kathy, Frere Murchison Gornto has also downsized into a condo. She and Dean had lived in their big Wilmington, NC, home for 46 years and had to live at the beach house in Wrightsville for 6-7 months before finding the right place! (We are jealous of anyone isolating at a beautiful beach!)

Their granddaughter was Queen of Proteus in the Mardi Gras just prior to shut down. Lucky timing. Other grandchildren are at W&L and Clemson, or high school so they are growing up entirely too fast!

AtLee Walker responded without any bad news. She was looking forward to her vaccine and relayed that “no news is good news” in her world!

Hattie Babbitt Coons wrote from DC where she and Bruce have lived for the last 27 years. They have been their usual energetic selves and have used their COVID isolation to walk and hike and they have stayed in good shape. They thought about downsizing but are glad they kept their big house with room and yard to move around in. I would love to hear their informed opinions on recent events.

Another DC-ite is Lynn Pearson Russell who has joined her pediatrician husband in retirement after 48 years at the National Gallery. They have not been idle however and have traveled to see family in CA, hiked and fossil hunted in the Sierra Nevadas and spent an idyllic month on Cape May with family. Plus, she trained through Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project to be a climate activist. No dust on Lynn!

From Birmingham, Terry Taylor Hamilton shared that she and husband, Duncan, are well. He has retired from his law practice but stays busy with golf and bridge. Terry amazes with news that she continues to teach tennis every day—just as she has for 35 years! That is just

wonderful! How many of us can say we have done anything athletic for 35 years?

On the other side of the US in San Diego, Less Guthrie Keller writes that she is near her daughter’s family and her son is in Phoenix. She served as CEO of Episcopal Community Services and retired this year.

She managed to keep the 93-yearold organization open through 2020 to provide their services. Kudos to her for doing such important work.

She too Zooms with classmates: Mary Nelson Wade and Ginny Stanford Perdue in Nashville, Haden Ridley Winborne in Atlanta and sometimes Lin Rick Rosenthal in Laguna Beach.

Another recent retiree from church related work is Cynthia Hays Findley. Cynthia worked in Charlottesville for the Christian Aid Mission for 44 years. She retired in 2019 after her dear husband, Bob died in March of that year. Cynthia and Bob are well known in the missionary community that works with indigenous groups. She has started a new ministry called, 24:14 World, based on that biblical passage in Matthew and friends are working with her to preserve Bob’s records and legacy. At the same time, she renovated their home in Ivy, so she has stayed busy and we wish her success in this good work.

Also living near Charlottesville is Jane Merriam Wickens. Her daughter’s family lives close but COVID kept the grandchildren distant but with vaccines half done, they are looking forward to closer hugs and get togethers. Jane and Justin spent many months isolating in Cape Cod—lucky devils! Besides gardening and walking, they got a labradoodle puppy to keep them busy during this pandemic. Good idea!

One of our most loyal classmates has been Betsy Blackwell Laundon and she sent an update not too long after the deadline for our last newsletter with some sad news. Betsy had told us the sadness of not being able to communicate well with her husband Mike Esch and her latest note shares that he died in Nov., 2020 of cardiac complications. They married in 2010 and his children and grandchildren were lucky to have Betsy enter their lives. We are lucky too to have her close by in Lynchburg and

always ready to support Sweet Briar.

It was thrilling to hear from Annie Green Gilbert. I had generally heard of her fabulous dancing career and it was nice to hear some of the details. She landed in Seattle after graduation where she founded the nonprofit Creative Dance Center in 1981. In addition to the Center, she wrote 5 books on dance and produced 2 DVDs. She continues to teach on Zoom and has had students from across the US. Her gastroenterologist and talented pianist husband of 50 years has been a huge support and dances as do her 3 children and 7 grandchildren. She has really made dancing the focus of her life and I think back to pictures of her dancing at Sweet Briar. We can only applaud her dedication to her chosen profession and be grateful for her contributions to so many. Check out her classes at creativedance.org Carol Moseley Tash has also become a caregiver for her husband, Garry, who has Alzheimer’s. She is grateful for Amazon, Walmart, DoorDash and GrubHub for keeping them supplied! She is yet another great example of how Zoom and other interactive media have kept her connected to both family (daughter Ginny and grandchildren in Greensboro and son Andrew’s family who live in West Springfield, VA) and SBC friends like Sally Boucher Hovermale McGeath and Carolyn Jones Elstner and Midge Yearley.

COVID didn’t get our Nancy Crawford Bent down! She distracted herself with a case of the shingles and her husband’s appendectomy.

(She had to change from her 24hour a day nightie and get dressed to go get him on New Year’s Eve hours after the surgery!) And she recounts some non-medical distractions: “As character-building exercises, I’ve read some of the books I managed to avoid at SBC (e.g. Moby Dick, The Great Gatsby and David Cooperfield). For fun I do puzzles, play games on the NYT website, sleep late and ‘attend’ genealogy webinars.

And eat ice cream.” She is not being completely honest however since she is also working part-time for the CT River Conservancy and mastering Office 365 and its attendant techy monkey business. I love getting info from Crawford—always good for a smile!

And from our redoubtable class president, Martha Brewer, comes a report of a busy year despite COVID. Martha survived the Georgia elections that turned nasty several times and she has recovered from having BOTH knees replaced and moving to a new house. Wife Anna has continued to practice OBGYN and so has been on the front lines of COVID. Martha is retired from medicine but has volunteered as a vaccinator. She reminds us that every vote counts, we must come together as a nation and we should get vaccinated!

Like most of you, I have survived this hideous year but not without some fear and sadness about the state of our country. Here, we all struggled to understand each other and our surrounding rural communities and to keep our equilibrium during vitriolic political campaigns and an economy that threatened beloved local businesses. I have lost several friends and colleagues to COVID and while I feel surrounded by crises, I find hope and comfort in your news of bravery and persistence. I leave you with a piece I wrote for the local paper. I hope it, and the shared stories of our classmates will help you to cope with any glitches in your future.

Remember, we are the Fat City Class and we look after each other! I am so grateful for my classmates. A virtual hug to everyone!

I am sad and scared on this 74th birthday. In all my years, I have never seen such upheaval—not even in the sixties. Recent events lead me to fear the loss of civility and kindness.

I want a world free of retribution, hate and distrust. We must unite to become one healing force. Try this prescription: • Seek to understand. Reach out to the angry and disenfranchised. Anger is born of fear.

We must understand these fears. Perhaps we will agree, but the simple art of listening without judgment is a start.

• The solution is usually somewhere in the middle. We must find common ground and work together. Everyone will have to give up something but hopefully everyone can live with compromise.

• Base your actions on proven data. In medicine, this means

“evidence-based” and based on proven facts from known sources. When the future depends on getting it right, you need true facts.

• How you do something may be more important than what you do. When any mob gets violent, they ruin their legitimacy. Go through the legitimate channels. It seems frustratingly slow, but violence is not the way.

• Remember that 2 wrongs do not make a right. I fear years of tit for tat. Retribution should only come to those legally PROVEN guilty. Be patient—the system will work. If it doesn’t work, I will be first to help you. Stay brave and stay the course.

• Be kind. This is a scary world.

Nothing seems safe—our health, our businesses, our money—and COVID is only the first of killer viruses to come. Smiles and kind words may save someone. Be thoughtful—wear masks, socially distance and get vaccinated. Forgive and forget.

• Get busy. No job is insignificant—thank essential workers.

What can you do? No contribution is too small. Keep the pandemic rules, call up a lonely senior, share music, or draw on the sidewalk. Talk to the neighbor who voted the opposite from you and really try to understand what they need.

Re-enfranchise someone every day.

1970

Mardane McLemore 719 Jones St. Suffolk, VA 23434 jlmmrm39@gmail.com Hello, despite the doldrums of 2020 many of you responded, thank you! SBC asks us to conserve print space, and thus I have taken the liberty of editing out many of the overwhelming number of comments on the difficulties of 2020. I guarantee almost everyone is going stir crazy.

Lawson said it best, “not hours, but days and days of monotony and 3 will just about do you in!” Many

wishes were sent for a better 2021, the safety of our classmates and vaccines for all! Many were disappointed/resentful/etc. that we missed our 50th reunion, and there is generally great hope for an in-person reunion this year! Here are the Class of 1970 notes: Kim Mitchell Bethea: “My husband David and I are spending time walking the labs, walking ourselves, reading, watching many new series (has everyone discovered Walter through the PBS Masterpiece app?) and playing lots of golf. Luckily, we are in a place that’s warm (FL). Once it’s safe to travel, our first visit will be to our new grandchild in Boston, who was born in the summer.”

Betty Brewer Caughman: “My bright spot came on June 20 when I married a longtime friend and neighbor, whose 4 boys grew up next door and were good friends of my son. The wedding was held in the church garden with our children and their spouses and a peaceful Black Lives Matter March just wrapping up nearby—perfectly capturing the 2020 moment! Friends paraded by afterward for a drive-by reception.

We spent the next week hiking and bicycling in Blowing Rock, NC, where Ben has a home and where we had planned to spend much of the summer, but a broken leg (mine. . .bird watching while “power walking”, not looking for obstacles, etc.) reminded us that 2020 was still with us.”

Candace Buker Chang: “I just got back from getting my first COVID test (negative), which I needed for my entry into St. John (USVI). I will spend a week with my daughter and her family who live there and my 2 granddaughters before spending a week with friends. I see my other daughter and her family and my other 2 grandchildren almost daily, as I live downstairs from them in Boston. The kids come down for breakfast, and then I cook for the family and have dinner with them weeknights. This wonderful arrangement has saved me from dying of loneliness during COVID times.

I do get out to walk with friends daily—even enjoying some really cold weather picnics as it is the only way to safely socialize. I talk to Jo Shaw Lawson almost every day—we look forward to being able to resume our

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

73

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

74

Betty Rau Santandrea

Pat Swinney Kaufman

Heather Tully Click doing what grandmas do

Fran Gravely with grandson Paul Frankstone

travels together once we get vaccinated. I was able to visit Laura Sickman Baksa who lives on Cape Cod several times during the summer. One weekend I went with Laura and her partner to Cuttyhunk Island—pretty much the extent of my travels this horrible year.”

Lawson Calhoun Kelly: “During this COVID time, I learned how wonderful it is to slow down! At the beginning of the shutdown, we quarantined for 2 weeks because Frank was exposed by one of his doctors. We would take an hour or 2 hike every day, exploring parts of the mountains we never would have seen otherwise. Early on we made the decision to still see our family, and that has been a blessing too. Besides spending more time with family, I had the opportunity to take an Order of St. Luke course on the 26 Healing Miracles of Jesus. That was fascinating and challenging. The OSL is a group of priests and lay people who pray with others for healing of mind, body and inner spirit. Being a family therapist, this made me realize there is another way to help people whom therapy doesn’t seem to touch. Our other big news is we got our Moderna shots yesterday. We had to drive 3 hours to get them, but it is worth it to keep healthy. Road trips at 71 are surely different from the ones we took at Sweet Briar at 17!”

Carey Cleveland Swan: “During COVID I re-upholstered every stick of furniture in my house, re-plastered the pool and dug up every blade of grass and every flower in my yard.

During the process, I gained 10 pounds, had a nervous breakdown and divorced my husband. Well… not really, but almost. The main thing was I missed our grandchildren, and

had time to rethink what is really important. As did we all.”

Anne Compton: “Quite a bit has happened around my haven. I am an artist, and although shows were canceled and sales slowed, I can connect with exceptional artists’ workshops globally, and Instagram followers give me feedback on new pieces. As COVID continued into the hot, hot (Austin, TX) summer, I saw so many new dog walkers and bicycles and baby carriages (we are one block from a large park) in the cool morning hours that I started Annie’s Roadside Attractions. Every weekend (weather permitting) I tuck my work out among the trees and grasses in my front yard for a few hours—small portraits or paintings of livestock for kids to discover tucked in the rosemary—airing out my work for friends and neighbors.

I am also very active with our local indivisible group here in Austin (an occupation that takes up as much, or more of one’s time than imagined!)

I have 2 sons in the DC area who I look forward to visiting once the vaccines kick in. My first son is married and lives in Takoma Park, MD, with my 2 exceptional granddaughters.

My second son is a home builder in Annapolis.”

Jane Rush Davenport: “My longtime friend Jim Musselwhite and I recently bought a tract of land south of Brevard, NC, and are planning to break ground in March. There will be lots of windows looking out on a meadow with a lake and mountains in distance. Less cheerful news: I was diagnosed with very mild Parkinson’s disease a couple of years ago. I spend a lot of time on physical therapy, yoga, swimming etc. and have had minimal symptoms so far!”

Stuart Davenport Simrill: “Well COVID has kept me full of family and projects. I pick up Silas (2) after preschool, and he stays for the afternoon, including a 2-hour nap.

Then his mom, my daughter Helen, a therapist, comes for tea and takes him home. It is a huge blessing. Also, our youngest son Stephen, an attorney, is living here in our RV—i.e. tiny house—making sure the old people are okay. He can walk to work from our in-town Atlanta house and has a ‘beloved’ who clerks for a Federal judge in NYC. My oldest son Spenser teaches at Christ School in Arden, NC, and is still working as chaplain to a retirement community. He has 5-year-old twins and has sent his newest book to the publisher. He also is a trainer with a national program for dismantling racism. I spend my days painting, quilting, weaving, making mosaics and sewing clothes with African fabrics—I’m having a ball!”

Frances Dornette Schafer: “In Feb., I met Sandy Hamilton Bentley and her husband Bob in Richmond to see the Edward Hopper exhibit at the art gallery. Little did we know that would be our only outing for the year. I’ve spent the pandemic walking my dog, Colt, playing bridge online with friends and completely rewriting a 200-page chapter in a book on the income taxation of trusts and estates that I took over from the original author a few years ago. Now just waiting for the vaccine so things can return to some semblance of normalcy.”

Nia Eldridge Eaton: “Although my life is very scaled back, I am still doing docent gigs at Winterthur & Brandywine River Museum (when they are allowed to open) dripping

in Purell, well masked, socially distanced and roles re-imagined. Credit needs to be given to the organizations I belong to for creative pivoting.

I even connected with Terry Seaks, my former SBC roomie, Jane Lewis’ widower, on a Winterthur Zoom program. He saw my name, reached out to SBC for my contact info and we’ve had some good exchanges.

To keep the brain functioning, I’m refreshing my French online with Duo-Lingo and have gone back to crewel embroidery. I do Zoom calls with the 2 schools I attended before college. There seemed to be some interest in having a call with our class, particularly in the run-up to reunion—it might be a fun thing to do. Also, I have scads of our previous reunion years books, more decrepit than we are. I’m trying to capture some highlights and put it up in the cloud so we can all access remotely.

Lots of unlabeled pictures falling out of albums. If anyone has any ideas how to accomplish this, please reach out to me.”

Ann Gately: “2020 started off well enough with my husband, Ira and me celebrating our 5th anniversary in the Netherlands and Italy.

We even managed a domestic trip to Pennsylvania from New Mexico in early March. After that, nada except for a trip to Memphis, TN, for back surgery. It’s pretty bad when travel revolves around operations. But we are all in the same boat. My wish for 2021 is more kindness and less chaos.”

Betty Glass Smith: “My husband Bill and I are both doing well, but there have been several instances of COVID-19 in the family, including our son, who unknowingly was infected when he came to spend a

couple of days with us at Christmas.

Luckily, he did not have a severe case and we did not get it. It was a definite wake-up call to be more careful. Bill has had a couple of procedures this year, the last being hip replacement surgery in Dec. I received a Christmas note from Mary Kelley recently with photos of her home in the snow and gorgeous southerly view in the summer.”

Frances Gravely: “I’ve just celebrated my last grandchild, number 5, the brother of Paul Frankstone (2).

Frequent contact with SBC buddies Mary Jane Hipp Brock, Connie Haskell, Wallis Wickham Raemer, Lorie Harris Amass, Jessica Holzer, May Humphreys Fox and Katie McCardell Webb is helping me get through the COVID blues fairly easily.”

Jane Gott: “Ron and I have remained hermits during this pandemic. I have kept very busy with my 2 new kittens, Ron’s company and my creative endeavors. I have lost count of how many painting courses I have taken over Zoom. My roommate Barbara Offutt Mathieson and I have visited over Zoom. My crafting group now meets over Zoom. I visit my young neighbors in person and am enjoying their 2 young children.

My next sewing project is to make bibs from fun fabric for the baby girl next door. I have 3 knitting projects lined up. I am tired of cooking—I am really sick of cooking. Ron’s Aug. back surgery was a long haul, but he is getting better.”

Fran Griffith Laserson: “I left NYC and spent most of 2020 in Quogue, NY. Daughter Tenley and family moved in for 6 months.

Quarantine was stressful, but living with granddaughters, 4 and 7, was joyful. Daughter Galen set 3 wedding dates; she and her fiancé, Matthew Bussmann, quarantined from San Francisco for 2 months as each wedding got smaller. They married in my garden in late Aug. with just our family and Matt’s parents. What kept me going during the pandemic were my weekly Prosecco Zoom calls with Pat Swinney Kaufman and Mary Jane Hipp Brock! Pat I and I shared a wonderful, socially distanced bottle of Prosecco just before Christmas around the fire pit in Quogue—bundled up in 3 layers and blankets against the cold, and so happy to be together.”

Kristin Herzog: “My show Lu-

minous Worlds at the Appleton Museum in Ocala, FL, just opened last week and the curator tells me it looks great. It runs through June 27, 2021. With this virus I wasn’t sure when I’d be able to make the trip to see it, but today I actually snagged my first vaccine dose. Wahoo! Now I’m preparing for a three-person show locally in Ft. Myers, FL, which will run for the month of Feb. Other than that, I’m just painting and hanging with the kitty girls, and tending my orchid farm which seems poised to go ultra-spectacular any minute now.”

Joanne Hicks Robblee: “The Robblee’s have been pretty much house bound and cleaning out closets/cabinets, sorting through our basement and completing several projects that had been eagerly awaiting our attention. My new label maker has helped me to organize and identify our different questionable possessions. Because we live in Lexington, VA, we have been able to enjoy our early morning walks through town and the 2 college campuses. Our main socializing has been on our newly built deck up on our land that overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. We have enjoyed picnics on the deck with different friends. Of course, the cold weather has put that luxury on hold.”

Mary Jane Hipp Brock: “I wish I did have something to report, but Charlie and I fled NYC in March and came to our home in East Hampton on Long Island, and have been here ever since. Our children and their families are in East Hampton as well-so lots of time together!

We have occasional visits to a sad and beleaguered NYC for doctors’ appointments, but don’t stay more than a couple of days. I can’t imagine what New York will be like when this is all over. So many small businesses are already gone. . .for example, our neighborhood health food store, our shoe repair and the specialty coffee shop. It will be years before these kinds of businesses return.”

Susan Holbrook Daly: “This last year I’ve been trying to fix all my broken parts! I’ve had 2 cataract and one hand surgeries. Skip and I had COVID in April. We were so lucky we didn’t have to be in the hospital, but did have respiratory problems, headaches, fever, etc. for 2 very long weeks. I thought it was all finished and then broke my foot on Dec. 4.

I’m still in a boot, but have been weight bearing for 2 weeks. Fingers crossed for 2021! We canceled Thanksgiving and Christmas with our daughters and their families.

Our 5 grandsons range from 1317. One is at Woodberry Forest as a sophomore. We still haven’t been vaccinated, but both daughters have (one in GA and one in WV.) The GA daughter teaches college accounting, and the WV daughter is an attorney who volunteers on the police commission. She’s the youngest (42) in a group of crusty old men.

I retired from real estate and teaching real estate classes in 2013 after 32 years. A good friend (designer) of 25 years has been in Old Town Alexandria for 35 years but was not open to the public. That needed to be fixed! We have opened a ladies boutique so other people could buy his designs. Long story short, I’m a business partner and am so thrilled to be able to be in one place! It’s just the 2 of us so we can have our own hours—it’s lots of fun! I don’t miss real estate at all.”

May Humphreys Fox: “I keep in touch with the Carpe Diem crew (Mary Jane, Wallis, Jessica, Katie, Lorie, Frances and Connie) with fairly regular Zooms. It is always good to catch up and share our stories. This summer we were happy (lucky) to have our California daughter, Keely and her family at our river house for 10 weeks. The workfrom-home new normal played well into allowing that vacation to occur.

Our son, George, and his family also spent time with us. We called it extended Forced Family Fun! As for our travel. . .not happening. But Charlie and I did opt to spend 5 weeks in Mill Valley over Christmas with Keely and her family. Nothing like having grandkids to brighten your day.”

Baird Hunter Campbell: “We feel so grateful to be living at Hilton Head where daily walks on the beach and golf allow us to get outside safely despite the virus.”

Diane McCabe Reid: “We started the year off well with a celebration of Brandon’s 70th in Barbados.

Then upon our return the world shut down. We stayed home in Palm Beach until the fall, and then stayed at our house in the Adirondacks until Nov. Brandon fell on the ice and broke his femur, so we then spent the next 2 months at our daughter’s

house in Darien, CT, and were able to celebrate the holidays with our girls and husbands. On our drive back to FL we stopped off at SBC campus—looks as beautiful as ever and the Book Shop was nicely full of goodies!”

Katie McCardell Webb: “No news since no travel, no events and no get-together, during ‘The Year of COVID.’ Thanks to the incredible support from our classmates for the 1970 50th reunion gift. You all are awesome.”

Jean McKee Carmichael: “Although these past 10 months have been pretty boring, I can report that on Jan. 1, I became the president of the National Board of YMCA Alumni (organization of YMCA retirees). Seventeen chapters across all 50 states keeps me busy for sure.

Lots of Zoom meetings! Had my first dose of the vaccine, so can’t wait until I can get back to the ‘Y’ and workout, see friends and visit family. I’ve already booked a cruise down the Rhine River for this fall, so I’m definitely being optimistic.”

Betty McLemore: “I’ve been living in Williamsburg, VA, and enjoying my love of history. My daughter recently married after moving the wedding date twice due to COVID and finally eloped. I am moving soon to a retirement facility on the lower Virginia Peninsula as health issues have made simplifying lifestyle a desirable choice. ‘Sister’ Mardane lives not too far away and we see each other when we can. I also keep up with Ginny K. Baldwin Cox ’69 who lives nearby.”

Mimi Moore (ML): “After leaving VA 12 years ago for southern OR, I’m headed back again. Climate change-enhanced drought and fires in the West have become existential threats. I’m looking forward to summertime rain in the VA countryside, settling near Amherst. Up-doing a very old house will keep me occupied until we can actually get out and about. Would love to see any of you 70s in the area.”

Emmy Moravec Holt: “I see the light at the end of this COVID tunnel. Classmate Fielding Clark Gallivan and Gally have just moved to a house on the same street, several houses from ours. We were freshman on the same floor in Manson and now we’re neighbors once again!”

Barbara Offutt Mathieson: “I have ridden out the pandemic fair-

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

75

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

76

ly comfortably. Our 5-acre property provides lots of gardening and home projects to keep me cheerful during seclusion. I’m really aware of what a rare privilege that is, one that so many people cannot claim.

The fires that devastated Southern OR last summer left me and Tom untouched. Zoom allows me to connect with others and with my meditation groups. As a wonderful by-product of COVID, my daughter and her husband (with our 2 little grandsons) just fled urban confinement in San Francisco and bought a house about 8 minutes from me, so now we can help with child care and home schooling—yay! I miss our son’s 3-year-old twins in DC, but they aren’t likely to move here any time soon.”

Debbie Ohler Bowman: “I am currently hosting Jonna Creaser Clarkson who continues with her work with the mission in El Salvador, long distance at this point. I’m still involved with volunteering, much of it with committees and boards on Zoom. I go to one office closed to the public for a few hours each week.”

Kay Parham Picha: “David and I both had COVID in Nov. It was a good excuse not to send Christmas cards and do all of the hoopla we usually require of ourselves. We gained our strength back in Dec. and now we only need a nap 2-3 days per week. One new thing I learned is how to play pickleball, and it is a lot of fun. We have been living for a year now in a single-family home at River Landing, a retirement community in Colfax, NC. 22 homes moved in within a month, so it is like entering a freshman class and being a part of a group of smart, fun, caring people who all have time to get together and laugh. Some are golfers, swimmers, pool players, historians, weavers, readers and jokesters. Most of us have dogs, so we know the names of all the dogs, too. Since I don’t like to cook anymore, and I do like to talk, we can still meet for dinner.

Our meals were delivered when we were sick, and we just put in a work order if we need a new lightbulb or a change of filters. Am I lazy? Maybe a little, but it is certainly less stressful than keeping up several houses. We sold the beach house at Ocean Isle, too. We have so many travel plans for this year—so as soon as things open up, we will leave for the airport!”

Mary Jo Petree Murphy: “Life is good here in the Roaring Fork Valley, CO. Many blue skies, lots of outdoor COVID activities even in the snow and cold: hiking, walking and sledding. A good time to read books and do house projects. So that’s all the news! All you easterners who have too much rain and snow can send moisture this way. We continue to be in a severe drought.”

Betty Rau Santandrea: “I keep busy here in Santa Fe, NM, with Zoom yoga, hiking or walking daily and occasional Zoom lectures on interesting topics. Occasionally I bake something, having difficulty with weight—165 but was 120 when I graduated. My husband Bob and I watch a lot of evening TV. Living here helps me stay sane during the pandemic. I do miss seeing my 3 kids and grandchildren in NY, NJ and Lynchburg, VA. It’s been over a year.”

Mardane Rebentisch McLemore: “I took a most fabulous trip to Egypt and Jordan in late Feb. and of course all was slammed soon after I returned. To avoid going stir crazy I took up golf—which I now love— I’m still not great, but go to our local golf course frequently (fortunately it is not expensive). I’ve also been playing online bridge. Last summer I enjoyed the beach with my 5 grandsons. In Nov. I stepped out of the house and thought—I just can’t take this anymore—so I rented a place in Punta Gorda, FL, and am here until April. I see Betty McLemore whenever I can.”

Kate Schlech: “I took a quick look back at my submission last year and in Feb. I was supposed to be off on a long-planned safari to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Unfortunately, I had a neck disc give way earlier in the month landing me flat on my back in the hospital for several days of IV meds to control pain and inflammation. Although I was discharged in time to go, I still had no treatment plan and couldn’t take the risk my mega steroids would give out while I was in the middle of no-place in Africa. So instead, I spent a couple of months in twice weekly PT. And worse still, by the time my condition got sorted out, COVID-19 was upon us and it was too late. So, no travel in 2020, none planned for 2021. I wish I had something interesting to report, but I don’t. Just jigsaws, paint by number (it’s the latest stay-at-

home fad, seriously!), some research and writing on a possible book (on a very, very obscure topic, don’t ask), online bridge with some DOJ friends each week and various regular Zoom calls to try to keep in touch. I really, really miss my volunteer activities but every place I work is still closed.

And I really, really miss my family.

I’m desperate for a hug or even an air kiss. And, on top of it all, I’m having to completely gut and renovate a finished basement because of unknown water seepage over many years—the remedy seems to be jackhammering to install drains and a pump and then rebuild everything. I find it nigh unto impossible to shop online for flooring and everything else I need. Okay, that’s enough whining from me.

Think I’ll go have a glass of the other kind of wine. On the good news side, I remain COVID-free, as do almost all my friends and acquaintances.

What’s not to like about that?”

Laura Sickman Baksa: “The really big event in our lives this year was the wedding of my daughter Erin and Kristoffer Koster last Jan. in Puerto Rico. Both our close families went down for 5 days of fun gatherings and resort pampering around their wedding, which luckily took place right before the pandemic became known. Erin and Kristoffer have now moved to San Juan for his current architectural projects and hopefully we will be able to visit after vaccines are available. We follow their adventures in the tropics now and are envious of all that warm weather and sun.”

Heather Tully Click: “The attached photo of me and our youngest grandchild asleep in my lap is ‘what grandmas do.’”

Tauna Urban Durand: “For the first time in way too many years, I looked through our 1970 Briar Patch with all of the pictures of our professors and classmates. What a walk down memory lane it was! The only people I keep up with (and usually just a Christmas card) are my 2 roommates—Carol Covington Bellonby and Linda Williams Buttrill.

I wish I knew what happened to the chaplain, Mr. Robertson. He actually came to St. Louis to marry me and my first husband back in 1971. It was really special to have him officiate the marriage. He was such a dear man.

My husband, Doug and I are staying mainly at home every day for the past 10 months and it has been okay. And

we aren’t bored at all. We find lots to do, and still have managed to avoid cleaning out our closets and garage.

We are lucky we live in warm, sunny FL and have a pool. So, we can be outdoors a lot without being with other people. The thing we miss the most is being with our family. We also miss traveling. But we are content and managing to stay healthy so far! We did celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in Oct.” Wallis Wickham Raemer: “I don’t have much to report. I am living 50/50 in MA and Southern CA near Palm Springs! Tennis, sunshine, texting with SBC friends and family, and my hubby keep me smiling through this crazy time!”

Jenny ( Jane) Williams: “I am still running my Furnace Brook Farm in NH. The pandemic hasn’t slowed the barn down, as I am full with 17 horses at the moment. Several horse shows were still on this summer with masks and social distancing. I am raising my 11 year-old grandson for whom the pandemic has been difficult—too much video and Xbox time! His school has been in person held outdoors in tents, even now in Jan! It is 10 degrees out and windy today. We are happy to be healthy and busy though, still riding and skiing.”

Johanna Yaple Wolski: “Not much to report, just want everyone to be vaccinated!”

Suzy Yates: “We have ‘bubbled’ with daughter, son-in-law and grand boys (2) and (4), so that keeps us going. I do Zoom watercolor classes, I keep in touch with Betty Brewer Caughman and Katie Harris. Very proud SBC has survived and prospered in these times.”

1971

Anne Milbank Mell anne.mell@yahoo.com Beverly Van Zandt beverlyvz@gmail.com Mary Frances Oakey Aiken jmaiken4@me.com Rhoda Allen Brooks wishes everyone a Happy 50th! “Who would have guessed this year would ever come? Hopefully it will be celebratory in many ways. My husband John (aka Bear) and I have been doing pretty much the same as most

CLASS NOTES

Maggie Mather Feldmeir and family

of us for the last 10 months: trying to carry on with our routines using new tools but missing personal interactions and travel. We do a lot of FaceTiming with our 5-year-old granddaughter in Denver and outdoor activities with our Cincinnati grandchildren (8 and 10 years old) when the weather permits. We were lucky to spend Christmas Eve with them at our home after they all tested negative the Monday of that week and quarantined for the next 3 days.

That was the best present of all. Now they are back to school and work, and we are back to distancing. I am still doing volunteer tutoring twice a week on Zoom with a program that combines squash instruction and academic support for inner city students. Lest anyone be too impressed, I work in the learning center, not on the squash courts. I also have a weekly Friday Zoom with my 3 sisters, all of whom are SBC alums. Is that a record? The books all my friends have recommended are piling up on my bedside table!” She has experimented a little in the kitchen with all the home meals they are eating. Hopefully 2021 will be different in many ways. Rhoda imagines we won’t soon take times with friends and family for granted. Happy 2021.

For Frances Barnes Kennamer, news is hard to find when all that her husband and she have been doing is hunkering down at home. They feel very blessed that they have been able to have lots of visits with family in Nashville. Golf has been their mental health saving grace. They have played throughout the pandemic, using sep-

first grandson, Noah, arrived Oct. 3.

Even better, her older son and his wife live in C’ville so they can all see each other often. Noah laughs heartily now, which makes her day. Now if only the world would open up, so she could resume her love of travel.

Louise Dempsey McKean and Ted have been sheltering in place and are extremely grateful that they have 2 really nice places to be: NH and Québec. Louise does feel more optimistic now that the vaccine is on the horizon. She was able to reunite with Maureen Conway, Kathy Wilson Lamb, Jacque Penny and Cami Crocker Wodehouse last winter in Jupiter, FL. just before the big lockdown. They are fortunate that their daughters and their families live nearby in NH and ME, and they have been able to get to Quebec several times to see their son and his family despite the closed border. They, like many others, have had to postpone special occasion celebrations such as their 50th anniversary. Louise and her siblings (she is the oldest of 6) are planning a reunion in Québec, hopefully, late next summer, to celebrate all the missed graduations, birthdays and weddings at once. Right now, they just want to stay healthy, get vaccinated and move on. They do look forward to being able to travel abroad again, but all this time to reflect has drastically altered and reduced their bucket list. Best to all.

Rosemary Dunaway Trible writes that she and Paul have loved being at Christopher Newport University for 25 years where Paul serves as president, and Rosemary has been

arate carts and staying far apart. She hopes we can have an on-campus reunion. Hopefully most of us will be fully vaccinated by then.

Dre Bateman reports that she is still alive, practicing law and writing poetry. She is enjoying FL weather and connecting on Facebook. She has enjoyed her nephews’ camping trips to NC, WY and Yellowstone through photos. She hasn’t even been to Miami, but is hopeful for the end of the Pandemic.

Marilyn Boyd Silar still lives in Naples, FL, and is enjoying it immensely! She often travels to Richmond and the Outer Banks where she has friends and family.

While Kay Brown only attended Sweet Briar for her freshman and sophomore years, she has fond memories of friends, classes, UVA visits and more. She still reads all the class notes. Kay retired from banking and lawyering in 2016 and now spends a good deal of time helping with 3 grandchildren (5, 4 and 1) in Portland, ME. This has provided her with endless joy, especially during COVID. Fortunately, her children are all well with good jobs—pediatrician, banker and risk manager. Wishing the class of ’71 all the best.

Debbie Chasen Wyatt writes that she has done nothing during COVID, but in truth she certainly has. Maybe not traveling, but during this period she has resumed painting, finished up a manuscript that she had been working on for a long time, and currently has a litter of Irish Setter pups (lots and lots of work, but so sweet). Most important is that her

Kathy Garcia Pegues’ new pups (L to R) Zoë and Zelda

a large part of his and the university’s success. Rosemary is still very active in Fear 2 Freedom, their non-profit whose mission is to bring dignity and hope to those that have been sexually assaulted and to empower students and communities to combat sexual violence. She remains dedicated to walking alongside those who have experienced sexual abuse as she did when she was 25 years old. Rosemary and Paul’s grandchildren, Locklan (10), Truitt (8), Camden (3) and Carrington (1) are the joy of their lives. Rene Roark Bowditch, Rosemary’s SBC roommate, continues to be her dearest friend, and Rosemary and Paul send blessings to all for a healthy and safe 2021.

Mimi Fahs retired last Dec. after 40 years as an academic in public health—and combined with a

spring 2021

Wendy Weiler-Chappell, Caroline Chappell Hazarian ’12 and their family pod

77

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

78

40th marriage anniversary—took a fabulous month-long trip to South America, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. They returned just in time for lockdown and have spent the rest of the time in beautiful Orient on the tip of Long Island. Their house renovation was just completed, a new 55’ solar heated pool opened, and life became quite wonderful as spring opened up to summer. Her son and his wife lived with them for 4 months. This was a COVID gift as that would never have happened otherwise since they are graduate students at Penn. They had a wonderful time: exploring all the innovative regenerative farm-to-table farm stands, cooking and eating well, playing bridge, as well as getting together with Mimi’s band, the Mudflats, out by the pool for socially distanced music. They gave 2 outdoor concerts for the community, one sponsored by the Orient Historical Society. Also, Mimi raised 4 baby chicks, which was fascinating and fun. Along with their vegetable garden, the still cider from their orchard, and their own honey, they feel almost sustainable!

Now winter is cozy with lots of fires and a new music project—an intensive studio recording workshop on zoom. It’s keeping her very busy plus serving on several boards, the Orient Yacht Club, the Ashokan Foundation, and best of all, Sweet Briar’s board. So, life is good and Mimi has a COVID vaccine appointment! She is excited and eager for our 50th, and hoping life will open up again soon for all of us.

Like everyone during this COVID time, Kathy Fisher Morland and her husband, John, have been at home in Arlington, VA, since the pandemic broke out. They managed to spend a beautiful week with their boys and their families during the summer but decided not to push it over the holidays. They can’t wait to get the vaccine so they can see their 5 grandchildren up close. It will also be a happy day when she can see her 101-year-old mom again in person. She has weathered this time amazingly well, living independently in a retirement community. What would we do without FaceTime and Zoom? They have spent as much time as possible outside, hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains and walking in the many beautiful parks closer to home. One activity she has

had fun with is recording family stories. She took a virtual storytelling class and has had a lot of fun researching context and history behind their family lore. That’s been great, but now she’s ready to get back out in the world and create some more family stories!

Pat Fuller expressed that life in quarantine seems so uninteresting (or tragic, frightening, suffocating etc.). Writing about it feels counterintuitive to many of us. Civic activities (other than a few masked and distanced outdoor protest marches), social life, Zumba classes, volunteer work and her private practice all zoomed to the iPad, phone and pc. Pat’s husband gave up Meals on Wheels, chess club and camera club, but they were able to visit and provide meals to Pat’s 95-year-old mother-in-law until her gentle passing late in the spring. Visits with the grandkids on Cape Cod and a Boston suburb were mostly limited to hiking, outdoor museums, farm visits etc.

She is grateful for improved cooking skills, access to unlimited reading opportunities, what limited human contact we do get, streaming entertainment and most of all nature.

May her gains survive the return of the hominids.

In these scary times Kathy Garcia Pegues and John are fortunate to live in a very rural spot, so social distancing during this pandemic has not been difficult. Their daughter was not so lucky and caught COVID last July. Emily still experiences residual effects but is improving. She has left the city and has lived with Kathy and John for rest and recovery since Thanksgiving. She is able to telework and will stay until the National Gallery reopens. In mid-Oct. Kathy got 2 Labrador sister pups; each about 11 pounds. Three months later, they are 31 pounds! Zoë is yellow and Zelda is black. Someone quipped that it was like they had twins. Well, yes, although human babies wear diapers and don’t chew the rugs and furniture. Kathy hopes to see everyone in May for reunion. Please do come!

Because Lendon Gray works outdoors teaching riding and doesn’t have to be near anyone, she was able to continue to work with the exception of May and June. She cancelled all clinics involving air flight, but picked up some longer sessions

nearer home in the northeast where all the kids and she were able to stay in the same bubble. So far it has all worked well. Lendon has 12 kids (ages 12-24) working with her in Wellington, FL, for 3 months this winter. She’s looking forward to a return to normal, although it may be a new normal.

Barbie Gracey Backer is healthy and enjoying having all her children and grandchildren close by. They were blessed with the birth of Robert Paul Moyer IV in Aug., and Bella Marie Backer in Sept. Both are healthy and live nearby, so Barbie sees them often. Barbie is working and appreciating the structure and stability during these times. Ron and she play lots of croquet and really enjoy the game. She is also involved in some charities, some club work and active in their church. She sends love to all and hopes for a great turnout for our 50th reunion in May. Susan Greenwald was able to have a nature-fix vacation last Feb. in Ecuador’s cloud forest, colonial Quito and the Galapagos. She was home in time to hunker down and enjoy peace and quiet. Lots of peace and quiet! Susan is looking forward to in person visits in the future. In the meantime, she is encouraging us all to purchase SBC t-shirts. They are attractive and the Book Shop needs our support, too!

Claire Kinnett Tate and John were scheduled to have their first COVID vaccines the day she submitted her notes. They would not consider giving away their shots.

Claire and John have spent the past year staying healthy at home (with a few beach trips). Their son and his family live close by and they enjoy weekly outside visits. Their daughter and her family live in New Zealand and they haven’t seen them in person for more than a year but are grateful for very frequent visits via FaceTime and READEO. They are thankful for technology! Due to the miracle of technology they have been able to continue to do their non-profit work remotely—prisoners returning from prison, preschool children and newly awakened awareness of the eviction/ affordable housing crisis in their community. Since summer they have dug into readings, podcasts, videos and seminars on how to become antiracist. So much they never realized.

So much to repair. They have deep

gratitude for their friends of color who stand by ready to help them understand, although Claire and John know that they need to learn all the flaws of whiteness. They are blessed by a faith community actively learning to be anti-racist. Equity is a shining goal. Claire’s time at Sweet Briar was the beginning of this antiracism journey of 50 years. We all still have a long way to go! Inauguration Day restored her soul as she saw women of all backgrounds being honored and celebrated and she heard white supremacy condemned. Finally. It has been a very long 4 years! Claire and John read, walk, cook, eat too much and enjoy visits with friends virtually and on the patio. The patio was built in early June in their front yard beside the sidewalk. With plenty of room for social distancing and, now, a fire pit, the patio is a happy place for regular visits. John receives the credit for the idea of it. Greetings to each of you!

Maggie Mather Feldmeier feels that 2021 couldn’t have come quickly enough, and now that Inauguration day is behind us, she’s feeling more hopeful and optimistic that we will have an organized battle against COVID and win back some semblance of normalcy, not to mention civility. Fingers crossed that we all get vaccinated soon. Clearly that will impact everyone’s thoughts about travel in months ahead, and will most likely determine if there can be a reunion this spring. Over a weekend Maggie and Jake can make the 2-day drive to their second home in Hilton Head, SC. Being able to work remotely has given them the freedom to spend several months in SC, thus skipping the worst of winter in Syracuse While it’s certainly not as warm as FL, they love the greenery, hanging moss, endless bike/walking trails and beautiful beach—plus being happy to see sunshine and not have to shovel.

Laura Mink Gardner hasn’t been back to work since last March.

The great news of 2020 is the birth of 2 new grandchildren in March.

They have been able to see the grands a few times despite the fact that they live in Louisiana and Texas.

Wendy Norton Brown reports that she is looking forward to attending reunion and celebrating the coming end to this pandemic. Hopefully! Wendy shared that she had to

CLASS NOTES are thriving despite the pandemic. Shannon is spending the winter months at their home in Jupiter, FL, but plans to return to MD in the late spring. She hopes everyone is safe and healthy.

Susan Schmidt works as developmental editor and is listed among top ten editors in New England. She is grateful for gardens, veggies in the freezer, porch picnics, yoga online, outside downtown and kayaking to see shorebirds and spotting dolphins to photo-ID dorsal fins. Susan leads Zoom poetry and fiction critique groups along with giving 4 poetry readings and 4 book discussions. Her book, 2019: Let Go or Hold Fast, will be joined by another ready to be published. Before the 8 am tourist arrival time, Susan enjoys walking beaches with Kivi, a Boykin Spaniel, swimming and picking up trash. Trips cancelled included sailing in Bahamas, UK Contra dance and walking Wales Coastal Path.

Knee replacement is happening in April. Come visit Beaufort! As we go to press, Susan heard that her goddaughter committed to SBC, Class of 2025—planning on an archeology major plus environmental science-resilience/sustainability. Wonderful news!

Marguerite Smith Willis writes that she is planning to attend our 50th reunion and hopes many of us will be there too!

Alix Sommer Smith sends greetings from Fredericksburg, VA. Recently she adopted 2 kittens—her little soul kitties. Gladys Knight and Jerry Butler (remember when he sang in Babcock?) are a bit on the wild side. Alix can’t say whether they are going to breathe new life into her or just finish her off. Their “Aunt” Nesi Wissell O’Connor sends the kitties lots of cool toys to keep them busy.

This year Alix’s interviewing of potential Commonwealth Governor’s School students has been virtual, so the old technophobe (her words) had to learn all about Google Meet, breakout rooms and evaluating portfolios from afar. However, the great thing about it is doing work from home dressed nicely from the waist up, wearing sweatpants and slippers below! Alix enjoyed seeing some of you on the ’71 Zoom gathering and is looking forward to our 50th.

Bev Van Zandt sends greetings from San Miguel de Allende

and feels like so many of our classmates—grateful that we have survived COVID, but ready for it to be over or at least make progress in that direction. She loves FaceTime and watching her new grandsons (both 1and older) and granddaughter (4) grow. Thank goodness for technology. Keeping busy in SMA, Bev helps run a food project and the neighborhood park. To keep her sanity during COVID she has walked and walked, almost to the point of turning into Forrest Gump! Bev is really looking forward to reunion and seeing everyone.

Because of the pandemic, Wendy Weiler Chappell and Donald have been working from home since last March. Before then, they normally commuted daily to NYC from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Wendy has an executive search consulting business and Donald manages money on Wall Street. Now Wendy’s commute is to her home office upstairs while Donald’s is downstairs.

So far, it has worked out well. More importantly, they live less than 10 miles from their daughter, Caroline Chappell Hazarian ’12 and her family. They have been able to spend lots of quality time with grandchildren: Dylan (6) and Julianne (3).

It has been a real gift. The weather has been good in the North East so the family has spent most of the time outdoors. It has been wonderful. Gardening, swimming, walking and eating outside have been their favorite pastimes. Wendy has been involved in many charitable projects including serving on the board of The French-American Aid for Children, an organization which has been focusing on food insecurity and domestic violence during COVID. In addition, she also serves on the advisory board of Action Against Hunger which is an International NGO which serves over 40 countries. Being able to help some people, especially children, during these difficult times has been very gratifying for Wendy.

On a happy and very important note, Wendy wants to encourage our entire class to participate in Our 50th reunion this May! It will not be a reunion without all the members of our class. We cherish our life journeys and Sweet Briar College with friendships made during those formative years are so important. Please make every effort to be there.

Wendy Weiss Smith feels very lucky to be in Durham with Duke Forest and state parks galore for daily hikes with her husband and their beloved dog. A small number of her gal friends in Durham are in her “bubble” for birthday celebrations and outside entertainment when the weather allows. Like many of us, Wendy has been on Zoom for meetings, social gatherings and informative programs about many new and diverse subjects. As she wrote, “Go ahead, ask me about lemurs, ginkgo trees, freshwater clams.” Wendy sends best wishes and hopes that 2021 finds us all healthy, vaccinated and able to explore the world!

Anne Wigglesworth Muñoz says that the hardest part of this pandemic is not being able to see children and grandchildren in person.

That said, there seems to be hope on the horizon. They are not yet eligible for the vaccine in AZ but are registered for when they are. Blessed with a new granddaughter in July, Anne has been able to see her a few times with masks on, as well as her other grands (3 in all). She has started a new series of art quilts inspired by southern AZ. Anne hopes she can make it to reunion!

Anne Milbank Mell’s news is similar, “sheltered in, waiting for the vaccine.” While editing our class notes, I couldn’t help but wonder what the class notes looked like from 1918-1920 with the fallout from the Spanish Flu and the time leading up to the passage of the 19th Amendment! In the meantime, get your vaccine when able and plan to come to reunion at the end of May. Best wishes from the 3 of us: Bev, Mary Frances and Anne.

1972

Jill Johnson MarySue Morrison Thomas 98 Pine Bluff Portsmouth, VA 23701 72sweetbriar@gmail.com Susan Snodgrass Wynne and her husband, Dubby, have actually enjoyed the COVID calm! Dubby has permanently moved his office home so spending more time together has been a bonus. Who knew TV binge-watching could be so much fun? They have been fortunate to

spring 2021

place Lee in a memory care facility on Sept., 1. It was the hardest thing she’s ever had to do, especially during a pandemic. She has never even seen his room, but is grateful for the extra eyes, extra help and company one on one for him. Wendy’s sons and their families are close by, and she is able to see them occasionally, but not as often as she wishes. The adults are working from home and 3 of the grandchildren are currently attending virtual classes, which is very trying. These are crazy times for everyone. Needless to say, she can’t wait to see, hopefully, a lot of our classmates at reunion!

Mary Frances Oakey Aiken and John are enjoying a FL winter despite the COVID restrictions. So far, they are healthy and not too constrained but wear masks and observe the usual avoidance of crowds and indoor restaurants. How fortunate that they live at a time where isolation is fairly minimal with the aid of computers!

She remembers so well arriving at Sweet Briar with only a typewriter, hair dryer (that took up half the car space) and a radio. Getting an actual letter at the post office in Manson was a much looked forward to event as was a phone call on the hall phones in the dorms. Luck was on her side when she was able to get the first vaccine shot a few weeks ago and the second scheduled in Feb. 2020 was a bit different for certain, and milestones had to pass quietly, such as their 25th anniversary and family birthdays. In the meantime, she has read lots of books and the house has never been quite as organized (still work to do there). She hopes to make it to our reunion. Take care and stay safe.

Jacque Penny really doesn’t want to recall a lot of 2020 and is still trying to get her arms around the lessons it brought. The number one lesson is being reminded of how short life is, even when it seems long.

Jacque hopes we’ll all get to SBC for our reunion although she’d rather it be postponed so we have more time to get a vaccine and get back to normal, whatever that is.

Shannon Salmon and her husband have completed their 2 COVID vaccines and are hoping that will clear the way for them to go to Normandy in early June. They postponed the trip last year due to COVID. Family, kids and grandkids

79

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

80

isolate with their 2 sons, daughtersin-law and 6 grandchildren who live nearby. Susan has enjoyed months of cooking and crafting with the kids (ages 12 to 4). Ever tried making petit fours? She has been fundraising to build a significant pediatric mental health building associated with the children’s hospital, CHKD, in Norfolk, VA. It will be a lifesaving resource for desperate families along the East Coast since anxiety and depression issues have become epidemic with the presence of COVID. She is also involved with building a hospice in Virginia Beach. As you can tell Susan is never bored!

C: cooking; O: organizing; V: vaccinating; I: isolating; D: decluttering.

Edna Ann Osmanski Loftus has kept busy and mostly sane during the pandemic by continuing to work full-time at St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, NC, a branch of Weber International University. Edna Ann is now in her fourth year as vice president for academic affairs and academic dean at St. Andrews. Like Sweet Briar, St. Andrews had faceto-face classes during the 2020-21 academic year. Edna Ann is happy to report that her faculty remains virtually COVID free. In addition to her administrative position, Edna Ann continues to teach courses in medieval and renaissance literature.

Being actively engaged with students has been a source of joy and hope during these challenging times. In May 2020, Edna Ann was named as the first John D. Currie, Jr. Distinguished Professor of English at St. Andrews. She knew Mr. Currie well and they shared a love of literature and fond memories of time at Princeton University. Edna Ann’s husband, Bill, continues to teach part-time. Edna Ann and Bill have stayed close to campus and home this past year. They look forward to the time when they can resume their love of travel and spend time with family and friends.

Dale Shelly Graham and husband, James, are delighted to announce that they managed to get both children, Fielding and Lily, married in 2020 after many stops, starts and cancellations. Lily had an outdoor wedding Sept. 5 at the farm of her aunt Elliott Graham Schoenig ’76 in Charlottesville, VA. Fielding

also had an outdoor family wedding on Nov. 6 in Dallas, TX. Dale was disappointed not to have her SBC peeps there to celebrate with her but managed to share enough texts and photos that she felt their joy too. They are so thankful no one got COVID and that everyone can stop stressing about weddings and get on with their lives!

Nancy Hagar Bruetsch is now retired from working as a leadership and business skills trainer at EchoStar. She had been home since the second week in March and staying safe from COVID. Her kids: Kim, Kelly, Matthew, son-in-law Dave, and granddaughter Sidney, have been helping her by getting groceries and keeping her spirits up.

Nancy knitted sweaters for the girls and a hat for her granddaughter for Christmas as a way to keep busy. She is now doing a college t-shirt quilt for Kim and Dave and looks forward to the day she can travel again.

Peggy Morrison Outon and husband, Paul, were extremely grateful to have travelled to Australia for a wonderful trip in July 2019 where they experienced 3 weeks of the Sydney Opera House, Tasmanian chardonnay (in Tasmania because you can’t even find it in Sydney!) and dot painting at Uluru. Their daughter, Katie, married in late May 2019, which is another thing they were so grateful to have done in 2019. It was a big, joyous wedding and they loved seeing so many friends and family from TX, CA and LA. Katie’s big brother Ross, who is a cellar master at Patz & Hall Winery in Sonoma served as her man of honor and truly a good time was had by all. Wedding festivities included a Pirates game, rehearsal party at the Elks Lodge and a big post-wedding brunch in their backyard which included no masks, no social distancing and lots of hugging! Peggy reports that since turning 70 in March and the world shut down because of COVID, she has decided not to retire from her job at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University as she had planned. She is Zoomed to the eyeballs but remains inspired by her wonderful nonprofit clients who refuse to accept the broken world and are seeing things improve every day. Peggy is not sure when she will decide she’s finished

and finds this retirement thing quite challenging.

Deirdre Conley says that 10 months of quarantine has been long in Florida. Her sanity has been saved

by Zoom, streaming, deliveries and all things internet along with her condo pool. She has taken lots of interesting classes online with Sweet Briar, Sivananda Yoga, Harvard Edx and Atlanta SBC Living Room Learning. She is amazed by all the webinars open to all that are available from SBC and from all major universities on their public calendars—Harvard, Berkeley, Stanford and more. Talk about continuing education! She has enjoyed all The Sweet Briar Zoom days and finds them informative and fun to see everyone especially with the class of ’72 so well represented. And of course, she says there has been a heavy diet of news, never a dull moment this fall. DeDe wishes everyone a safe and more joyful 2021!

Charla Reynolds implies there’s not much to report of excitement.

Their kids from Richmond moved in with them for 2 months until she got a new hip in May which fortunately was a breeze. They continue to be active in their church with manna ministry and Stephen Ministry leaders. They did get a view of their new granddaughter in Portland, OR. right before things really started closing down. Now they watch her progress from infant to active toddler on FaceTime. They do slip away to their vacation house at Wintergreen when they can and are still hoping their W&L trip to the Baltic in July will take place.

Retirement from the labor and employment litigation practice is still a goal, if not yet attained, for Marion Walker, who started 2020 with her birthday on Jan. 19. As the pandemic infiltrated our lives in the beginning of 2020, Marion was facing a very busy deposition schedule which gave way to brief writing deadlines in March, April and May. So, she was in lockdown before the official notice was issued. Reportedly, she had her head down in work on and off until Dec. Accordingly, her gratitude to have good work and be able to work last year is bottomless. Marion’s twin nieces who are in nursing school training to be nurse practitioners both got COVID; while one suffered

mainly fatigue, her other niece had to be rushed to the hospital when she became unresponsive. Though now improving, her niece is a long-hauler.

Even though there was work to do, Marion was able to spend a good deal of time at the lake last summer.

A trip to the Baltic Sea was cancelled but she is planning for 2022. As may have been expected, Marion played a lot of golf in the fall, read books and stayed current with The Atlantic and almost current with The New Yorker. Being home has allowed her to keep her dog Teddy, a wirehaired pointing Griffon, home each day and take him running most afternoons.

Unfortunately, her weight does not reflect this fact because of Christmas cookies and more time and readily accessible food to eat. There were trips to the beach each of the last 3 months of 2020 and, as usual, Marion found the beautiful Gulf waters to be wonderfully healing.

With an officially licensed Zoom account, Marion has had court hearings and cocktail parties alike. In fact, she held a Winter Solstice party on Zoom with toasts to bid good riddance to 2020 and all watched as she burned emails from participants with complaints about last year’s events, including a curse at the cancer afflicting so many friends. As we all can relate, her heart is heavy over losing Kathy Walsh Drake the first of the year. With all of the disease around and heart-rending stories abounding, Marion yet sees hope that we can latch onto as we see the next new normal evolve.

Kitty Adams Murphy may very well be the “Bionic Woman of the Class of ’72” with 5 joint replacements over as many years. She is sure she set a new record in Jan. 2021 with surgery to replace 7 joints in her right hand! Though this is challenging in terms of accomplishing anything, Kitty remains extremely grateful that medical science has continued to advance so vigorously.

She is served well by her loyal caretakers, Hank and Ally, her 2 faithful and beautiful Golden Retrievers.

Kitty and her husband, Pat, reside in the great city of Nashville, TN; their son Colby lives nearby. Together, the 3 of them enjoy cheering on Nashville’s Ice Hockey team, the Predators, as they endure struggling through another season.

Persistence seems to be paying off for one of our classmates, Ellen Apperson Brown who spent the past year working on an ambitious history project about her great uncle, John Apperson, a pioneer activist in the NY Adirondacks. With the help of a local web designer, Andrew Layton, they have loaded over 1,000 letters, plus photographs, and a huge index, onto the site, thus allowing students and researchers to find information about political history. She hopes her innovative website, Adirondack Activism, will attract the attention of students everywhere, especially those interested in environmental history.

As we know, Jeannette Pillsbury remains in continuous contact with classmates. She loves to maintain these friendships from 50 years ago and she loves to share what she knows from her “life at Sweet Briar in 2020-21.” Jeannette is taking a course at Sweet Briar this long session: POLS 316: Civil Rights and Liberties—so far, so good. She might have to write a brief as part of a team project. To all you lawyers, she sees this as a challenge. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?!

MarySue Morrison Thomas is happy to be approaching her second phase of retirement as her family’s business winds down to completion this spring. Even during some turbulent phases of 2020, the commercial real estate market held true as she and her family celebrated the sales of properties to bring about this closure. After preparing for pandemic self-imposed restrictions and healthy planning, MarySue was thrilled to be able to enjoy some face-to-face gatherings with her immediate family at Christmas and looks forward to much more of this interaction in the upcoming seasons.

1973

Evelyn Carter Cowles PO Box 278 Free Union, VA 22940 ecc52@icloud.com Dianne Wood Keyser: “I’ve been working with NC’s COVID contact tracing surge staff for the last 9 months. I do hope I will be out of a job sometime soon in 2021.”

Kathy Pretzfelder Steele: “We are grateful to be retired and living in

sunny FL during this difficult time so that we can spend lots of time outside, even if only on our lanai. Dave and I keep active by swimming in our pool, walking, bicycling and keeping up with committees and family via video calls. In June, we rented a beachfront home on Hilton Head Island with our 2 daughters and their families where we could keep to ourselves. We spent much of the summer watching our darling granddaughters (5 and 8) so their parents could continue to work, and assisted with the challenges of remote learning and returns to the classroom. We made several trips to GA to see our infant grandson and were fortunate to celebrate Thanksgiving, his first birthday, and Christmas as a family.

We received our 2 doses of the vaccine and now look forward to trips to N. Captiva in March, and Hilton Head Island in May.” Marion Mckee Humphreys: “With the recent spikes in Memphis we have been extra vigilant and hope to be vaccinated soon! Between work, zoom classes and everyday living we have managed to stay involved and busy. I just joined the 70-yearold club…yikes!”

Kristy Alderson: “I am still teaching high school math in FL and telling kids to keep their masks in place. Mark is still renovating houses. Tegwyth is in NYC with her boyfriend waiting out the virus so she can get back to acting.”

Noreen Conover Reid: “Nat and I are enjoying the benefits of the electronic age and communicating with our children and grands through FaceTime visits. Both children are in the medical field, so we keep our fingers crossed that they remain safe throughout this ordeal. Hoping to do some travel soon to the Dominican Republic. Guess we will see how that goes. Cooking, painting, reading and dreaming of exotic places. Hoping to see Ginger Woodward Gast in Italy!”

Ginger Woodward Gast: “I’ve been taking Italian classes online and trying to watch Italian films with limited success unless there are subtitles in Italian, or even better English.

I’m assisting Sue Dern Plank by helping to welcome an international student, Elisa Garcia, from Belize, to the Class of 2022, engineering major.

I’ve learned to make Arancini (rice balls) and Brioche with Nutella and

walk on the treadmill every day to compensate.”

Susan Dern Plank: “David and I continue to be well, thankfully! We have managed to keep busy with various projects: a new driveway, tree work and a new shed for equipment.

The latter makes room in the garage for the first new car my husband bought and has now been restored, a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible. We saw our daughter and family in eastern TN for a week at Thanksgiving. We rented a lovely AirBnB home in the country with plenty of space for all of us inside and out. It was wonderful to see the grandchildren (5 and 8) again. Our Belizean friend, Elisa, arrived in the USA in Aug. on short notice on a repatriation flight, thanks to the quick action of the SBC Admissions Office before that country went into lockdown. Ginger Woodward Gast greeted her at Dulles Airport in DC at midnight. Driving from upstate NY, I met them the next day for lunch at the Briar Patch Inn (Yes, they still have hush puppies on the menu!). She is thriving in her classes and made Dean’s List! She spent the 7 weeks break between semesters with us, which was nice since we weren’t able to go to Belize as we usually do during the holidays. The students and staff, especially housekeeping, followed COVID protocols and nearly all classes were held in person on campus. The seniors want graduation on campus so are doing all they can to ensure it happens too!

We were able to see Laurie Norris Coccio and her husband Chris at an outdoor gathering they hosted on New Year’s Day. (Masks, of course).

I had a Christmas card from Pam Rasche in Milwaukee, who is now retired from her job as a lawyer. She and her mother (94 yrs. old and in good health) planned to have Christmas dinner together without her brothers and their families due to COVID.” Lisa Winslow: “Despite a tough 2020, I had some very happy blessings in 2020. First a new grand baby, Sage Francine Winslow. My son and daughter-in-law live in San Diego, about an hour away from me, so I have been going down once a week to be with baby Sage. I just love being a grandmother! The other was the engagement of my daughter.

After a March courthouse marriage

ceremony, a post pandemic party is in the future.”

Kathleen Cochran Schutze: “Most of our plans for 2020 were postponed. Having a portal for calls has been wonderful for interacting with our grandchildren. We have done a major renovation of our kitchen (using our laundry as a kitchen for 2 months) and den, and have planned a first floor “owner’s wing” addition. We drove to VA at the end of Jan. to pick up a Eurasier puppy, a new breed to us. It has been fun to research it and take online Puppy Culture Classes.”

Mary Buxton: “I made a memory quilt for my best friend’s daughter after their family cabin burned in summer wildfires, saw threatened chinook salmon spawning in our local streams, exercised, learned to use the Instant Pot, lobbied for CA and federal climate change bills with 350 Silicon Valley, made a claymation video for my Sierra Club Chapter’s Guardians of Nature Benefit, wrote a lot of letters and texts for the 2020 election and donated to support the SBC sustainability program.”

Susan Shoulders: “I have just retired and now live in Bonney Lake, WA.” Glenys Dyer Church: “My father moved into assisted living in March 2020. I did not see him since the day he moved in until early Feb. when he had an outpatient procedure. It was wonderful to see him. I am doing Zoom meetings for our adult disabled son and Zoom meetings for me to make cards with friends. Seeing so few people, I feel closer to the friends from SBC on Facebook.”

Anita McVey O’Connor: “Last summer I finally retired, or rather semi-retired. I’m still writing proposals for nonprofits because I enjoy it so much and it’s easy to do from home. My husband, John, and I have endured the pandemic without too much stress, although we haven’t been able to see family and friends.

This was especially sad during the holidays, but we managed to make them enjoyable.”

Nancy Lenihan Conaty: “I have a new grandson, Patrick, who was born in Oct, the best thing to happen in 2020. Keeping busy by making a needlepoint Christmas stocking for him, and hoping to get to CA to see him soon!”

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

81

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

82

Christina Hegarty Savage: “2020 was a good year for me. My son, his wife and little boy (15 months) moved back home to the Cleveland area after 6 years in CO. Working from home they were able to transfer their jobs here. I’m very happy to have both sons and their families within 45 minutes of me.

I’m spending my days babysitting and playing pickleball.”

Diane Dale Reiling: “Last year was very quiet for us. Both of our kids left CA in favor of NY, so it has been lonely here in southern OR. We had a terrible fire in Sept in our little town of Phoenix (the Almeda Fire) that decimated our downtown and left hundreds homeless. We were spared. We returned after 8 days of evacuation to our untouched home and property, came too close and shook us up! We can see now how crippled things would be here in an earthquake. Once we can travel again, we might be looking for a new home in a new place.”

Joan May Harden: “Rick and I are trying to grow old gracefully. Living on 50 acres, distancing has not been a problem. We added our sixth grandchild, Teddy, in Richmond in Jan. 2020, and I am blessed to be able to keep our granddaughter (2) here in Lexington on weekends while her parents run their restaurants. The organizations I belong to all meet on Zoom, so I’ve added that skill to my meager tech abilities this year, but I’m looking forward to meeting in person again ASAP!” Ann Major Gibb: “I retired at the end of Sept. from my grant writing position. Retirement is going great! I got my fist COVID 19 vaccine today so I am very happy.”

Linda Lipscomb: “My big news is that I have just been vaccinated!

I am still working as a consultant for arts organizations, a group hit especially hard by the pandemic so I am busy and look to some version of retirement next summer. With withdrawal symptoms from lack of travel, I am ready to make up for lost travel opportunities. Before the onset of COVID restrictions, I had a long visit with Gypsie Bear VanAntwerp and Tom during a visit to Dallas.”

Jean Platt Rospondek: “Hopefully we are in the last inning of COVID as we await our vaccine and hope it is the miracle that allows

us to get back to a shared existence.

Stan and I are both well and staying close to home. Golf is the one activity that we all have been able to participate in with the golf industry surging, therefore I have had a busy year teaching, with masks of course.

We returned from a golf vacation in Cabo when the first 2 US cases of COVID were confirmed. We had another golf vacation to Orlando at the end of Sept. We miss our friends and family. We still have our parttime jobs at the law firm, although our hours were cut by a little more than half since we can’t do our job remotely. Hopefully looking forward to a very happy 50th reunion in 2023 (I just can’t fathom that number)!”

Weezie Blakeslee Gilpin: “Living on an Island feels appropriate during the last 11 months since most of us have had to create our own islands during COVID. Life has included lots of walking, all documented thanks to my tracking device, reading, jigsaw puzzles and crosswords. Two of our 6 grandchildren (Blake’s boys) are now living on the Vineyard with their Mom so we see them frequently. The 9-year-old fractured his femur 2 weeks ago and, after being airlifted by helicopter to Providence, now sports 2 steel rods in that leg. Thank goodness for quality medical care. Our Australians are living a normal life with lockdowns happening if they have as few as 3 local cases. What a concept! Still working in 2 of our libraries and doing curbside pick-ups. We had our first vaccine in Jan. and await our 2nd doses; it feels like winning the lottery. We are also enjoying the change in DC and can only hope that things will continue to settle down.”

Charlotte Ann Evans: “I went through a non-adversarial divorce and have moved to eastern NC permanently. I bought a house, adding a deck around the pool and a new driveway along with painting taking up all my free time. I am working full time in the prison system, still the least stressful job I’ve ever had.

Despite COVID, life has been really good and I am very blessed to have good friends and family near!”

Jan Storey Honick: “Since March 2020, Eric and I have spent most of our time in Salisbury, a small town in NW CT, returning to NYC for only quick visits. Since my

business as a travel agent was dramatically curtailed, I am adjusting to a slower pace and enjoying more creative pursuits in this town with a population of half the people as in my office building in Manhattan.

Son, Daniel, and lovely Jenna were married in Oct. in Boston with a wedding large in love if small in attendance. Eric and I look forward to returning to our blended life, enjoying the good of city and country living.”

Evelyn Carter Cowles: “Thankfully we live in the country where we can get outside. Still struggling a bit with my ankle injury but I have been able to start riding again and made 2-month long trips to MT traveling in a popup camper to avoid flying.

The trips were long but the fishing and weather were awesome. Many of you responding expressed admiration for SBC dealing with 2020 and excitement for our 50th in 2023. If you are on Facebook join our Sweet Briar College, Class of 1973!”

1974

Bonnie Chronowski Brophy b.c.brophy@comcast.net Elaine Mills writes that she received the 2019 Bill Thomas Award presented by the County Board of Arlington, VA, in recognition of the 7,000+ hours logged as a Master Gardener, and her efforts to educate the public about the threats of invasive plants to natural spaces, and the advantages and ecological benefits of using native plants in home landscapes. She posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter re native plants for Master Gardeners of Northern VA, and writes articles for their website. She has also given classes via Zoom on climate-conscious gardening, planting for pollinators, native plants for winter interest, et al.

Coleen Dee Butterick invites us from Asheville, NC, to visit if in the area. She and Merle were readying a rental for Airbnb when a 40’ tree came through the master bedroom and part of the roof! Clean-up occupied Nov. and Dec. Periodically she hears from Christine Cummings Bass and Ellen Bass Brady, and also reconnected with Sophie Sharp who sends greetings from Nags Head!

Wanda Cronic Howell has worked at the dealerships (primarily from home) since transportation is an essential industry. The girls have continued their lives: Nicole at the Spalding County Sheriff ’s Office, Jessica for the Young Life Organization in Raleigh, NC, and Destiny attending college at Columbus State.

Her virtual meetings have included St. George’s Episcopal Church services and the local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. Wanda’s entire family vacationed at Carolina Beach in the fall where they shelled, bicycled, fixed gourmet meals and realized again the importance of family.

Despite the pandemic, Hannah Pillsbury managed a trip to TN to help her 6-year-old great-godchild with virtual kindergarten class, better than expected but lacking in the social interaction that is so important. Crafts and an attempt at painting have filled the time, but Hannah finds sewing and quilting more successful. It’s so rewarding to help 3 folks in their 90s with grocery shopping, doctors’ appointments, etc. and a neat contrast to caring for a 2-year-old girl. She received her first vaccine jab, is eager to visit big sister, Jeannette, ’72, who lives in Amherst to join her on daily walks on the SBC campus, and encourages us most vehemently to come to our upcoming 50th reunion which will be here in no time.

Debbie Pelham Bigum and her husband have enjoyed their 2 homes in Miramar Beach, FL, and Boone, NC, during the pandemic, remaining healthy and celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Daughter, Lindsay and son-in-law, Dan live in Suffolk, VA. Granddaughters Natalie (8) and Alexandria (5) love attending Ghent Montessori. Daughter, Courtney is working in Atlanta and pursuing her MBA online from Wake Forest.

Victoria Bates and her husband, David, are enjoying retirement in Oceanside, CA, in northern San Diego County. They can see the ocean and the mountains in the distance from their deck and the weather is usually lovely, with spectacular sunsets and the occasional rainbow.

David is learning electric guitar and Victoria is taking harp lessons. She is still doing Tai Chi and they both

CLASS NOTES

Mimi Hill Wilk and family

buildings and writing a new history for its Centennial in 2023.

Julie Shuer writes she is surviving the pandemic both in LA where she is now and Tel Aviv (where daughter Gaby teaches nursery school) where she was for the first 8 months. Son, Benji and wife, Rachel, live in Jerusalem with their 2 girls under 2. Youngest, Sofia, is in CA awaiting grad school in the fall.

Her husband still practices law, and she stays busy running a home on 2 coasts, studying Hebrew, practicing yoga and enjoying all that this precious life has to offer.

Since COVID Helen Travis has worked from home for the LiRo Group, a construction management company that merged with GISI in 2020. She was recognized with a substantial bonus for her 10 years of service. She’s in touch with sister Betsy who lives in Lebanon, where things are dire, and supervised the sale of Betsy’s LI house. Helen’s 10-year-old cat, Pantoufle, passed and is laid to rest under the beautiful beech tree in the front yard of the Homestead, where constant projects keep her busy. Helen’s tenants are easy, a neighbor’s new tennis court is an eyesore, but other neighbors have become friends. Helen’s grade school principal and dear friend, with whom she enjoyed dinner every Friday, also passed recently. She is happy SBC has survived and wishes she could take horticultural classes and learn farming, Suzy Castle Rolewick and David were lucky enough to visit Disney World with all 5 grandchildren and their parents before COVID hit

in March, then moved up to their lake house with daughter Katy and grandsons until May. She tried to entertain the boys, 2 and 4, while Katy and David worked remotely. Although challenging, they are grateful to have that option. She laments all the traditional trips that couldn’t take place: Boston, Florida and Lake Geneva, WI, with Pam Cogghill Graham, Debbie Hooker Sauers, Deborah Bagley et al, and no holiday get-togethers with family.

Suzy’s grateful that her brother and sister-in-law were the only ones she knew who contracted the virus and recovered.

Bonnie Chronowski Brophy attests that there are blessings despite COVID. She and husband, Jim welcomed their second grandchild, Vivienne Kent Persutti (daughter, Meghan and Rick’s child) on March 1 who joined brother Connor (4) who live just one town over so they visit often. Vivvie’s baptism was held in the sacristy on Aug. 4 and was intimate, beautiful and joy filled despite their limited numbers and masks. She facilitates a weekly Zoom bible study, chats regularly with son, Chris in northern CA, and cares for her dad, 93, who lives with her learning to navigate Social Security, the Veterans Administration, as well as FaceTime doctors’ appointments: charity begins at home!

Pam Cogghill Graham writes from Palm City, FL, that she’s so fortunate to live in Piper’s Landing which has had no COVID cases!

Son, Nicky has been working remotely from there since Nov., ecstatic not to be in Manhattan. Son, Jon-

athan, lives in Wilmington, NC, and operates a successful dog breeding business, specializing in exotic-colored French Bulldogs.

Susan Stevens Geyer and son, Stewart were exposed to COVID last Aug. during a Charleston and Atlanta visit; both became ill, Stewart was hospitalized at Emory for 3 weeks with pneumonia. By God’s grace, he recovered. Husband, Mark, and Julia and Edward remain well.

They all hope to be vaccinated soon.

Traveling to CO and SC was more enjoyable. Most of her arts activities halted abruptly, but art (i.e. SBC Art Board) and church commitments are meeting virtually. Working from home has freed up time to sort through and organize photos, and Mark has done the same with decades of home movies. He resumed his dental practice once the lockdown was lifted.

Jeannie Manning Schmidley and son Max

Thanksgiving 2019 for Betsy Biggar Hellmuth and family

spring 2021

got e-bikes so they could get out and enjoy the hilly neighborhoods around their 55 and older community. David’s Mom lives one street over from them and they look forward to getting out with her more in the near future!

Elizabeth Andrews Watts stayed close to home most of the past year, but did escape the winter with her husband for a month in Boca Grande, FL, renting a house in Jan., a 6 -year tradition. She and Jane Hutcherson Frierson, Susan Stephens Geyer and Leslie Elbert Hill, and are planning a mini reunion in CO this Aug., vaccines notwithstanding. All is well with her family: daughter Betsy is an educational consultant in Atlanta, and son Rob is captain of the USS John Paul Jones, currently deployed in the Persian Gulf.

Carey Thomas Slesinger retired from teaching in Sept., 2020. She and husband Vic, a college professor who will retire in May, are still living in Wellington, FL. They plan to travel and find a cooler place to live, COVID permitting, possibly in NC or VA. She says that life has been quiet in quarantine and hopes to be back to normal soon.

Sherrie Snead McLeRoy and husband Bill have made several trips to their house in CO to deal with fire mitigation and remodeling, and were fortunate to get COVID shots.

Soon she will have another visit with Jane Piper Gleason, godmother, at her daughter’s upcoming wedding. As the Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, TX, archivist, Sherrie stays busy keeping up with their 5 historic

83

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

84

Mary Lee Burch Doering shared sad news: Dean, 62, her healthy husband of 25 years, passed away suddenly from heart failure while hiking with a friend in June 2020. They enjoyed a wonderful life together in CA. Her daughter, 25, welcomed an Italian Greyhound puppy, Scampi, into their home in Oct. which has helped ease her pain and loss.

Mary Lee visited family in FL and PA last Dec. and looks forward to going again in early Feb. She and SBC roommate, Karen Greer Gay, will meet up in FL for a few days, and will visit her sister and brotherin-law who live in The Villages. A new grandson joined his sister (6) in March, 2020 (her son’s children).

Her oldest daughter lives In PA and has a boy (2.5).

Although Connie Terhune Wells was at SBC for only one semester, she has fond memories, especially of Marcia Paca, Moi Fulton, and Dr. Armstrong. Connie graduated from St. Lawrence University, and studied also at the American College in Paris for a year. She has worked as cataloger at the Eastham, MA, town library for 24 years and is involved in her little church. She and husband Bob have a small farm and run a business called “New England Biochar.” She is blessed with 2 wonderful stepdaughters, 1 stepson, 1 grandson (and another expected in April), and 2 great-grandsons. She constantly prays for the USA and sends blessings to us all.

Betsy Biggar Hellmuth and Ted miss their 3 kids and 6 grandkids, wishing they could babysit the preschoolers or help with Zoom School. The last time they were all together was Thanksgiving, 2019.

Their kids live in Beacon, NY on the Hudson and Kansas City, KS. Their California son, wife and first baby, Ollie, came home to Cleveland, and live only 20 minutes away, but aren’t allowing grandparents within 20 feet of them during this Pandemic!

Thank goodness for FaceTime.

Ann Stuart McKie Kling and husband FINALLY moved into their new home in May, 2020 after 3 years! The only travel this year was a quick road trip to Chicago to help their daughter with her new apartment; their son is on the east coast.

Husband Bill continues in their winery trying to build a small business around one Cabernet Sauvignon and

one chardonnay—slow work. House projects keep Ann busy along with the SBC historic preservation task force.

Marcia Brandenburg Martinson writes that all is well in Plymouth, MA. In July she became the chair of Womanade at The Pinehills, a non-profit, charitable organization of women who live in the Pinehills community whose mission is to provide short-term emergency assistance to families with children in the Plymouth Public School System.

This year has certainly provided plenty of opportunity to help struggling families keep food on the table, roofs over their heads, and the heat and electricity bills paid!

Ruthie Lenz speaks for many of us when she writes that she has become wiser and more humble for having been largely housebound for over a year with unaccustomed limitations, routines, and experiences, realizing how very spoiled and grateful she is for the good stuff she had taken for granted—restaurant meals, travel, entertainment, real clothes, health and especially the intimacy of friends and family. She transitioned from office to home in March, postponing her retirement from Wells Fargo Advisors until 2021’s end.

Zoom, FaceTime and cell phone conference calls keep her busy, connected and help to alleviate the boredom, loneliness and natural depression which plague many extroverts.

She learned to navigate online shopping, church services, book clubs and other group meetings through the blessing of technology and perseverance. Ruth toasts 2021, with all the challenges and opportunities.

Janie Reeb Short has spoken with Cotty Mathewson Wallace who is still out in CA working remotely for Wells Fargo and quarantining with her husband and 2 sons. As reported in the fall 2020 Alumnae Magazine, Jeannie Manning Schmidley died on June 15, 2020, and is survived by her husband James and sons Max and Will.

Janie fondly remembers her former roommate, Jeannie, as a “unique, charming and complex personality.

I’ll always hold close her infectious laugh, her flashing eyes, her wit and honed intellect, her ability to focus and accomplish (Run a marathon?

But of course!) and her great knack for turning even the most mundane

activity into something fun and special.” Janie’s full remembrance was emailed to the class

1975

Anne Cogswell Burris acburris@comcast.net Denise Montgomery writes that she has no news except that she’s staying at home so she won’t get sick. She reads a good deal, feeds the birds, takes walks and looks forward to getting vaccinated so she can travel again and go to our reunion, whenever it is being held.

1976

Peggy Weimer Parrish 1301 Sycamore Square Dr. Midlothian, VA 23113 peggyparrish@gmail.com There is definitely a theme to our class news: grandchildren, retirement, taking care of elderly parents, COVID and excitement regarding our upcoming 45th class reunion!

I hate to start with sad news, and am saddened to report the death of our beloved classmate Martha “Ookie” Hays Cooper in Feb. As a student, Ookie was very close to Dr. Ernest (Buck) Edwards and got a start on her career because of the environment at SBC. After graduation from SBC, Ookie received her MS in ornithology from Miss. State.

She moved to DC and worked on the staff of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, and as a research assistant at the World Wildlife Fund. Her

work took her all over the world and she had national stature in the birding world. Ookie had been struggling with Alzheimer’s and is survived by her husband Jim, their children— Mary, Jamie and Hayes, and one grandchild.

Andie Yellott is teaching fulltime and caring for her 91-year-old mother with dementia. I know through Facebook that her eldest son was married in 2020 and her younger son is a rising musician. She feels fortunate for all the support from Ann Works Balderston and Holly McGlothlin ’75.

Gail Ann Barwell Winkler writes that both she and husband John and family are well. She retired this year and is using most of her new free time with online learning and teaching yoga. Her family gathered for Christmas in Richmond (son William and daughter-in-law Bridget live there) which was a real treat. Gail is looking forward to reunion and excited to learn about the plans. She stays in touch with Bet Bashinsky Wise ’75.

With her new freedom thanks to retirement, Lynn Kahler Shirey and husband spent much time this summer sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. They quarantined in Maine for a month, and Lynn had a wonderful visit with her daughter, Olivia, who is in school in Tennessee at Sewanee. Lynn enjoys seeing Maureen O’Hearn Slowinski, and looks forward to a big turnout for our 45th reunion in May! Patricia Weiler Thiess kept her comments short and to the point.

She is retired, enjoying the rest and living in Greenville, SC, with husband Ken.

Mother of the bride Cheryl Lux with daughter Elizabeth Cobb ’15 and 3 SBC ’15 bridesmaids

Karina Schless has tried to stay healthy and safe in 2020, resulting in cancellation of travel plans to the UK and Wyoming. Her quarter horse Angus will be turning 30 years young in May and they still go out for short trail rides (bareback). Her cat Spencer is fun as always and such a lovebug.

By the time these notes are published, Karen Adelson Strauss will have 4 grandchildren and is counting the days until safe air travel is possible again. She is enjoying a rewarding and active life in the mountains, even though this is a drought year for snow.

Kari Anderson Shipley announces the arrival of her first grandchild, Ryder Cross Shipley. His parents are Kari’s son, Walker, and his wife Tiffany. In addition, there is an upcoming small family wedding for her youngest son, Matthew and his lovely bride Andrea. She continues her volunteer and board work and has found the best way to raise money during this pandemic is with her paintings with all proceeds going to local nonprofits. She enjoys spending summers in Lake Toxaway, NC, and winters in Delray Beach, FL, painting, playing golf, babysitting and volunteering while her husband enjoys his retirement.

Sharon Ruvane is in her 30th year of working as a school-based speech and language pathologist specializing in work with preschoolers through grade 4. Thanks to COVID she has picked up new technology skills and had the honor of supervising graduate clinicians from 2 universities. She remarks that it’s been energizing being in the presence of bright young women who share a passion to help those who are challenged to communicate.

Gina Spangler Polley is enrolled in a masters studies of law online degree program at USC Gould School of Law. She is enjoying it very much, and made all As the first semester, and is on track to graduate the month before her 50th high school reunion. She is still riding and showing horses, but the shows have been seriously curtailed. Gina and husband David are expecting their first grandchild on July 10. Their son Frank and his wife live in Seattle, so she hopes to feel comfortable flying by then.

Thanks to COVID, Debbie Mutch Olander has taken many art classes on zoom that she would not have been able to attend otherwise.

She has been drawing, painting, and immersing herself in online workshops and master classes, which has made a huge difference in her outlook and disposition despite hospitalizations, 2 surgeries and finally being on a kidney transplant list.

Tennessee Nielson is pleased to announce the recent marriage of her daughter Kelsey (namesake of Kelsey Canady Grice) to Bryan J. Soukup on Oct. 10, 2020, in Alexandria, VA. She is looking forward to visiting them after her second dose of the COVID vaccine!

Other than being the most stayat-home boring person she knows, Margaret Milnor Mallory is learning Spanish online, preparing a piano recital of classical Spanish music, and has alphabetized the spices.

Husband Bart and her 2 grown sons are staying safe, working from home and attending grad school online.

Sally Old Kitchin has 5 grandchildren who are the joys of her life, but not as many as Lisa Nelson Robertson who had numbers 12 and 13 this summer! Sally’s youngest son is getting married this summer. Sally is serving as a co-chair of the overall reunion committee for Sweet Briar (thanks, Sally!). She hopes everyone will join us for our 45th reunion May 28-30, hopefully on campus or at least virtually. Sally reminds us that we are just the class that can’t say no. Let’s keep the Spirit of ’76 going strong!

Carol Clement Knapp and husband Richard welcomed their second granddaughter and cannot wait to meet her after they receive their second COVID vaccine. The beautiful weather in Palos Verdes and great hiking trails have kept her balanced during the quarantine in Los Angeles.

The big news from Teesie Costello Howell is that she and husband Chris are now the proud grandparents of Margot Muriel Thompson, and they were travelling to SC at the time of this writing to meet her in person. Teesie has been working from home and quarantining.

In March 2020, Kay Ellisor Hopkins and husband Joe visited

the WWI museum in Kansas City and then journeyed to meet middle child Beth, Beth’s husband Jim and granddaughters Harper (7) and Taylor (5) in Keystone, CO. By the end of their week there, the ski resorts in the area were closed due to the virus.

In Oct., they drove to New Orleans to visit the WWII museum to get a break from being at home so much.

At the time of her writing, Kay was in Steamboat Springs for 5 days celebrating their oldest daughter Sarah’s 40th birthday with a small group of family and friends.

Meg Shields Duke recently had Kari Anderson Shipley and husband John over for dinner in Delray Beach FL. Kari brought Meg plastic Sweet Briar glasses, perfect for the beach! Meg is expecting her sixth grandchild in May, and remarked she had always promised Ookie Hays Cooper that if Meg’s firstborn was a girl, she would be named after Ookie.

Meg is considering encouraging her son to name his baby Ookie Dukie.

Ookie would be giggling in heaven over that.

Ann Kiley Crenshaw was blessed with 2 more grandchildren in 2020 and 2021, bringing the total to 4 girls and one boy! Ann is still practicing law, and looking forward to reunion.

Sherry Buttrick has been working for the Virginia Outdoors Foundation for almost 30 years and is now, like the rest of the world, working from home—with a setter and a collie mutt as her personal assistants.

She and her husband continue to hunt a beagle pack and live on a farm outside Charlottesville.

Becky Burt’s estate sale business kicked into high gear mid-year, after an initial decline. She has decided to purchase a building in the historic district of Ponchatoula, LA, to house the antique business as well as a small metals studio. Renovations should be complete by the end of April and B2 Antiques and B2 Metals should be relocated and open for business shortly thereafter.

Connie Radford Butler has 4 grandsons, and keeps busy with sewing projects and making masks. Her mother would get a kick out of her Lilly fabric enjoying a second life.

The barter system was alive and well; Connie traded her masks for yeast as often as possible. The pandemic

made her retirement complete—no substitute teaching this year.

Cheryl Lux is living at the Cobb Charolais Ranch near Augusta, MT, and all are doing well. She and husband John’s biggest news is that their daughter Elizabeth ’15 and fiancé Joshua Thompson got married in a lovely small wedding full of SBC alums in Kansas City, MO, in Sept.

2020. She keeps her last name of Cobb. Our daily lives here haven’t changed hardly at all, except for dealing with the same economic impacts that everyone else has also had. And we can’t yet travel to where we would want to go. She gratefully counts life as good as most have it, and better than some and is looking forward to the 45th. If she can get vaccinated in time and the stars align, she will be there. She wants to hear President Woo and to tour the new farming operation. When the dairy closed some years ago, who knew that agriculture could still be in SBC’s future? Hope everyone else is doing well. 45 years—how soon it passes.

Liz Farmer Brown has been Zooming every week with Lisa Schubert, Holly Weaver Kenreich and Jill Wentorf Wright. As they were gathering for a Zoom just before Christmas, Lisa texted that she was delayed due to a terrible shooting during an outdoor caroling event at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, where she works in NYC. Lisa did what she could, and they were relieved that with the exception of the shooter, no one was seriously hurt.

Holly volunteered as a poll worker in Jan. with Georgia elections, assisting voters without transportation get to the polls. Jill’s daughter’s wedding, that all were so looking forward to attending last Sept., had to be postponed, and they are keeping their fingers crossed they’ll be together for a celebration in July. Liz’s son and his girlfriend left Brooklyn—early on as COVID refugees—and moved in with Andrew and her for 3 months.

To add to the fun, in Oct. they were thrilled to welcome 3 new grandkids within thirteen days, a baby boy followed by twin boys from her daughters.

These notes will be the last I write as your class secretary, and it has been an honor. Like Andie Yellott, I am still teaching (accounting and law) at John Tyler Community

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

85

CLASS NOTES College and caring for my 91-yearold mom. Eldest son Jay still serves in Special Forces so I know nothing about what he is doing, and I am thrilled that younger son Alexander is returning to Richmond in May after 3 years in New Orleans. COVID has curtailed my travelling so I am volunteering with a local rescue as a foster mom for kittens. I visit Elliott Graham Schoenig at her farm in Charlottesville frequently, and enjoy spoiling her 2 grandchildren (their mom, Sarah, is my goddaughter).

1978

Suzanne Stryker Ullrich 820 Waverly Rd. Kennett Square, PA 19348 suzullrich@aol.com

sbc.edu

Hello to all and hope you were able to say goodbye to 2020, while welcoming 2021! What a doozie!

The best part of it is…we are that much closer to our 45th. It won’t be long, and those silver linings? We are all starting to turn 65. (Is that a good thing?) Hey, it has its benefits. News came in from all over, so here you go.

Ieke Osinga Scully reports that renovations on their historic 1906 Ensign house were completed just before last March and they were able to have all the stylish apartments filled with tenants before the shutdown. Since then, the focus has been on landscaping at both the apartment building and at home. (Did we mention there is a top-notch restaurant, and more, on the ground floor?

Check it all out online at Ensign House.) When visiting near Simsbury, CT, be sure to stop by! Ieke continues with trips back to SBC, primarily to see her mother who lives nearby so unfortunately, she has missed participating in Sweet Work

86

Cannie Chrysler Shafer and family at trestle table made by Win

Weeks and reunions. However, she was able to enjoy several of the SB Days that took place in Dec. and Jan. Sadly, Ieke’s mother Douwina Anna Bouma Osinga passed away on Feb 17,2021. She was 92. Read more on page 52.

From Baltimore we hear from Missy Powell Adams who retired last Oct., admitting, “Yes, we will be on Medicare! Hard to believe.”

When Missy wrote in, she was chomping at the bit to drive out to Denver, complete with a new puppy, to see their first grandchild, Noble Harrison Adams, born in Jan. “I’m not sure how long it will take to get there but it will be worth it!” Also, a great way to see the country!

Ann Key Lucas writes that “Life is good. COVID surrounds me, but luckily eludes me. Business has been good, and I have not suffered from it.” Her only regret is that it has impacted her international travel, “but that is ok—there is a lot to see in the USA!” One son is engaged to be married in Nov. ’21 and Ann is crossing her fingers that the date is far enough out that it won’t be impacted

by COVID restrictions. The other boys are great and living nearby. Ann also admits that moving to a condo recently was a bit of an adjustment, stating “Note to self: don’t buy in a high rise with dogs! Love to all.”

Hearing from our international alumnae is always fun! Jamie Murray Ferraria writes from Portugal, stating that things were still in lockdown, but they were tolerating it well, living out in the country. At the time, Portugal had the worst rates in Europe for new cases. This is all pertinent as Jamie was finishing up her last round of chemo treatment for lymphoma, so staying safe was even more important. In a phone conversation, Jamie said that she would be

able to get her vaccine sometime after her last treatment, something we are ALL looking forward to! Wishes for good health flying over the Atlantic!

Cannie Chrysler Shafer admits to hanging out with their pod a lot. A cabin on Squam Lake, NH, sounds like a pretty nice escape! Recently, Cannie and Win had to take down a 150-year-old maple tree at the house in PA. Win, being retired, decided to put that wood to good use. The trestle table he made graces the porch at the house in NH, where son Blake, Win, Cannie, daughter Francie and son-law Matt have had many tasty meals, no doubt.

Katherine Powell Heller admits that this is the only time she is wanting to push the hands of time a little further along! Being 65 has its benefits, getting a vaccine being one of them. With John already vaccinated as a result of being in the medical field, Katherine is “really hoping that teachers will be next so that at least one daughter will be vaccinated.” Aside from staying at home a lot except for essential shopping, Katherine was happy to share a recent picture of almost one-year-old granddaughter, Virginia, in her Halloween costume. “Her attorney dad insisted that this be the theme, and Mimi was happy to oblige. In light of my SBC experience, I thought the girl power, judicial committee theme was timely and appropriate!” What committee?

Virginia may yet go all the way to the Supreme Court, just like Ruth!

Muffy Hamilton Parsons is getting all excited about the upcoming wedding for their younger son, Spencer, in Oct. A few trips to Newport, RI, have given Muffy and Don some nice little get-aways for planning and food tastings! “I’ve been cleaning out closets, watching Netflix and trying new recipes, all while looking for-

Kathryn Hagist Yunk ’91, Anne Riordan Flaherty ’78 and Catherine Flaherty ’80

Mary G, Mimi B and Ginny

ward to warmer weather!” She also adds “Suzanne and I are happy to be in touch with our class!” And is wishing everyone good health.

Maggie Laurent Gordy says her news is limited, adding “COVID has cramped my style!” (Isn’t that the truth, for all of us!) However, the arrival of a second red headed granddaughter, Sloane, last Feb. spiced things up a bit perhaps. Big sister Rowan (4-1/2) is probably a help being a watchful eye for Sloan, who has been a fearless climber and had just started walking. “Sloane gives my daughter Megan and sonin-law, Alex, a 24/7 run for their money!” Maggie reports that she was graced with the St. Augustine, FL, Camelia Garden Club’s Garden of the Month this past Dec. “It was nice to be recognized for doing something I love.” Maggie was looking forward to a May ’21 Vixen rendezvous with Janet Rakoczy, Leigh Ramsey Simmons and Ann Thrash Jones at Susan Negaard Harley’s house in Charleston, SC, their third rendezvous. “We don’t really seem to do anything but talk, talk, talk and laugh, laugh, laugh for several days.

A fine way to spend a weekend, yes?”

Sounds like a typical time for any Class of ’78 get-together!)

Lauren Place Young is back to having her kids scattered from the Pacific to northern VT. Eldest Brittany has moved back to Maui where she grew up after a job opportunity presented itself, working in the Alumnae Office at Seabury Hall School where she attended grades 6-12. Lauren is already brushing up on her hula dancing and heading to Maui later this year! ‘’Whoohoo!”

Jake is finally rebuilding his cottage near Jay, VT, (previously inhabited by his younger sister, Makenna) which burned down last year. Mak-

Katherine Powell Heller’s granddaughter appropriately dressed for her first Halloween

enna bought a house in Montgomery, VT, a year ago, on which she spends all her free time fixing up.

Lauren reported that as a manager of an independent living facility, The Greens, in Hanover, VT, she was able to get her vaccine process started for herself, as well as all residents, staff and independent caregivers in Feb., as well as a number of new owners of units under contract.

“I can proudly say that The Greens has been COVID free!” Good job, Lauren!

Barbara Behrens Peck decided to head to VT before Thanksgiving, and finding it easier to shelter in place there, decided to stay! Jeff is enjoying the many ski resorts nearby such as Killington, and Barbara joins him at the smaller ski areas nearby when the weather and condition are nice. Her big news was the purchase of Jilly, a Dales Pony, from the Hamilton Rare Breeds Foundation in Dec. “Dales are an English breed, sturdy, stocky and steady, and so cute! She is a dream!” The foundation farm manager is teaching Barbara how to drive Jilly with a carriage, and Barbara says that she is “having a ball riding again and can’t wait for the spring and summer so I can go out on the fabulous trails that wind all over our area.” Adding that “the farm is on the market, a great horse farm with 280 acres in VT!” Feel free to contact her for more info, if interested. Barbara gets to see small

groups of SBC friends via Zoom as well but looks forward to getting vaccinated and returning to a more normal life. I think we can all agree on that.

From Dallas, Melanie Bowen Steglich wrote that she and Lee were surviving and taking some great day trips around Texas! “Our latest trip was to Hico, where they are known for the Wiseman House Chocolates.

It is rather funny to know that my husband, the dentist, is a chocoholic!

I was along for the ride. Life is not so bad when you can add chocolates and bring a smile to your face.” Melanie still helps Lee with his practice, adding that she meets the most interesting people in the world, but says it is her prayer that “my classmates and their families are safe and healthy. Be careful and hopefully this pandemic will pass soon.” (Sooner than later, we all hope!)

Also from Dallas, Lisa Wray Longino continues to enjoy working remotely for the college and is excited to be able to travel again both domestically and internationally! She and George both had a mild case of the virus and are looking forward to receiving their second shots. They have a trip planned, fingers crossed, for the entire family to gather for Thanksgiving at a dude ranch in Colorado.

And a great picture also came in from Anne Riordan Flaherty.

She, Kathryn Hagist Yunk ’91, and sister-in-law Catherine Flaherty ’80 gathered last July for an afternoon of boating in northern Wisconsin. “We even had an SBC flag and a vixen ready for the picture! It was a great time, sharing stories and we plan to gather again this coming summer!”

It has been fun hosting a couple of Class of ’78 Zoom calls, along with the occasional cocktail hour with various groups of class members. As for me and Rick, we muddle through. He is starting to travel more for work, luckily after getting vaccinated. We have made the trip south to TN to see our youngest and his growing family in Oct., stopping at SBC to see all the wonderful changes and updates, including a visit with friends working on campus. (Hope you all got the email at Christmas-time with the details.) I was able to have a great Mexican lunch outside with Drusie Hall Bishop

and Anne Taylor Quarles Doolittle. AT graced us with her take on the day, complete in her witch’s garb and hat. Hysterics followed! Spending Christmas with Benjamin (7 months) and isolating for a couple weeks prior to, and after, a visit to see them was so very worth it. We got to spend time with them, exploring some of the area parks outside of Nashville with picnics and hikes.

Taking a different route home, by way of Columbus, OH, allowed for a glass of wine with Muffy and Don, along with Cindy McKay. (You can imagine the laughs!) Another treat for me was getting a private tour of Cindy’s knitting shop (Yarn It and Haberdashery). There were so many different wools, too many adorable patterns! Yes, I got yet another batch for a sweater. We don’t get to see the other grands as often as we’d like but, c’est la vie! Those new skills with Zoom and FaceTime come in handy.

So, I hope you are enjoying your time, looking forward to rescheduled family events as more and more of us can be vaccinated. In the meantime, be safe!

Hugs, Suzanne

1980

Amy Campbell Lamphere cpgd@verizon.net Amy Campbell Lamphere: “Grateful to be safe at home in Minneapolis with stacks of books, a million TV subscriptions and a husband who isn’t fussy about dinner!

Still teaching Nia via Zoom. Message me if you want class info—we have students from South Africa, Denver and right down the street.

I’ve taken up ice skating (yikes!), and look forward to a CO ski trip (just trying to design something to look forward to!). Hope to see you all at reunion! We will have a year of adventures to recount, adding to our treasure trove of 45 years of memories. See you soon.”

Ann Connolly Simpson: “I’d say this was quite the year for so many of us! Mine started with shoulder surgery which meant lots of boring recovery and time off from the toy store and then COVID hit so the store shut down temporarily and then, for good in Aug. So, I have a new job with actual benefits for the

first time in 30 years. Still playing tennis, with a mask, and way heavier now, ugh. Just got my first vaccine and due for the next one in Feb. Hope everyone is well and safe!”

Mimi Walch Doe: “Tom and I are thrilled to be grandparents to 3 babies under the age of 3. Our 2 daughters are great, busy mommies.

We live in our home in Concord most of the year, but spend time downtown in our glass skybox in Austin, TX (our daughter Whitney and her family live here). My company TopTierAdmissions.com is still going strong and we were thrilled to be included in Entrepreneur Magazine’s shout out as a top admissions counseling firm.”

Phyllis Watt Jordan: “I had a chance to see Lisa Ward Connors in Jan. on MD’s Eastern Shore, where she lives now. We discovered we both play bridge and have formed a virtual club with Emily Quinn McDermott and Megan Coffield Lyon.

Other bridge players are welcome to join.”

Lisa Heisterkamp Davis: “Silver Linings in these difficult times included a family reunion. Augusta (31) and Dashiell (28) moved home for the lion’s share of 2020.

All of us were working or studying from home. Phillipa the Australian Cobberdog (1) arrived in March.

She is everyone’s darling. Several white boards helped us keep track of cooking and dog-care duties. I’ve been busier than ever conducting Zoom therapy, and, you know, baking bread, yoga-ing with Adriene and walking. Lucky to see Mary Gearhart ’78 twice this summer, once in ME and once in Lancaster, PA, where my loving mother and sisters still live.”

Florence Rowe Barnick: “Having not raised a daughter with dreams of some kind of princess wedding, COVID restrictions gave us just what we needed. My daughter Skye and her wife Elisabeth were married by a retired judge in his backyard, with a guestlist of 3!

Sweet Briar connections are strong, the officiant is the husband of Sarah Embrey Bass ’68. Skye and Elisabeth were soon after able to enter Canada where Elisabeth is in a PhD program, so the months they were with us will have to suffice until borders reopen for casual travel.”

Jill Steenhuis Ruffato: “Spent

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

87

CLASS NOTES the entire year of 2020 at home on our hilltop in the Aix countryside with husband Serge and all 3 sons.

We worked on our art all day long, like monks in a monastery. Days consisted of walks, yoga, daily meditation on my secret rock, time with my husband, sons, time with horse, dog and cat. Time was elusive with no shows, no travels, no engagements and no stress. And now 2021 is much the same so far. I have even had time to think of you all and send my love to all.”

Mary Jane Young Thistlethwaite: “It’s been a busy and unusual year. The year began with my older son Taylor exhibiting at the Winter Antique Show in NYC in Jan. He is one of the youngest exhibitors in the history of the show. I’m confident my late husband Bill was with us in NY. This spring, Taylor is opening Thistlethwaite Americana in Middleburg, VA. Please stop by the shop. My younger son Clay started Thistlethwaite Properties and continues to be a huge supporter of his brother and mama. Currently, I’m restoring another early home with my son Clay and continuing my love of music and the art.”

1981

sbc.edu

M. Claire McDonnell Purnell cpgd@verizon.net

88

Marlene Delledera Weber writes “Hope everyone is staying safe during these trying and uncertain times. The company I have worked for the last 30 years, Meriwether Godsey, started partnering with SBC midyear of 2017-2018 to run dining services and catering. Returning to our alma mater as director was an opportunity I gladly accepted! I’ve run into a few familiar faces during Sweet Work Weeks (wonderful way to give back), Friends of Art, and Friends of Library—it’s nice to come home to SBC! Other than work, it’s quiet living in Bedford County. Next time your travels take you this way on Highway 29, stop by!”

Sandy Meads Turturro and her husband went to Austin, TX, in Sept. to celebrate her youngest daughter, Katie’s, engagement.

While visiting Texas, she had a fun time catching up with Janie Losse Momberger and Felicia Nelson Baker. Sandy writes “In Nov., we

welcomed a second grandchild, Jackson, who joined his 2-year-old sister, Annabelle. We are so excited to see our family growing and to be grandparents. I’m still teaching first grade, (year 39!) and love it. It was a bit crazy Zooming (virtual learning) with 6-year-olds, but we survived and have been ‘back in person’ since Oct. My husband, Michael, is still working for Chick-Fil-A as a senior project lead. Despite the crazy year, we are all well and happy here in Roswell, GA!” Debra Kertzman writes “What a year 2020 has been, starting with the pandemic, a broken kneecap during the surge in NYC and a rush to make the seniors line at Trader Joe’s, followed by a tick bite, a week stay in the hospital with a scary infection cleared up with antibiotics and then a fractured ankle—again from rushing around. I spent time gut renovating a new apartment, spending so much additional time with my sons and the frequent Zoom calls with my daughter, family and friends, quick recoveries, the election of a new president and a decision to go back to work part time as a contact tracer to help in the effort to end the pandemic. 2020 ended and 2021 began with a greater sense of hope and gratefulness. Hope all of my former classmates are doing well—things will get better!”

Quinne Fokes writes from CA “Another year! Best wishes to all of you and stay safe and well. Several of my oil paintings, inspired by Grand Prix Show Jumpers, are in an online show and selling. I’ve been working as a UX Research Manager for Abbott Diabetes Care, and spending time helping with putting in metal mesh to keep the moles at bay in a plot in our community garden. It still amazes me to see pansies in Jan. Recently, virtually visited (in France) fellow artist Jill Steinhuis ‘80 thanks to Zoom.”

Tiffin Fox and husband Trent traveled to Argentina before the pandemic. They had a wonderful trip. Tiffin writes: “It is quiet where we are in Germany with the many restaurants and shops closed. Trent and I stay busy and have enjoyed taking walks on the weekends. It has been beautiful with the new fallen snow. We also have visits from our children and grandchildren who live here in Europe.”

Tiffin Hartman Fox and Trent

Susan Pinkard Morgan continues to teach and went back to brick and mortar in Oct. “By the grace of God, I am still able to teach over 100 students daily, in the class and at home simultaneously. It is a real challenge, and I am learning something new every day. It is not the ideal environment for learning and I miss the connections I usually make with my students. Sometimes I feel like I can’t do it another day and other times I feel that I need to be there for these students who are missing out on the experiences I had in school. I try to keep up the rigor and the interest but there are so many levels of both interest and effort that this is very difficult.” After 27 years as an airline pilot, Susan’s husband is retired. He does odd jobs around the house, enjoys his ham radio and the history channel. Daughter, Casey (24) is happy and healthy. She is earning a marketing degree and working part time.

Susan continues “I suffer, living in south FL. where the weather every day stays between 70 and 100 degrees. (Mostly 70s and 80s these days). I look forward to 2021. 2020 was a year where I learned a lot, and it wasn’t all bad. I made connections with friends online, got closer to my family at home, and learned to be more thankful for what I do have rather than what I don’t. I am hopeful 2021 will bring even more experiences from which we can learn and improve not only ourselves but our environment.”

Erin Lynch continues to work (right now from home) as a senior manager in test engineering at the SAS Institute. Erin writes “I love to

Erin Lynch ’81 and Erin Hertz Firestone ’82

May Carter Barger snowmobiling

Sarah Martin Herguner’s son’s wedding

cook, trying to balance in some exercise, same old same old. Finally, I’ve hired a cleaning service after all these years because getting down to scrub is easy, getting back up is a bear!”

Erin’s daughter, Chase Keough Wedinger, has transferred to Sweet Briar! “At 24 years old, she’s part of SBC’s Turning Point Program with a graduation target of 2023. Chase is living in House 5 on Faculty Row, thoroughly enjoying classes (prelaw) and participating in the riding

CLASS NOTES virtual non-profit career panel for Philanthropy Week in late Sept.

I’m very grateful for FB, Zoom and email enabling me to keep up with my Vixen sisters and am greatly looking forward to seeing everyone at our 40th reunion in May!” Ansley McKenzie Browning’s son, Tanner, married Catherine Cadmus on Oct., 2. It was “a very lovely outdoor COVID-conscious ceremony. Our daughter, Liz, attended and her daughter, Ellison, was the flower girl.”

Bobin Bryant Williams sends her best to everyone and writes “Not too much to report! New house, one child out of college and another to graduate this spring.”

Kearsley Rand has “no news.

Which I guess is good. Spent the last year working remotely for the first half of the year, then in the office intermittently. In my spare time, I made cakes, bread, pickles and soap.

Did every home project on the planet. Ready to leave the new normal behind.”

Lori Faust Williams writes “My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year, so I am flying out to Palm Springs, CA, every few months to visit with her. She also fell twice last May, a week apart, and broke her shoulder. Rehab has been extensive.

On a happier note, my daughter Shelby enrolled in ODU to finish her degree and become a full-fledged teacher, though she has been working at Sacred Heart Academy for several years already. Son Ted is engaged to a wonderful girl, Holly. They’ve known each other since grade school.

It should last. Rusty had knee surgery, needs a replacement. Ugh.” May Carter Barger suited up (the temperature was 19 degrees) and went snowmobiling, for the first time, in the MT mountains. May writes “A perfect vacation for Jan. in the year of COVID. If you haven’t tried it, go for it. We snowmobiled through West Yellowstone and spent one day in the park where we saw coyotes, eagles, bison and swan. Other than that, I have found COVID to be a bit boring!”

Despite COVID, Susan Campbell is able to see her daughter Sarah, her parents and family “though we mask up and practice social distancing. I have a new palomino pony, Goldie, who I hope to show this year

when the weather warms up. Staying busy with working—involved in a new leadership development education venture and volunteering on the finance committee of my homeowner’s association in Medford, NJ. Still run and occasionally ride my bike in the neighborhood to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors.”

Nancy Webb Corkery writes that she and David are enjoying West Palm Beach where they bought a condo in 2019. Nancy writes “Playing golf, David is working from home. Our oldest, Kevin, was married in 2018 to Lucie Nadler, from Marion where we are all in the summer. Seeing Laura Evans and Graham Russell ’79. In touch with Virginia Latham, Laura Proctor, Molly Cramer, Olivia Baker, Caroline Sparrow and Angie Wright.

Had a new knee in 2018 and will do the other in Oct. Just finished 4 years at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston in their associates program with bestie, Carla Cabot ’84!”

Allison Roberts Green is “I am living the pandemic life, wearing a mask, take-out food, blessed to have some special moments with family on a smaller scale. I am still talking to my husband, enjoying the sunsets, counting the days till reunion. Hoping 2021 will be better for all!”

Mara Ryan Eckert and Guy sold their PA home last June and have been living at the Jersey Shore.

Mara writes “Guy and I are trying to decide on our next adventure. We contemplated living at our house in the OBX but changed our minds.

Our daughter Emma is clerking for a judge in PA and hopes to move back to DC where her sister Sydney is working for the NFLPA and attending Georgetown for her MBA. They both love DC. I was able to see Stephanie Skinner for wine, last Feb. and got together with Kearsley Rand in Alexandria prior to that, hopefully again soon!”

Sarah Martin Hergüner visited with Debra Kertzman during the fall of 2019, and then COVID hit so they keep up through texts and phone calls. Sarah writes “My son Levent was married in Dec. 2019 to Jessica Cynthia Lazo in Saint Lucia.

Jessie was born in Cuba and moved with her parents to the USA when she was 8; she and Levent met at Lehigh University and are working in

DC. My daughter Lale is with Davenport & Company in Richmond, having graduated from American University’s Kogod School of Business in 2018. She and I both graduated from St. Catherine’s where I continue to work as the School Archivist. I go home daily to 2 precious pets, Beau Bidik (a nearly 17-yearold silky terrier and love of my life) and Rosa Velvet (a 6-year-old German Shepherd.) I am happy to have Sweet Briar classmates nearby in Richmond and hope that we can reunite soon in person. Best to all with fond memories.”

Sharon Resener Miller lives in New Smyrna Beach, FL, with her husband, Toby, and 2 12-year-old Jack Russell Terriers. Sharon writes that her son “Bailey (27) is in his second year at UCLA law. I still have my own CPA practice—someday I’ll retire. Love keeping up with everyone on Facebook!”

Lisa Allison Barnhart writes “It’s been a tough year for us all! Can’t see my son or daughter (COVID and travel/visitation restrictions). I miss them terribly! Steve and I are getting ready to celebrate our 40th Anniversary! Totally crazy! He’s a wonderful, caring, hard-working man. I have a great/busy job as a realtor at Dorsey Alston. I have rescued a dog, 3 cats and 4 squirrels. Lucy and I hike the trails along the Chattahoochee river.

I go to the Y, play tennis and pickleball. So thankful for all of the above which brings such joy! Just wish I could hug my kids.”

As for me, I am freelancing, and my children’s book is still looking for a literary agent. Like many of you, I am ready for COVID to be over and hope that everyone is safe and well. I hope to see you at the reunion. Take care and thanks for sharing your news. Claire.

1982

Patti Snodgrass Borda Mullins 15 10th Ave. Brunswick, MD 21716 pattibmullins@gmail.com From Jennifer Rae, “My last year has been very eventful; that is my life motto.” She left MD to help her sister sell her house in ME last March.

They had non-stop estate sales to meet the closing in mid-April. Then

spring 2021

program. I recently visited Chase for her Jan. birthday and dinner celebration which included reuniting with Leslie Firestone Hertz ‘82. We had so much fun!”

Eva Devine writes “What a year it has been. Despite the COVID crisis, my nieces and nephews have had 4 babies this year—Isabella, Evelyn, Liam and Anderson! So, I am a great Aunt to 4 beautiful babies. Also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the wedding of Tania Voss Ryan’s daughter Meredith. On a beautiful and one of the coldest weekends in Oct., Meredith was married outside in Alexandria, VA. The event was amazingly warm and inviting due to loving family and friends. Looking forward to Sweet Work Weeks year 6!”

Brendy Reiter Hantzes writes “Well it’s been a year to remember.

I hope with all my heart that everyone is doing well. My family has all been healthy and I feel very blessed for that. I was able to keep playing tennis outside—it is the only thing that saved my mental health. Eva Devine and I were able to attend our 5th Sweet Work Weeks this summer. My appraisal business did not survive; but that’s ok I was ready to move on. I never did like math anyway. Now what should I be because I’m not ready to retire.”

Diana Landau McCulloch writes “Besides the farm, I have been occupied the last 2 years with my failing adoptive Mom, who passed in July. I was able to be with her during hospice, despite COVID and this brought peace. On a happier note, my daughter is graduating Randolph-Macon (I know, ladies, I tried!) this Spring with Honors, albeit with less fanfare, due to COVID. I am officially a Snowbird and am spending quite a bit of time in VA, looking to spend my summers there. I try to keep up with Stephanie Snead and Bobin Bryant, my old roommates.”

DJ Stanhope ran the Bob Hope USO in the Inland Empire for 3 years and accepted the position of executive director for USO NV in Sept. 2020. DJ writes “It’s been a daunting challenge with NV tied with HI for the lowest employment rate, but I use SBC’s lesson of persistence every single day. I was honored to be included on Sweet Briar’s

89

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

90

she headed to NY to help her mother organize. Jennifer said her mother helped her “come to terms that my life is here in MD, so I am back in MD.” She misses her late husband terribly, “but life must go on.” She is back at work, archiving a family’s history in VA, and learning many more things about VA. She finds the work fascinating and intriguing.

Catherine Miller’s mother moved to a retirement community, and Catherine and her husband, David, completely painted and renovated her home to get it on the market.

Catherine said it sold quickly and for a good price to a nice family. Their eldest daughter and husband are expecting Catherine’s first grandchild in May. “So excited, especially since my friends say being a grandmother is the best.” She enjoys her part-time job as a pharmacist for a nursing home system. Her horse, Clark, is 25 and still going strong. “Hard to believe I have had him since he was 4! Hope all my classmates are staying healthy during COVID.” Lucie Stephens Holland, who had the unbearable loss of her son last year, appreciated classmates’ sincere care: “I send a huge and heartfelt thanks to all my classmates who reached out to me via letter, email and phone when my only child, son Carter, died last Aug. at age 24 of a heart attack. Your support and friendship has meant so much to me.”

After living 20 years near Boston, Jill Fallon’s family has jumped on the COVID wagon of movers and relocated to Lakewood Ranch, near Sarasota, FL. This is the first time she has lived outside of New England since she went to Sweet Briar.

“It’s a bit of a culture shock, and my friends were happy to tell me about the beautiful northeast autumn,” she said. She felt avenged when a major snowstorm hit the northeast while she has been enjoying warm temperatures. She claims an added bonus that Tom Brady left the Patriots to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are Super Bowl-bound. Jill’s husband and 2 sons have jobs in the area, and she is on sabbatical. “Life is good.”

Rachel Giles Gronsky says her family has been faring well during the pandemic, but finds it a challenge to maintain a sense of normalcy with

quarantine restrictions. She has read a ton of books, does yoga via Zoom and enjoys jigsaw puzzles now. She looks forward to receiving the vaccine and being able to travel again.

Before the pandemic she and Joel were able to make a highly anticipated and fulfilling month-long trip to New Zealand in Feb. and March, 2020. In summer they spent some time on their boat, but missed being able to cruise in favorite Canadian waters. She hopes this summer opportunity will open. She anticipates the birth of English setter puppies to join their English spaniel. They lost their 13-year-old beagle in Dec., after a long and happy life. She looks forward to our 40th class reunion in 2022! “We can’t really be that old!”

Monika Kaiser, Richard and son Julius are still living as isolated as they can. Monika takes a long morning walk and 2 other walks throughout the day with dog Freya. Richard has picked up running, and Julius is waiting for an acceptance at a med school. Weather permitting, she uses the pool in the backyard, swimming about 150 laps each day and lost one dress size in the process. Their daughter Alexa married, COVID style, in Dec. The FL wedding was outside with 11 attendees in total, social distancing and separate tables for each household. Monika reports it was beautiful. “Now, I am patiently waiting for my turn to get the vaccine and hope that I am able to visit my mother in Germany in the fall.”

Since last fall Mary Ames Booker has worked on a series of virtual programs about the Battleship, North Carolina. The ship-museum offers audio visual tours, live presentations and a podcast. She said, “It takes me back to college days on WUDZ radio station! Remember those days, Heather Pirnie Albert?”

Mary Ames is staying healthy and waiting for that vaccine.

Indomitable Jean von Schrader Bryan sends greetings and invitations: “It’s been a crazy year for sure.”

She is thankful to be in Amherst, where she happily reported seeing Lillian Sinks ’80 for the first time in at least 40 years. “Same ole Muffit!”

She frequently sees Molly Finney Grenn, Nancy Daugherty Davidson, Marie Engel Earnhart and that crazy Lele Frenzel Casalini whenever she road-trips in town. “Love all

my classmates and praying we can all be together in 2022 for our reunion,” she said, promising a party at her house and pool, inviting us to “Please come back!”

Lele Frenzel Casalini says “Life is good! Though I’ve not been able to work since March, I’ve enjoyed spending time with my grandkids.

Going to rodeos watching Harper Willow (7) barrel racing. I have been playing with the three 2-year-olds, Hayes, Kinley and Gianluca and enjoying 2 month old Vivian. Started construction on a new house at Two Creek Hollow on my farm in the rural countryside of IN. After a 16-month hiatus, I had a wonderful time at Sweet Briar seeing the renovations at the riding center and the greenhouses. I have also had the opportunity to visit with some SBC ’82 classmates! Always a good time!”

Patti Snodgrass Mullins says she is busy doing education policy research, writing legislative updates, managing press events and drafting equity-based policies for the MD State Education Association. Husband Earl this year vows to retire forever after wrapping up (his third post-retirement post) as interim rector at St. James, Leesburg. Their daughter Virginia—a sophomore environmental science major at the University of MD—has managed not to contract the coronavirus among her small bubble of friends and 3 roommates.

1983

Virginia Claus Buyck vbc414@aol.com Always great to hear from our classmates.

Lee Anne MacKenzie Chaskes has done an amazing job working for Sweet Briar in the Office of Alumnae Relations and Development, keeping us informed and encouraging all of us to do our part for the College. South FL has been her home for 20 years, but Lee Anne will never get used to the looming hurricanes, unique FL mindset or the disgusting iguanas running rampant in her backyard. A highlight of the past year was her trip to the Bahamas with 40 mothers and sons from Woodberry Forest in March, right before the world stopped turning.

Adam, Lee Anne’s youngest son, experienced an actual in-person, albeit socially distanced graduation in Aug. Lee Anne and Rob recently celebrated their 35th anniversary, and Lee Anne crossed the threshold into the next decade, reporting the view looks pretty good. As Lisa Wray Longino ’78 says, “I am just happy to be on this side of the grass!” Lee Anne looks forward to seeing our smiling faces again soon!

Mary Pope Hutson continues to put her heart and soul into the College. Mary Pope’s usual schedule of weekly travel visiting alumnae was disrupted by the pandemic, which has been a real gift, allowing her to stay in one place on our beautiful campus. When she gets a chance, she has been photographing the beauty of the landscape and sharing pictures with us. Mary Pope reports the College is doing very well and although we hear from her often, she expressed how thankful she is for all we do for our alma mater. I was fortunate to visit Mary Pope this fall on campus—if you have not been to Sweet Briar recently, I encourage you to stop by if you are in the area.

While the campus has always been beautiful, the addition of the vineyard, wildflower gardens and greenhouse are really extraordinary and exciting.

Melissa Byrne Partington’s daughter Rachel Catherine ’20 graduated from Sweet Briar in May. She is living in Richmond, working as a barista at Starbucks, and hoping to head to France in 2022 to teach English for a year. A family trip to the Alberta Rockies this summer was cancelled due to COVID, but Melissa and Robert were able to sneak away for a long weekend of hiking and Virginia wineries in Oct. Their family grew by one with the addition of a new collie puppy Ollie. Melissa gets to see Anne Little Woolley and Blair Clark Swoope every few months in Williamsburg.

Mary Brown Watt Messer sent wonderful news of the best Christmas gift ever! Her husband received a kidney transplant on Dec. 20, after having been on the transplant list for almost 3 years. He was home on Christmas day, and both children were able to be there, so it was extra special. Mary is so very thankful to the donor and encourages those who

CLASS NOTES

Lee Anne MacKenzie Chaskes and family at youngest son’s graduation from Woodberry Forest

Family of Amy Boyce Osaki hiking

are able to sign up to be a donor, as it can change someone’s life forever.

Laura Mixon Camacho titled her news Wedding Batch, as all 3 of her children decided to get married, and she batched 3 fun pandemic-adapted weddings in 5 months.

Her business pivoted from in-person corporate trainings to communication coaching, primarily with women executives in male-dominated contexts, in the US, Spain and Latin America.

Libby Glenn Fisher and Charlie moved to western NC after the tourists and developers finally got to be too much on 30A in Florida. They have peace and quiet on 10 wooded acres and are getting used to the cold

and snow again. Libby works in real estate and Charlie is a fundraising consultant for Episcopal churches, with schedules that allow for plenty of hiking and exploring. Their children are still in NYC and thankfully employed despite the pandemic. Libby wishes all her ’83 sisters health and good fortune for 2021.

After being laid off from the Miami City Ballet as a result of massive COVID budget cuts, Elena Quevedo moved north and in with her long-time partner Kevin in Jupiter, Florida. Having never led a suburban life, Elena has learned to plant organic vegetables, engage in a virtual 480-mile pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela cycling, and most importantly started a new business doing consulting services for the nonprofit industry. Elena continues to nurse her dream of opening a craft spirits distillery one day. And, on top of all this, she has taken loads of online classes, from business analytics, to cooking and yoga.

Since Amy Boyce Osaki was thrust into temporary forced retirement from the pandemic, she has had time to backpack, hike, and explore the western U.S. Some of her splendid hikes include the Wind River, Sawtooth, Olympic, Wallowa, Ruby and the South Snake mountains. Amy keeps in touch with Sarah Sutton, Marijtje van Duijn and Desiree Bouchat, along with Mary Pope and Claire Dennison at Sweet Briar. Amy has been pleased to work as an AAR (alumnae admissions ambassador representative), recruiting the Class of 2025.

Anyone else feel amazed at the dynamic, resilient, driven group of go-getters in our class? Sweet Briar women and their friendships and connections continue to amaze me. I recently was in touch with our classmate from Atlanta Sarah English Dorn Perry. She is the most talented sewer, embroiderer and knitter and has a fantastic Etsy site (Sarah English Perry) filled with beautiful hand knit items and embroidered linen towels. She also does custom work (sweaters, etc.) Check it out!

I encourage others with businesses, etc. to let me know so we can get the word out and support each other.

Feel free to send me news and pictures throughout the year. Take care and stay well!

1984

Louise Jones Geddes 2590 Woodward Way NW Atlanta, GA 30305 LJGeddes5@gmail.com It is with sadness that I report that Elizabeth Benn passed away in 2013. Belated sympathies to her family and friends. And thank you to the classmate who let me know. The news of her death came in response to a returned email appeal. There are still a handful of our class whose emails bounce back. I’d love to think that each one of us might be in touch with a lost SBC friend sometime this year. Apart from the above tragic news, I have really enjoyed reading updates from all of you. So many of us mentioned missing our communities and not being able to meet face to face. I hope that by the time these notes are published, we’ll be well on our way to vaccinating the population and being able to open back up more fully!

In 2020 Ann Alleva Taylor accepted a new position in Charlottesville as the director of marketing and development for the soon to be built Botanical Garden of the Piedmont.

She sold the home in FL, and she and Carter and the girls are now ensconced in a rental in Charlottesville.

The whole family love being in VA and are enjoying the winter weather and are looking forward to some snow. Charlotte is still at St Timothy’s in MD, Cabot is looking for a nannying position in Charlottesville, and Caroline will begin her new

spring 2021

Robert and Melissa Byrne Partington

Wylie Jameson Small and Stuart have been spending a lot of time at their second home on Kiawah, escaping the cold Rochester winter.

She continues to run and golf and is working on a new writing project.

They hope to get to England once COVID is under control.

Alicia Formagus Nygaard welcomed her third grandchild, James William, over the summer, and is looking forward to their fourth, Max McNutt, in April. Alicia’s husband Nace retires in less than a year, and they are looking forward to spending more time with family and their Sunday School class. Alicia is preparing to write a book on her family’s involvement in politics during the Reagan years.

Blair Redd Schmieg was watching the snow fall in beautiful Marblehead, MA, as she wrote her news.

Blair’s daughter Raleigh is living in Little Rock, working for Stephens, and her son Lee is headed to Parris Island this month on his path to become a US Marine. Blair’s experience working with Sweet Briar’s fundraising campaign reinforced her desire to help other women succeed, and she is in the process of starting a venture capital firm, FWBW Ventures (For Women funded By Women). It is in the very early stages, but Blair is so excited by the opportunities.

Pam Weekes celebrated 25 years of Levain Bakery in Dec., incredible!

Thanks to her amazing team the bakeries managed to remain open and support their communities through COVID (except for the original location which is too small to be safe right now). Levain opened their first bakery outside of New York in Sept., in Georgetown, which has been so much fun and a great community. Levain also launched packaged cookies in the freezer section of Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Central Market, Fox Trot and many other shops. The silver lining of the pandemic for Pam was that she was able to spend a very special summer with family which was a gift after working so much the past 25 years and not seeing them much. She is currently taking a color theory class on Zoom at the NYC Art Students League which has been fun (and a lot of work). Pam misses the Columbia University swim workouts but hopefully will get back there later this year.

91

CLASS NOTES

Louise Jones Geddes and Chris Svoboda in Washington, DC

Ginger Reynolds Davis’s granddaughter Nora Holly Pflug Allport and family during Christmas 2020

Heide Stukey Shott and Dr. Mallihai Lawrence Tambyah ’85 in 2019

sbc.edu

Karen Williams Wickre at the Grand Canyon

92

school in Feb. Ann talked to Staci Skufca for over an hour on her way north in the car and says that was the perfect way to catch-up!

Ginger Reynolds Davis laments that in 2020 she went nowhere. Except she did go to Key West in July to shelter in place there. And then she also visited Debbie Jones in June and again in late Dec. Ginger became a grandmother in Sept., as her son and daughter-in-law had a little girl named Nora. Ginger sends love and best wishes for a happy 2021 full of positive changes to all.

Camille Mitchell Wingate had a wonderful Christmas with her girls and she is very thankful for good health and jobs for all of them! She hopes to get together with them again soon in Charleston or at the beach. Camille enjoyed seeing SBC friends in Charleston during the past year, despite COVID. Tracy Glaves Spalding has enjoyed helping to design a new teaching kitchen for the Natural Foods Chef program that she leads. The spring semester will be in this new space located in a historic building in downtown Arvada, CO. With so much down time during COVID, she has thrown herself into cooking and is eager to have a new class of aspiring chefs to teach!

Debbie Jones is appreciative that, so far, friends and family are healthy. The mortgage business has been insanely busy and she has been honored to serve on several industry policy committees, speaking panels (Zoom of course), and was asked to

Stephanie Alford Collett’s daughter Anna gets married

Shannon Young Ray and her two grands

share her career journey in Mortgage Women’s Magazine. She enjoyed being at the farm and didn’t miss business travel in 2020. She had a wonderful New Year’s visit from Ginger Reynolds Davis and Lynn Jordan.

Debbie writes that Square One vodka has felt the pandemic but the mixers and ready-to-drink are doing well, thanks to many of us. She will be delivering the college some Pink Daisy mixer soon. How ironic is that name!

Like for so many of us, the past year has been very different for Shannon Young Ray. She has been fortunate to be near all 5 children as well as her precious 2 little grands, ages 4 and 2-1/2, in Fort Worth.

Her bubble with them made the long days at home tolerable and the holidays a blessing. In fact, she has had almost daily drop-ins/house guests. She continues to manage some family partnerships/interests and her elderly aunt’s affairs from a small offsite office, which provides

some welcome escapism, and she has picked up pickleball, puzzling, frequent walks, more cooking and Canasta to fill the time voids. Husband Breck was able to return to Cook Children’s Hospital in late summer as a rocking grandad in the NICU and works at least 2 shifts per week, in addition to golf and his peloton.

She happily reports that they have remained COVID free and now, gratefully, have received their vaccines. Overall, she remains blessed beyond measure and sends wishes to us all for a happy and positive 2021!

Patsy Roby Gotfredson is still fondly reflecting on the 2019 reunion and how much fun it was to reconnect with classmates and how impressed she was with President Woo and how beautiful the campus looked. This past year was the same for Patsy as for many of us—husband and children working and studying from home and lots of meals coming out of the kitchen.

Patsy wrapped up her Presidency for

the Garden Club of Michigan last spring and is enjoying a change of pace. She got COVID in Nov. for 23 days! She counts her blessings that she survived and sends much love and good wishes to all the class.

Holly Pflug Allport and Peter celebrated their 30th anniversary on Feb. 2, 2021. She has gone back to work as an Estate Planning paralegal. Her oldest, Pete, is a software engineer for Galvanize, Inc. Sarah is a pediatric nurse at Arnold Palmer Hospital and is in grad school to become a nurse practitioner. Kate is in her last semester at the Univ. of Louisville, and Julia is about the wrap up her sophomore year at Auburn. Holly feels grateful for all her blessings and sends everyone in the Class of 1984 lots of love and best wishes for a much-improved 2021!

Teri Baldus Rugeley and Ned are still in Charleston, WV, selling real estate and practicing law. Daughter Katie and Husband live nearby. Katie has her own on-line boutique featuring monograms, theinitialedlife. com. Son Wells is a Lt. at Ft. Bragg with the 82nd Airborne and an aide to a 1 Star General. Teri is happy to have him Stateside for a while. WV is finally getting some decent credit in leading the vaccine distribution.

Teri hopes we all stay safe and happy.

2020 started off for Stephanie Alford Collett being immersed in planning her son Trent’s, March 2020 wedding. Two weeks before the wedding, he and his wonderful fiancée made the tough decision to postpone and Stephanie is looking forward to celebrating the big day on St. Simons Island, GA, in March 2021. Trent recently completed a 2-year general practice residency at the Dental College of GA and is now practicing in the Buckhead area of Atlanta with Premier Dental Care of Buckhead. His fiancée, Amara, is finishing up her dental residency in May 2021, they will live in Atlanta.

One silver lining of the pandemic is that Stephanie’s husband Michael was able to work from home. She and Michael are spending their time primarily on St. Simons Island, with a few trips to Athens, GA. They kayaked more in Spring 2020 than in the past few years combined, and they’ve perfected the art of small group home-gating with other GA Bulldog friends. She closed out 2020 with the joy of weddings, first, as

guests at Helen Pruitt Butler’s son, Herb’s wedding (my handsome godson!). Helen made a glowing MOG and tore up the dance floor in her usual style. In Nov. 2020, Stephanie’s daughter Anna married Riley Duke in Charleston, SC. Helen Pruitt Butler and her husband Herb were among our treasured guests. It was a beautiful celebration on a perfect day.

Anna and Riley live in Birmingham, AL, where she is a newly licensed nurse working in the Cardiac ICU at UAB hospital. She will complete the requirements for her master’s degree in nursing in May 2021. Riley will begin medical school at UAB in July 2021. With 4 children in healthcare and 5 parents over 80, Stephanie understands the gravity of the COVID situation and is looking forward to the days when we can all move about more freely and without having to figure out if our mask clashes with our outfit!

While missing many of the normal Washington, DC, area SBC alumnae activities, such as career day and back to school, Karen Williams Wickre did stay in touch for virtual efforts. She enjoyed the opportunity to socially distance with more time in the mountains, beach and trip to the Grand Canyon. She saw cousin Dori Rucker ’09 and still handles international trade remotely with Capitol Hill, and she is looking forward to reconnecting with Sweet Briar friends soon!

Juliet Jacobsen Kastorff found that one positive coming out of COVID was people spending more time outdoors with friends and family. Endless River Adventures shared so many special moments helping people get outside and on the river.

It made all the extra work complying with protocol worthwhile. She felt compelled to cancel most of her international trips for the winter, and as a result spent her first Christmas in the States in 28 years. It was a white Christmas with a beautiful snow. Her lodge in Ecuador has not had much business this year, but, again, a positive coming out of this is the bird population is thriving. Juliet hopes that her lodge, the Rio Quijos EcoLodge, will start seeing more birdwatchers in the future. Here’s to a better 2021 for all of us!

In early March 2020, Laura DeHaven started working on a book idea. She plans to publish her collec-

tion of antique and vintage dog related photographs. She has had plenty of time during COVID to add to her collection and hunting for the treasures has been fun.

Cindy “Skip” Pierce Kohlenberger missed getting up to Nova Scotia last year as the border was closed and who could blame the Canadians for not wanting us? She is hoping things will reopen this summer. Skip reports that she gets up, works a full day from home and tries to get out and go riding on her horse a few days a week. She and her husband have been through all their Liberty Puzzles—at least twice— and they’ve slayed Netflix, Prime, HBO Go and every other content subscription service. They’ve also discovered that if you heat up apple cider and add a shot of Fireball Whisky it tastes just like hot apple pie!

Roxane Lie is still working for Ricoh, working in shipping and distribution for Nike. She is deemed an essential worker for Nike which is nice. Roxane lost her Vizsla Aramis at the start of this year. He was nearly 12 years old.

Tricia Dolph Fallon’s eldest daughter Christina is a first year at W&L law school, her middle daughter Caroline is a CPA working for Deloitte from home and her youngest son Nick is at Univ. of Richmond. Tricia is working full time and starting to think about her next act or retirement. She had 5 people and her elderly dog at home for the pandemic and was glad she had not downsized. She is still in Hamilton, MA, and is looking forward to visiting SBC when we can finally revisit campus!

Helen Pruitt Butler’s son got married to his girlfriend of 5 years on Halloween 2020. The wedding was held at Helen’s mother-in-law’s plantation in Georgetown, SC, and it was a magical evening under the big full blue moon. Her daughter is getting married on June 5 and she is looking forward to another fun wedding and then a much-needed vacation. Helen reports that the real estate market in Charleston is very active as it is still the number one city according to Travel Leisure. Last year Helen got to visit with Stephanie Alford Collett, Kathy Papadimitriou, Elizabeth Harley Willett, Cathy Toomey Gregorie, Cheri Burritt

Yates, Camille Mitchell Wingate, Carla Pelligrino Cabot and Louise Jones Geddes. She is ready for life to go back to the way it was before COVID so she can visit with more SBC friends.

Diana Crandall Nielson and husband Clark are still living in UT and enjoying the mountains and skiing. They are almost empty nesters as her youngest, Leigh, is a junior at the Univ. of Utah, her son James is in DC and daughter Claire is in Utah working as a marketing content manager. Clark is a retired attorney and Diana has gone back to work part-time. They are looking forward to traveling again when this craziness is over!

After 20 years Heidi Stukey Shott left the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, where she’d served as Canon for communications and social justice, to join a nonprofit that raises funds and awareness to support schools, hospitals, and centers for children with disabilities in the Middle East. She can’t wait until she’s allowed to return to the region to share the stories of the people served by these institutions. In the fall of 2019 Heidi was thrilled to learn Dr. Mallihai Lawrence Tambyah ’85 was coming to New England from Brisbane, Australia, where she’s on the faculty of Queensland University of Technology, to visit her son Philip working for a consulting firm in Boston. A quick invitation to join the Shott clan for Thanksgiving ensued and a wonderful mini-SBC reunion allowed Heidi’s twin sons and Mallihai’s son Philip to become fast friends. In the fall of 2020, Philip needed a place to stay while finishing his work contract before returning to Australia. Heidi and her husband Scott (whose grandmother was an SBC Academy student) were happy to welcome Philip back to ME as a member of the family. It’s so great to continue to have deep and abiding connections after all these years and to extend them to the next generations. Also, just before the pandemic, Heidi had a wonderful couple of days in NYC with the Rev. Caroline Stacey (the St. Andrew’s Scholar in 1983-84 who lived across the hall on the second floor of Grammer).

Caroline is the rector of St. Luke in the Fields in the West Village. Heidi also had a wonderful dinner and overnight stay with Professor Bill

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

93

CLASS NOTES Smart and his wife Anurya in New York about 2 months before he died in Feb. 2019. Before parting to go to bed, he said he didn’t think he’d be up in time to see Heidi off in the morning. They said their goodnights in the hallway and he said, “I love you. I hope you know that.” Heidi considers herself very fortunate that Sweet Briar was the kind of place where 35 years after graduation such deep and meaningful relationships are maintained.

Like most of us Beth Richmond Hyder is still working remotely most of the time. Her miniature Australian labradoodle, Cricket, loves the arrangement as it means longer walks in the morning and then not being separated during the day. Beth stays busy with zoom meetings for work, church and 2 garden clubs and is looking forward to a time when the meetings will be in person. At the moment, she is also looking forward to spending some time in Boca Grande in Feb. Please be safe and stay healthy.

And for me, as I write this, I am partway through a strict quarantine in Australia where Jim and I recently traveled so he could get back to his business of rebuilding Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, in the aftermath of the Jan. 2020 fires. Australia has been mostly closed to international visitors since March 2020 in the country’s attempts to remain as COVID free as possible. I will be in Australia for a few months and then I look forward to getting back to GA and to my son Giles’s wedding in Oct. As I mentioned in the Fall 2020 Notes, daughter Lucia has moved to DC and as luck would have it, she moved into the same block as Chris Svoboda! “Auntie Chris” has been a wonderful neighbor and resource for Lucia and her roommate, and I’ve been a grateful friend!

1985

sbc.edu

DeAnne Blanton 501 E. Riverside Dr. Bridgewater, VA 22812 ddblanton@gmail.com

94

Vicki Vidal Blum is still senior vice president at Black Knight, a mortgage technology company. She is doing some painting, but not as much as expected. Check out her gorgeous work at vickiblum.com.

Her son David finished his first semester at Radford University. He is pursuing his D1 soccer dreams and is playing left back, and anticipates getting playing time as a freshman.

His games are televised on one of the ESPN channels, so please cheer on #29!

Jane Cox Childress lives in Asheville, NC, with husband Vince, daughter Diana and 2 sons, James (Sewanee ’21) and Thompson. She recently joined Kanuga Episcopal Camps & Conferences as director of marketing and communications.

Laura Morrisette Clark writes “all good here with surviving this pandemic! It has been a bit of a tough year in the travel business— but enjoying my 4 grandchildren and even had the opportunity to lower my golf handicap just a bit!” She is looking forward to reconnecting with everyone soon.

Barbara Trajekis Conner continues as director of college counseling at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA, and still loves living and working on a boarding school campus (even in COVID). She got to work from home all summer from her Cape house in Dennis, MA, and looks forward to doing that again this summer. She spent time visiting Ginger Ryon Church in Charlotte, NC, before COVID struck last winter. Barb loves seeing classmates on the occasional class of ’85 Zoom and she hopes everyone stays healthy through the pandemic.

Heidi Belofsky Cromwell and husband split their time between Bal Harbor, FL, and Tyson’s Corner, VA. COVID has eliminated Heidi’s legendary SBC Martini Nights, but she is hoping to attend reunion.

Linda Manley Darling has spent the pandemic investing in the stock market and watching educational financial and other webinars, watching Netflix and Firestick sourced shows and enjoying the Zoom presentations in the fall of 2020 and winter of 2021 presented by SBC. She’s looking forward to continuing to travel across the United States of America every year and going out to movie theaters when they open in her area.

Ann Martin Gonya was thankful to visit her daughter in Los Angeles for a month this winter. She also relates that “my husband and I live in Keswick, VA, on a cattle farm. We are renovating an older home and are

April 2020 Class of 1985 Zoom party

enjoying our chickens, 2 miniature Sicilian donkeys, Burt and Oscar, and the dogs and cats. We sold our house in Baltimore in 2020 and we are thankful to spend the pandemic in the VA countryside. I look forward to seeing classmates and SBC friends soon.”

Katie Hearn writes from Baltimore that “I don’t have anything interesting for our class notes other than to say that I hope ’85 gets to see each other in person sometime soon!”

Maha Kanoo is doing well in Dubai. Because of the pandemic, her travels have been limited to visiting safe areas of the UAE. Laurie Limpitlaw Krambeer is still working in private practice as a psychologist. Daughter Sarah is a junior in college and daughter Rachel is a senior in high school. Both are dealing with virtual school and the whole family is trying to make the best of it and everything else involved with a pandemic. Laurie hopes to see everyone at the next reunion.

Leann Weber Kreis is enjoying working from home but looking forward to getting out to see her clients more as soon as COVID is under control. The commercial furniture business is still active, although some projects have been put on hold until the vaccine is a success. She visited with Cheryl Gorman ’84 in Boca Raton, FL, over the holidays. Cheryl owns Club Bow Wow and hosted a New Year’s Day party for the dogs and their owners.

Louellen Brooks Meyer had a big year, with both of her children getting married within a very short time with all the COVID restrictions. She is both exhausted and

elated, and grateful for the participation and help from Ellen Carver and Baba Fountain. Louellen, Ellen and Baba are currently planning a trip to Arizona. Louellen jokes that “our collective preferences and priorities are much different than they were during our SBC road trip days.”

Caperton Morton and her family have been well while mostly keeping close to home. But she and her husband made the trip from Kansas City, MO, to her family farm near Sweet Briar in Oct. 2020 and in Jan. 2021. She was thankful to see her son Eli and to meet his delightful girlfriend while at the farm. Now time for her to make a shameless plug for her son’s Asheville, NC, restaurant, The Med, on College Street. Cape’s been told that Eli’s shrimp and grits are the best around, along with his homemade biscuits. Cape was also grateful for her Aunt Sadie’s negative COVID test in Jan. after having been directly exposed. Aunt Sadie is her late father’s baby sister, and for the last year, Cape has shopped for Aunt Sadie online or has driven her groceries over the mountain to Lexington, which she was able to do before leaving VA in Jan. Cape was thrilled to spend a cold, priceless 30-minutes, talking and laughing with Aunt Sadie who was inside, behind her screen door. Cape also popped next door to say hello to Aunt Sadie’s neighbor and their dear friend, Ann DeVogt, mother of their other dear friend, Linda DeVogt ’86. Cape sends her love to all reading this note and hopes that you and yours stay well and happy.

Kim Knox Norman reports “Bart and I still live in Atlanta and will celebrate our 27th wedding an-

CLASS NOTES due to very strict regulations which we are still coming to terms with. I continue to teach and mentor the next generation of secondary history teachers at Queensland University of Technology. Sincerely hoping that history education will continue to thrive as we need to find ways to constantly learn from the past to shape the future.”

Leigh Watkins Taylor reports “I am so fortunate to be where I am in New Zealand as the world struggles during this pandemic time. We are on Level 1, which means basically we are all still vigilant. But other than that, it is business as usual. I am still training equestrian riders full time, and am an elite high-performance coach for Sport NZ. I am on several boards for Equestrian Sport New Zealand, and train judges and other coaches. In late 2019, I co-trained the New Zealand team who won the showjumping Pacific Horse Challenge in New Caledonia—the first time I had been to this interesting destination. This was the first year NZ had ever won; it was very exciting! The latest Vixen to visit me here was Louise Jones Geddes, who detoured slightly, and stayed with me during one of her business trips to Australia. I get back home to the Eastern Shore of MD usually once or twice a year but COVID has put a stop to that. I am looking forward to traveling again once everything calms back down. My only child, Gracie, is getting married in March 2021, here in NZ—none of my family will be here. Ah well. We are healthy and that is what matters. I keep in touch regularly with Emery Jones and Paul Cronin. I still love to paint, cook, garden, knit and laugh. I run a little boutique BnB in the downstairs of my house. I think of my beautiful SBC classmates all the time and send much aroha (love). Kia kaha (stay strong). And take good care.”

Suzanne Weaver Zimmer writes “our lives in the music business have essentially been standing still for the last year. Our label, Baldwin County Public Records, planned to branch out to some more regional bands and we released 3 records last year. It was terribly disappointing when our musicians couldn’t tour to support their records. Y’all check out Caleb Caudle, Oh Jeremiah and Great Peacock! We have sold our house on Mobile Bay and we’re temporarily in

an apartment while the construction on our new house is finished. We’re building a contemporary one-story house in anticipation of not moving again. Oldest son, Joshua is an architect and married his long-time girlfriend, Emma, last March the weekend before the world went crazy.

They live in Auburn, AL. Youngest son James finished a 12-month automotive technician program in Orlando and stayed an extra 3 months to complete the Ford program. He secured a job and an apartment near us the third week in March last year.

Again, just in the nick of time! We’re doing well except for the dang pandemic! Hope everyone gets a vaccine and I get to see some classmates at reunion.”

As for me, I’m enjoying my retirement in the Shenandoah Valley, and spending time on long-neglected house and yard projects. My husband and I took a cross-country road trip in Aug. to social distance with friends on a ranch in Wyoming.

One of the many highlights of that trip was visiting Caperton Morton in Kansas City. She and her husband graciously took us in for a night after we had spent 2 days on the road! I was also thrilled to see Caperton again, and Madge Hall Vosteen at Cape’s farm in Oct. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at reunion!

1986

Alis Van Doorn (Piper) 1612 Slater St. Valdosta, GA 31602 alisvandoorn@hotmail.com Alis Van Doorn (Piper) writes, “Well, 2020 was a year for the brave, strong and flexible that’s for sure! As many of you know, after my Mama died in Sept. of 2018, I signed a lease on a fabulous, just being built, apartment on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, GA. And though ridiculously, like insanely, expensive, my plan was just to be there for a year while I healed, breathed and figured out my next step in this new chapter. Unfortunately (actually, totally fortuitously), building delays made it impossible to move in anywhere close to my agreed upon move out day. And then my SBC roomie and bestie just happened to call and said, ‘Come to Hahira, live in my parent’s

Paula Veale’s Henry demonstrates why she won’t be opening an obedience school anytime soon

house which is just sitting vacant until we decide what to do.’ So, I did, and have been so deeply grateful for that generous offer and the respite it offered. I mention all this because it is just another example of the deep ties we all formed for life at SBC. In Feb. of 2020, on my birthday, I signed a contract on my first all by myself house in Valdosta, GA, (11 miles from Hahira). And then the pandemic hit and then unbearable sadness and loss. Things were a bit of a blur for a while, but in late April, I closed on my home, an adorable 100-year-old cottage in the heart of Valdosta’s historic district. I think this year has taught us all how precious both time and life are, and I am so grateful I now have my very own home, with my dream kitchen!

And no, I cannot cook, but am now seriously tempted to learn how. And after so many years apart, I am now within spittin’ distance of Star Hollis Waldron! I’ve spent the remainder of 2020 and now 2021 doing a few remodeling projects, nesting and sorting. Mostly sorting through 4 generations of family pictures, treasures, mementos and junk. Mostly junk. I kind of feel many of you are going through that same challenge of sorting. In Sept. of 2020, my beloved Sophie was diagnosed with an enlarged heart, Cushing’s disease and fluid on the lungs. It has been a process of lots of tests and medication adjustment, but I am so grateful that my tiny 13-year-old lamb is now feeling like herself and as frisky as an energetic sloth. And I am finally writing again, working on a story about a rabbit named Henry Hollis and 2 SBC roommates, their lives

spring 2021

niversary this year! I still work at Emory University in the Preservation Office of Emory Libraries, however remotely during the pandemic.

After a huge oak tree fell on our house in June (thanks, 2020!), we moved to a rental home while repairs were made. Thankfully, no people or animals were hurt. We were very lucky! It has been fun to do happy hour mini-reunions with the class of ’85 via Zoom this past year!”

Michelle O’Neill writes “2020 was quite a year—as I imagine it was for everyone. Hard to believe, my family and I were in Uganda in Jan. 2020 for the vacation of a lifetime. I started a new job in April right after lockdown. Still based in Washington, DC and working in government affairs, I now work for Corning, a glass and ceramics manufacturer based in upstate NY, not too far from where I grew up. I also joined the SBC Board of Directors. One of the few upsides of COVID—in addition to less time in airports: reconnecting with Sweet Briar alums—it has been great spending more virtual time with Kelley Manderson Fitzpatrick, Lisa Jennay Boles, Ellen Carver, Brigid McGlynn Lengyel, Carmen Pinelli and many others on the Zoom calls. Definitely a highlight that I hope continues even after a return to normal, whatever that means. On the home front, my son, Carter, is a sophomore in high school, to his delight, we have taken a couple of RV trips, exploring parks between DC and his grandparent’s home in NC. I look forward to getting back to campus—maybe in May for reunion, and resuming travel. In the meantime, I am thankful that everyone is healthy, if not a little stir-crazy.”

Mallihai Lawrence Tambyah relays “Sweet Briar College is never far from my thoughts, even though I have been living in Brisbane, Australia for the last 30 years. In 2019 (before the pandemic!) I was lucky enough to visit my son who was working in Boston at the time. We visited with Heidi Scott ’84 in ME for Thanksgiving, reminding me of the wonderful hospitality I enjoyed as an undergraduate from so many Sweet Briar colleagues. Our opportunity for travel overseas is now curtailed so we are re-discovering the beautiful beaches in Queensland.

Australia is largely free of COVID

95

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

96

and friends. Anyway, as I close out perhaps my last class notes tenure, I just want to say how connected I feel to all of you, how proud I have been to serve as your class secretary, how grateful I am to you all and grateful that we have our beloved College intact. Hoping to see you all at reunion 2021!”

Burke Morrow writes “While I would like to share that I have travelled to remote places for adventure, I can only say I have been remote teaching in Nebraska. I did have a fun visit with June Lee Richardson while I was in San Francisco before the pandemic. I’m still teaching science at East High School. I have been a National Center for Science Education teacher ambassador since 2019 and host teacher training workshops. One of my projects was featured on NPR as my students used a climate model simulator to test impacts of the changing climate in Nebraska.” (Well done, Burke!)

Catherine McNease Stevens reports “We are surviving COVID reasonably well, although our son has not been able to get back to China where he is a Duke Kunshan University junior. He has been taking his Duke University and DKU classes online here at University of Snow Hill Farm in Alton, VA. Not what any of us expected but he has made the best of it. Nelson and I telework 3 days each week and so far, we have dodged the COVID bullet. Our parents have now all received their vaccines, so we are relieved. Hope everyone from ’86 is doing well.”

Elizabeth Lindsey writes “I’m still working on the memoir of a Nigerian childhood. I’m ghost writing and copy editing. It’s an involved project that’s starting to feel as if it’ll never be finished. In July 2020 I had to let my old friend, Charlie Basset, leave. He was 14 and our bright, joyful light. I miss him tremendously; I’m not sure when I’ll even begin to look for his successor. During the pandemic I’ve been taking Zoom ballet and tai chi classes. Now that our porch reconstruction is finally finished, I’m looking forward to doing some landscaping around it this spring.”

Elizabeth Maraffi Michaud “I live in NH and work at L3Harris.

In Aug. I got together with Laura Hand Glover, Melissa Halstead Baugher and Karole Boggs Johns

at a cabin in GA for a COVID-safe girls weekend. We had a wonderful time, ate too much food, played games and laughed till our sides hurt.

It was the best medicine!” (Piper says, “Yay for y’all; aren’t we lucky to have our friends!”)

Eve Hill says “I’ve been busier than ever since the pandemic. In 2020 I sued/worked with 12 states to require absentee ballots to be accessible for blind voters. Got an injunction against U of California using the SAT/ACT because they aren’t available to students with disabilities during the pandemic. Now I’m advising a county how to stop incarcerating people with mental illness, suing a school for restraining/secluding (i.e., head locks) kids with autism and asking the government to drop a 5-month wait for disability benefits. Husband Henry is also busy. Dog Angie is happy we’re home, but we’d like to leave the house!” (Eve, you are surely an angel doing God’s work!)

Holly McGovern Barber writes “I am so blessed by my amazing SBC friendships. They have been so amazing and supportive helping our family through these past few years.

My husband, Ralph, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma terminal brain tumor. Our Sweet Briar ‘Gladiators’ have been our prayer warriors, support system, wine givers, etc. for the past 4 years. We are forever grateful and blessed. Life is good with friends like these amazing women who lift my entire family up every single day.

You know who you are! I will never be able to thank you enough. Hugs, love and prayers to all.” (Our continued prayers and love for you and Ralph, Holly.)

Ingrid Weirick Squires says “I will be happily retiring from 25 years of teaching in June 2021 and moving to coastal NC with my husband. I am looking forward to many happy hours and laughter with Karen Gonya Nickles and other Vixens in the Tarheel state. My son Thomas is happy at UVA and is avoiding the chaotic joys of moving by staying in Charlottesville for the summer.

Please stay well, everyone!” Piper Van Doorn and Sophie are looking forward to being frequent house guests!

Jennifer Frost Holden says “I’m in the middle of my 23rd year teaching high school English and debate

in suburban Kansas City. Hoping by the time this is published my family will have been able to gather in New Orleans to celebrate the wedding of my youngest son. Looking forward to spending time with Karen Gonya Nickles at her beautiful home in Sunset Beach, NC, this summer.”

(Fun fact: Jennifer taught my nephew, Wills Van Doorn!)

Jesse White writes (from Jan. 2020) “Hi to everyone. I’m still living in VT enjoying the beauty of this place. My job as a school psychologist is challenging due to the high needs in that area. But the children are so appreciative of the support. It is uplifting to see them smile. The love of my life is dark and handsome—my Lab, Bernie! I miss all my SBC friends and would love to visit the campus again. I can still smell the boxwood. Hope to see you in 2021!”

Julia Andrews Milstead says “Well, it’s been a year! Blessed with health and a job. Pretty much living in leggings and T-shirts. Sadly, I have written too many condolence cards. Learned to appreciate the little things. While my husband, son and I drive each other crazy—I’ve managed to keep my sanity with daily texts and regular FaceTime calls with Olivia Hardin Pettifer, Lee Malley-Lowe, Christina Babcock, Tracy Gilmore, Kira Flores Ector and Jenny Jahos Chaladoff. Sometimes I’ll look at my phone and see 50+ texts. I couldn’t have made it through this year without them. Can’t wait till our next get together!”

Karen Gonya Nickles reports “I retired after working in special education for 33 years. We are in the process of selling our home in MD and moving to NC. I have wanted to live near a beach since I was a child and am so excited that it is finally happening. We remain hopeful that both of our children’s weddings, which had to be cancelled in 2020, will be able to take place later in 2021. Fingers crossed!” (And ditto on the house guest thingy, Karen!)

Karen Harcum Levy writes “As the mom and dad moving company, we managed to move all 3 kids under pandemic conditions; our son moved from MD back home, our daughter from MD to TN and our daughter’s family from an apartment to a house in Roanoke. We became grandparents early in 2020 and highly recommend it. Partial retirement, for both

Eric and I, is working well. We have just enough to keep busy and the flexibility to do our own thing, like repainting every room in the house. I am really looking forward to the gardening season and our SBC 35th reunion.” (Wait, what? It’s our 35th already? That just seems impossible!)

Lee Grzybowski Sakowicz says “We are all well, thankfully. Mom received her first vaccination last week, for which I am so thankful. I sadly lost my step grandfather to COVID in June—he was in his 90s. Bella is in her third year of pre-med and Alena is weighing her college options; she plans to study film. I’ve been writing again and am still doing photography, now obsessed with film. I hope everyone in the SBC family stays healthy and we can all get together again soon. Love and hugs.” (Right back atcha, Lee!) Mary Beth Miller Orson writes “I have been living in Scottsdale, AZ, for 25 years now, and leading the SBC Arizona alumnae club for 15 years. I have a daughter who is a senior in college and a son who is a senior in high school. I still remember so vividly our senior year at SBC. Time really flies! I am still practicing law and am currently SVP, shared legal services and assistant corporate secretary at Meta Financial Group.

My husband still dabbles in breeding Arabian horses. I can’t make it to reunion but I hope it is a blast!”

Paula Veale writes “We are all doing well. Our son Iain is a high school junior and just beginning his college search. We left NYC several years ago and live in a small town, Irvington, NY, on the Hudson River. And until the world went remote, both my husband (Dan) and I commuted into the city every day which, believe it or not, we miss a lot. I am still with the AD Council and feel very fortunate that I found a career that I love at a company I admire, so many years ago. I’m in touch with Jacqueline Denu, Stephanie Pesakoff and Karen Gonya Nickles. Incredible women that I feel so fortunate to still be connected to. I know you can understand! We will not be opening an obedience school anytime soon. Sending all lots of love.”

(Note from Piper: “I am going to try to get Henry’s hilarious and adorable picture included in notes, but if it can’t be done, I will be posting it on our class FB page!)

CLASS NOTES

1987

Kristen Kreassig Carter kcarter757@icloud.com EllenSmith ellensmith10@att.net Karen Conway Holloway: “Into our third national lock down for COVID, I am self-employed doing graphic design and marketing. I volunteer for a counselling charity which I started in May (during a furlough period) Absolutely love being a Grandmother to my gorgeous grandson Noah (who is 2, and entering that terrible-twos stage). My 27-year-old son Kevin, moved out this year as well, and it’s been nice to get my lounge back. Keep in touch with those I can via Facebook, and other social media platforms, but guessing everyone is hoping this pandemic ends soon. Stay safe and well everyone.”

Mary Sue Cate Mayes: “It turns out that teachers are essential employees. The whole family has been working some hybrid combination of in-person, online or both. We are blessed to be healthy and look forward to the pandemic being a memory. Best news ever: I’m a grandma!

Theodore Rex arrived on July 10 and made this world a better place.”

Kristen Kreassig Carter: “Happy 2021! I’m working at Eastern VA Medical School running the region’s Preschool Development Grant. I’m helping lead the state’s initiative toward a Quality Measurement and Improvement System by improving access to and the quality of early care and education programs! I am recovering from knee surgery and Dave is battling COVID, so we’re both looking forward to improved health, physical activity and warmer temps.

Scotty is a junior at R-MC where he plays NCAA volleyball. I recently caught up with Kimberly Williams Wallace and it was so great! Terri Lawrence Wellington, connect with us soon. Stay healthy and happy!”

Verda Andrews Colvin: “Sweet Briar has enabled me to have a rich life. I was appointed to the GA Court of Appeals in April of this year. Prior to that I served on the Superior Court in GA, our trial court. I am the fortunate mother of 2 children—one who is a budding

politician and transit planner here in Macon, GA. My daughter is completing her final year in high school getting ready to play collegiate soccer. My husband and I are preparing for a life without any children in our household. Scary thought! Just think it all started at SBC.” Ellen Smith: “Like everyone else, I am happy to see 2020 in the rear view mirror. After years of enjoying international travel for work and for fun, I shifted to WFH mode last March. I did find time to drive from GA to NM last summer and spend 6 weeks with my mother at her Santa Fe house, for a refreshing change of scenery. I’ve enjoyed Zoom calls with Priscilla Newton Carroll, and also with Rapti de Silva ’88, and hope to get back to seeing friends in person this year!”

Julie Geddes Johnson: “My oldest daughter graduated from college, got engaged, married and started graduate school in 2019 in addition to buying a house and adopting a puppy! My youngest graduated college in 2020 and has been living at home as we wait for the pandemic to end. I’m still working and caring for my mom who lives nearby. We are still in KY and very blessed to have celebrated 25 years of marriage in June.”

Lee Carroll Roebuck: “In spite of COVID, all is well in Baltimore.

My daughter was class of 2020 at Davidson College and will enter med school at Wake Forest, Class of 2025. My heart goes out to all of our kids whose final semesters on campus ended so abruptly. We are spending a lot of time in NC as both of our children are currently working in Charlotte and our son just bought a home there. My career as a professional dog walker is on hold with everyone working from home. Be safe and well!”

Anna Gallant Carter: “I continue to enjoy my friendship with hometown and lifetime friend Carrie Winkler and can’t wait to get to FL to see her new home. I still work in commercial real estate as well as in the Spanish language as a translator, but am spending more and more time enjoying the art of photography.

I am interested in several processes, from 19th century platinum/palladium printing to digital printing combined with cyanotype. When I can

combine birds, photography, friends, family and nature, I am an especially happy woman!”

1989

Emmy Leung fan-han@prodigy.net Stacey Hannon Quinn: “I can’t believe that it’s been 10 years since we moved to Frisco, TX. Courtney (21) is a junior at Oklahoma City University pursuing a BFA in theatre design and production and was recently properties master for OCU’s production of Spamalot. Caitlin (18) has been in a dual enrollment culinary program and plans to attend culinary school after she graduates high school in May. She plays the flute and has been a section leader and uniform captain for the band.

Mike and I have been married for nearly 23 years and are ready for new adventures as empty nesters.”

1990

Jean Benning 1120 Walnut Farm Rd. Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002 1990SweetBriar@gmail.com Greetings Class of 1990! Thank you to all who submitted notes. I love to hear from all of you and catch up on what’s going on in your world.

Please feel free to reach out at any time, and on to the updates!

Amanda Priddy Berkey: “After working for the Madison County Commission Economic Development Office (local government) for almost 30 years, I retired in Nov. I still manage programs and operations (part-time) for the North Alabama International Trade Association (which is part of what I did before). Chris is growing his relatively new insurance business and still has his general contractor’s license allowing him to build and consult on building. Chase is a junior in high school—I can’t believe it’s time to look at college! Glad to be in touch with many of you via text and Zoom.

I look forward to seeing y’all in person in the near future!”

Amy Donnelly Tobik: “After many years, I resigned from being editor-in-chief post at an autism

spring 2021

Rushton Haskell Callaghan says “Our son Hampton graduated from Alabama (Roll Tide!) and continues to live in Tuscaloosa selling residential real estate. Daughter Farley is in her last semester at FL Gulf Coast University and plans to be an elementary teacher. She is playing her last season of softball so we will be busy travelling to see her games.

As for me and Charles, all is well. We have enjoyed spending time in both FL and NH this past year. Hoping everyone is safe and well.”

Sally Engleby Farrell says “In June of 2016 my husband and I took a leap of faith and moved to Exeter, NH. I accepted a job as assoc. for Christian formation and parish life at Christ Church Exeter. We love living on NH seacoast! My twin boys, Jack and Henry, both graduated last May, virtually. Jack from UNH and Henry from University of the South.

They, like all recent grads I am sure, continue to look for jobs but seem content with the temporary ones for now. My oldest son lives in Durango, CO, as a fly-fishing guide and is planning a 2022 fall wedding. My mom, Jane Engleby Sigloh ’56, lives at Westminster Canterbury in Charlottesville and is doing very well. We feel lucky to be healthy and understand that while life is difficult right now, it is full.”

Susan Swagler Cowles says “Several milestones have occurred recently! I became an empty nester and am thrilled that both kids have jobs and are off the payroll. I started my 20th year at the University of Alabama and still love my job as director of the Career Center in the College of Business. I’ve been able to spend more time at the beach and hope to retire there in a few years.

Maybe I’ll have some SBC neighbors, since I see SBC classmates who are already living my dream!”

Terry Cerrina Davis says “Just saying hello to all and wishing everyone well during these challenging days. Hope you and your families are effectively working through the often-bumpy road through life right now. We are happy our daughter Lindsay is off to her second semester at Miami University in Ohio and is thriving despite COVID restrictions. Hope to make it to campus in May for reunion. Cheers, stay safe!”

97

sbc.edu

CLASS NOTES

98

magazine and started my own company called Lone Heron Publishing.

My first issue of Exceptional Needs Today magazine released in Jan. 2021 and serves all individuals in need of special services. The digital bi-monthly publication focuses on educating and energizing families, caregivers, educators, and professionals while preparing a healthy path for the future. Steve and I still live in the Carolinas and are looking forward to celebrating more milestones with our daughters in 2021. Katie will be receiving her masters in genetic counseling from Wisconsin in May, and Emily will be heading to grad school for epidemiology after graduating early from Clemson. I miss getting together with SBC friends and hope everyone is well.”

Tracey Thomas Jones: “Hello from Jacksonville, FL! There’s not a whole lot to report here. Three of our family members have already had the dreaded disease. I have continued to teach elementary and middle school art in person at my small private school. My husband was promoted to lead counselor at the Duval county jail which has been a COVID hotbed at various points. His job certainly makes for many interesting stories! Our eldest is finishing his sophomore year, majoring in civil engineering, at FSU. Unfortunately, COVID put an end to his water polo team’s season but at least they are allowed to practice again this semester. My youngest is a sophomore in high school and finally back in the classroom! Kelleigh Klym Friesen and I regularly speak on the phone and it has been a delight to reconnect with her. I enjoy keeping up with many SBC Vixens on Facebook as well! Blessings to you all. Pray you all are safe and well!”

Leslie Carson Albizzatti: “Although 2020 had many challenges, we still had many blessings for which to be thankful. Two of our children (Ben and Grace) graduated from college, one in May and one in Dec. and both found full time jobs. Ben became engaged and will be married in June of 2021. And the youngest graduates from high school in May. Most recently, Nicolás and I sold our home and downsized into a townhome. Looking forward to enjoying our empty nest with our 2 fourlegged friends.”

Marie Kettler Green: “Greet-

ings. It’s been a lifetime, 31 years, if I did my math right! Mind boggling.

Lots has happened since then. Too much to tell about. Along the way I have lost my brother and both parents, and as sad as that is, I’m doing well and life has been kind to me. My children have been beautiful feathers in my cap and bring me continuous joy. My oldest, Alexander, now 24, is in his second year of law school at Georgetown. Before that he played golf for the University of Alabama (scholarship) while earning a degree in finance and business. My daughter, Virginia, is in her senior year at Vanderbilt on a full scholarship playing golf. She is majoring in business and currently has an internship with What Happens in Nash. During all these last 31 years I earned my Nursing (RN) degree and real estate license. All for naught. Because I’m using my original degree from SBC—painting by commission now.

My niche is abstract portraiture. It started out painting my children playing golf and friends of mine loved my work, so it got around word of mouth. I am currently working on some abstracts. I have the sweetest Ruby King Charles Cavalier named Woodford—yes, after my favorite bourbon—and because his coat is the same color. Kevin and I have been together for 28 years. He is my rock and reason for my beautiful life.

I am blessed and God is good.”

Allison Richards: “We have had an unprecedented year here.

Of course, the impact of COVID has left many devastated but has brought huge growth to our area and a large increase in values in real estate. I have been overwhelmed with the opportunities in this market and I am happy to say my husband retired at the end of last year and has joined me as my operations manager at the Richards group—scenic Sotheby’s International Realty in Santa Rosa Beach which is Walton County and 30A—one of the fastest growing counties in the nation! We have been extremely blessed to have the opportunity to continue showing my dressage horse we imported from Holland at the end of 2019. She is down in south FL this winter and I have the opportunity to show her there next weekend. I would love to welcome any of you to come visit our area as Governor DeSantis has made it safe and enjoy the state of FL.”

Dolly Garcia: “Doing well down here in Puerto Rico. Looking forward to May 2021 when all my kids have graduations, Miguel from Law School, Dolly from Marquette University and Mari from high school.

My parents and Mikey are also doing well. I continue to work at the Kinesis Foundation. Last year we were able to give $1.5 million in scholarships for low income Puerto Rican students to go study in the top 50 universities in the US. Cannot wait to see everyone once the pandemic is under control.”

Joie Roderick Tankard: “Richard, the 2 youngest and I have done every puzzle in the house, played every 33 on the record player 10 times each and have figured out that homeschooling isn’t for everybody! Grace, our oldest, was lucky enough to land a job with a non-profit museum. The other 3 kids continue with school without extracurriculars. Every day I am reminded about how fortunate we are to live on a farm-ette with lots of toys and room to roam. Planning on attending our rescheduled reunion for this May. We all deserve a couple of days at the Briar Patch, reminiscing about the good old days!”

Amy Kroeger: “Just a few weeks prior to writing this I lost my mother to COVID. Because of my work as a hospitalist, I still feel like this is a battle lost, although cognitively I know that is not true. As a single parent, my mother worked tirelessly to make sure that I had every opportunity she had and more. That started with Sweet Briar. She was confident that an undergraduate experience at SBC would give me the best foundation possible to succeed in life. That is why she surreptitiously sent in my application after we had an argument and I declared I was no longer going to college! Like us, she also loved the years I was a Sweet Briar. She watched us all blossom into our potential. Most importantly, she cherished the friendships we formed among ourselves and our families.

Thank you to Ann Beatty Malone, Jean Spillane Benning, Dolly Garcia De Simonet, Joie Roderick Tankard, Chris Carriere Zazulak, Beth Jinks and Amanda Priddy Berkey for hearing me through the 2 months of my mother’s illness. It’s been almost 35 years since the class of ’90 first met—35 years of many cards,

parties, letters, visits and pictures to my mother that she just adored.

I can’t thank everyone enough! The biggest thank you is to my mom, Elva. Pushing me through 4 years wasn’t easy! Just this once I’m really glad I lost an argument with her!”

Julie Brooks Nyquist: “My family has been fortunate to stay healthy thus far during COVID. We continued to work on house and yard projects. It’s worked out very well with my husband working from home since last March. My 11-yearold son realized that being home schooled didn’t suit him as much as he thought it would. Fortunately, his school is in-person this year. I’ve been able to continue volunteering with his school and play platform tennis in the fall and winter.”

Allison Miree Novellino: “This fall my daughter and I made a road trip to meet Nancy Jones at her home in Bluffton, SC, for a weekend of boating and shopping in Savannah. She has started a virtual vintage furniture market just for designers.

She looks not a day over 21! I heard from Sallie Mcilheran Wunner last week. She is still living in Freising, Germany, near Munich. She has been painting furiously as her recent show completely sold out. She said that was such a blessing since her husband’s cafe has not been open since the town locked down restaurant business. I took time off work to have a bit of foot surgery taken care of. Seemed like good timing since there was nowhere to go anyway.

I watched a lot of Netflix. Thankfully I’m back at work and able to resume tennis, no one needs that much screen time. My son is a sophomore at Auburn, daughter is in 8th grade. I manage at BlueCross where I have been for 15 years and my husband Marc has his own business of 6 barber shops to keep him busy.

Looking forward to resuming travel soon. Maybe a trip for Sweet Work Weeks is in the future. Shout out to Ashley Flynn Blanchard, I got your Christmas card and hopefully I have called you back by now! Trying to keep busy and praying for COVID to go away!”

Sarah Andres Sale: “Lamar and I are still living in Staunton, VA, with our Boston Terrier, Daphne.

I am teaching first grade at a new start-up school and am finding it fun to be back in the classroom! Ob-

viously, most of our travel plans for 2020 were cancelled, but we did get to NYC for a weekend in Feb., managed to take a quick trip to Disney World in Aug., and spent a couple of weekends at The Greenbrier. Hope to see lots of 1990 friends at reunion or Sweet Work Weeks!”

Elizabeth Mason Horsely: “I am still living in Richmond, VA, and practicing law at my own firm I started a couple of years ago. I enjoy taking on a select number of cases arising out of will and trust disputes. It was nice to have a home office in place when COVID restrictions were put in place! My 2 sons are both at UGA and I am looking forward to visiting this fall. Would love to hear from and connect with classmates visiting Richmond!”

Meg Caulk: “Writing from snowy Chevy Chase, MD. Of course, spending lots of time at home these days. I’m fortunate to be able to primarily telework during the pandemic. I am still on the leadership team of the Air and Space Museum so figuring out how we can safely open and protect our staff and the public has been a big focus for me. I adopted a cat now named Ella, the rescue agency had named her Elektra. Not sure what she will think when I start going back to the office regularly! I did get to see Marie Kettler Green recently but unfortunately only briefly. I commissioned a wonderful pet portrait from her. We realized we hadn’t seen each other since graduation but even with a mask she was as beautiful as ever. I have enjoyed a few Zooms but looking forward to seeing my SBC friends in person when it’s safe to do so again.”

Ann Beatty Malone: “The Malones are very much looking forward to 2021 and celebrating a number of very important events starting with the marriage of our son Sam on May 15 and Alex’s graduation from high school on May 28. In addition, we are counting down the final days of Alex’s journey with Leukemia.

After 845 days, Alex will ring the bell on June 21 celebrating her last day of chemotherapy and treatment.

She is looking forward to attending Villanova Nursing School in the fall and Bill and I (along with my Dad) are hoping to make a move from VA to the Philadelphia area before the end of 2021. I started back to work in Nov. of 2020 as an account man-

ager for Kala Pharmaceuticals and Bill is still working in Cyber Security albeit from our home office due to COVID. My Dad just celebrated his 91st birthday and fortunately is still in very good health. We enjoyed spending a week last summer at the beach as well as Thanksgiving with Jean Spillane Benning and her family and hope to see much more of them once we are back in the Philly area.”

Louise Bouldin Carter: “I am running a small home staging company, which I have been doing for about 4 years now. Brian and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary in March which will fall during spring break and we plan to spend it as a family in the Keys and Miami.

Our oldest is still trying to decide where to go to college next fall and we have started the school tours for the second child who is a junior.

The 2 youngest Carters are in middle school: 6th and 8th. Amanda Priddy Berkey and I have recently enjoyed some socially distant time at the nail salon together catching up behind plexiglass, etc.”

Cheryl Bishop Gilman: “2020 was really busy as many moms decided at the last minute that home birth was a better option than the hospital! I ended the year attending 55 births, serving over 75 clients and their families. In the midst of it all, we welcomed our second grandchild.

I was able to go help our son and daughter in law the week after he was born. Being Mimi is even better than being a mom! Our 2-year-old granddaughter is a lot of fun. In July Beth Babbitt Bowen and her daughter drove through KC on their way to visit friends in MO. They stopped each way overnight. It was great to catch up and have friends face to face! Prior to the pandemic KC has an active SBC Alumni group that includes Caperton Morton ‘85, Jenna Lindsey ‘10. I see Cindy Sutherland ’78 frequently at the barn. Our youngest daughter has applied to SBC along with several other colleges. We are excited to visit campus this spring and see what she decides for her future.”

LuAnn Hunt: “My husband and I both retired this past year. I put in over 29 years with the City of Lynchburg. Currently I’m focusing on my photography business which I’ve had for over 10 years. I’ve added

merchandise, real estate and princess photography to my business and am enjoying the new challenges! We are also looking into the option of buying a vacation condo in Sunset Beach and eventually hope to move there permanently. I still get over to Sweet Briar to walk or ride my bike and its charm and beauty do not disappoint.”

Amy Calandra Davis: “My family is great! We now have a 25, 24, 22 and 15-year-old—hard to believe.

I’m still living in Lynchburg but haven’t made it out to SBC in a while.

I have gotten back into painting and my husband Jimmy and I are opening an art gallery store here in town in March.”

Parker Perason: “2020 thankfully wasn’t too bad given that I’ve been working virtually at least part time for over 10 years. Like everyone else, I’ve seen way too much of my house and not enough of friends and family.

I am pretty sure once we get through this, I will become a serial hugger!

On the fun side, I’m part of a small team launching a real-time 2-way translation smartphone app. This is a new experience for me but I will figure things out as I dive off the cliff!

(Anyone with B2C app experience, help a sister out?) Might be looking for some early adopters to try it out and help spread the word by midspring. If anyone’s interested, please DM me on LI, FB or IG. Hoping to be there for reunion in May!” Jean Spillane Benning: “As for me, I am looking forward to the future when travel can start again. I miss that part of my career. My oldest is a sophomore at Clemson, my middle daughter is waiting on acceptances (hopefully) from colleges and my youngest is a sophomore in high school. Everyone is home right now until at least July when I think my husband goes back to work. I’m looking forward to hearing from more of you next time around!”

1991

Allene Doucette allenedoucette@gmail.com Betsy Butler: “In Sept. 2020, I received a Catalyst Award from the executive director of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System in recognition of exemplary efforts and

contributions to sustaining business operations during the pandemic. I was also nominated for OPERS’ 2020 Neil V. Toth Associate Award, an annual award recognizing OPERS’ values: to make a difference, professionalism, teamwork, partnerships and service excellence. I’ve been working for OPERS as its Knowledge & Issues Strategist since 2009.”

Penelope Tadler: “2020 was certainly a challenge. I went from being a classroom teacher to a remote teacher in the blink of an eye.

I am currently on a team teaching 49 fourth graders in a remote classroom.

This old dog is learning tons of new tricks! I am taking online courses to up my tech game and having a great time. I have visited with Elliott Pitts, Allene Doucette and Judith Kobliska Goetz (all 1991 sisters) on Zoom. During this remote time, I have been working on redecorating my apartment, turning my dining room into a remote classroom. Hope everyone is staying safe!”

Tana Roess Goldsmith: “We are hoping by the time this is printed that our family will be vaccinated.

I continue to keep in contact with Brandi Beck and Elizabeth Mason.

And my youngest child, Sara Margaret (10th grade) is interested in visiting SBC in the fall. She has seen it once, and of course I think it would be a perfect fit!”

Mary Lanford Price: “Life is a bit strange and lonely post-parents, but we’re not yet at the empty nest stage.

Ginny and Elaine Price are sophomores in high school—future is a bit unclear, but maybe SBC Class of 2027? I continue to work at VMI as a writer and photographer. I’m excited to be taking over as social media secretary from Susan Spurrell Andrews, so please don’t be shy about sharing your news!”

Squiffy Walker Christopher: “Still in Richmond! I have been a preschool teacher for the last 16 years and nanny for 2 neighborhood families after school. My husband Robert is a librarian for Henrico County. My oldest Wizzie graduated from SBC in May and is working for an interior design firm in Richmond.

My youngest Sallie is a sophomore at JMU and loves it, despite being online. Trying to do better keeping in touch with SBC friends. I talk to Donna Hodgert ’89 and others. Stay safe!”

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

99

CLASS NOTES

Tammy O’Malley Fein and Al I Ever Needed at the AQHA 2020 World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK

sbc.edu

Betsy Butler

100

Victoria Hutcheson: “I’m still doing a lot of teaching both at our family farm, Misty Brae Farm LLC and Pony Club Riding Center in Aldie, VA, as well as working fulltime as a special education teacher at Marshall Middle School. After dealing with human and equine health issues, I recently became an independent Bemer (PEMF therapy device) distributor and will be helping others with Bemer purchases or sessions for both humans and horses. I’ve enjoyed sharing this amazing technology with other equestrians in my barn and their families.”

Bonnie Dawson: “In 2019 my husband, Ed Dawson, of 36 years passed away from his 10-year battle with cancer. I moved from VA and am now living in NC. I dated different people for a while and met someone. I am working in real estate again, but really semi-retired and ready to start flipping houses again.

I am ready to settle down a bit, write and start to move forward in my next adventure.”

Wendy Pressel Sullivan: “Lots of changes at the Sullivan house.

Elizabeth graduated from KSU as an engineer and she and her fiancé moved to Orlando. Darby earned his license on New Year’s Eve. He is still involved in Jr. ROTC. I continue to

work from home. It’s the cat and me during the day. Biff still works for CID. Unfortunately, my mother-inlaw passed last year and we all miss her terribly. Quite a year, but we are all cognizant of our blessings and good fortune.”

Emily Leming La Jeunesse: “Can you believe we graduated 30 years ago? This has been a strange and difficult year for the La Jeunesses and for all of us. Good news is that I am 100% cancer free! Remember: get your mammograms yearly. Looking forward to reunion! Holla, holla!”

Melissa O’Malley Fein: “My horse, Al I Ever Needed, and I had a great year winning the AQHA World Championships in Select Working Hunter in Nov. 2020 at Oklahoma City, OK. My horse won 2 World Championships in Level 2 Hunter Hack and Senior Working Hunter with Robert Stuckey. I got third in Novice Equitation over fences and fourth in Select Equitation Over Fences. My 3 boys are doing well. Ben and Ethan are in college. Zach is in the 5th grade. My husband Larry has a thriving career in financial publications. We enjoy spending time at our cabin in Lake Lure, NC.” Joan Dabney Clickner: “Joan reports that the family is making lemonade out of lemons during COVID. In April she got her dream job as a company health specialist, working remotely to help employees develop better health habits to support immunity. The family got a small flock of chickens for the backyard, which has been the source of much joy and great eggs. They also completed a number of very satisfying home projects. Georgia has flourished as an 8th grader, and the online schooling situation has allowed several long, pleasant visits to see Joan’s mother on the family farm in MD.” Erin Katz: “My husband Andrew and I moved from FL to Laguna Beach, CA, in 2016 for a new adventure. I am a urologist, and I joined a large multispecialty practice in the Inland Valley. We live with an adorable English Chocolate Lab named Doxie, and a crazy cat named Montie. We miss travelling, especially travelling to Ireland to visit my sister, Lisa Katz ’90 and her family. Andrew is an IT specialist, and can work from home during this pandemic,

and I am on the front line, thankful that I have received a vaccine.”

Carey Bates: “I started a new job as senior technical writer for BNY Mellon (Bank of New York, founded by Alexander Hamilton) in Jan. 2020. While my dear father (my very best friend) passed in his sleep in Oct., I continue to find new ways to heal, including journaling and meditation. I have also had some other family challenges, including a niece that incurred a traumatic brain injury and my mother’s mid-stage experience with vascular dementia.

I keep in regular touch with Amber Vellenga, Suzanne Petrie Liscouski and Susan Spurrell Andrews. Happy New Year and a COVID-free world to all!”

Suzanne Petrie Liscouski: “I had a year of major changes! I am thrilled to have left my former line of work to home school our son and be a full-time horse trainer and instructor. Taking advantage of our new indoor riding arena and classroom, I’m living the dream as an instructor for Tri-State Riding Club, Northern Virginia Working Equitation and host private lessons and clinics. I’ve had a tough year medically with a horse accident and COVID, but am blessed each day with all the joys I get to experience with my family.

I love spending more time at Briar Creek Farm.”

Jennifer Gregg: “Tawnya and I continue to thrive in VT with Finn (14), Watts (9), and recently added George (1)—all fur babies. 2020 began with a lot of business travel around the world but then wings were clipped. I didn’t get in as much golf as I would have liked but do have a game plan for 2021. I feel incredibly thankful to work for a company on the front line of COVID battle; check us out at Cytiva.com.”

Kathryn Hagist Yunk: “I am grateful for social media, FaceTime and Zoom during COVID to connect with classmates. Even with limited activities, it is still a busy time with a teenager in the house. Looking forward to seeing everyone on campus for our 30th reunion.”

Susie Sickels Dyer: “Open invitation if any classmates are passing through the Berkshires! Renovated a colonial built in 1756, reunited with my sister Stacey Sickels Locke ’88 and spent many months sup-

porting my mom and sister through breast cancer in 2020. My son Teddy is working on his masters in CS at Johns Hopkins. My other son Kenny is working on certification to be a school counselor. Married 30 years this Sept. to Ken (USNA ’89).”

Terri Brockwell Porter: “Things around the Porter home are interesting these days. I am teaching virtually, and both of my children are virtual learners. My daughter Anne is a senior and we are gearing up for all things college. (SBC is her first choice!) My youngest Samuel is still in elementary school and thinks learning while mom is teaching is pretty fun. My husband Sam and I recently bought our retirement property after 2 years of searching! We can finally start realizing our dream of building at the Chesapeake Bay. I miss everyone at SBC and can’t wait for our reunion.”

Laura Rose Martin: “I’m still working retail at Gander Outdoors, where I’m now the Shooting Sports Supervisor. Chris and I are still in Dothan, AL, and will celebrate our 30th anniversary in March! I was able to spend 3 days in Oct. on campus with our daughter Elizabeth ’22 and her friends. They loved hearing about what SBC was like for our class and I even brought old pictures to share. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on campus for our 30th reunion!”

1993

Dianne Hayes Doss didoss@comcast.net Norma Bulls Valentine norma_v0@yahoo.com Julia Skilinski Brooks: I turned 50 last September and I am loving it. I also stopped dyeing my color-resistant gray hair and I look fabulous with a head of silver hair. It’s very freeing to not have to schedule those monthly colorings! I am teaching virtually with my second graders and have learned a lot about technology since August. I talk frequently with Patty Sagasti Suppes and Laurie Palmer and I enjoy the occasional Zoom calls I have organized with our class. I am also working on a StoryWorth book for my siblings, nieces, and nephew and plan to do Ancestry DNA soon.

CLASS NOTES are looking forward to the spring/ summer months after this cold winter in the northeast.

1995

Katie Maxwell Schellhammer Katie@schellhammer.net Nancy Weigle says, “I am an associate professor in family and community medicine at Duke University where I enjoy teaching and seeing patients. I have worked the testing tents in the initial phases of COVID and am now volunteering with vaccinations. I am happy to report I am vaccinated and encourage everyone to do the same as soon as they can!

I encourage everyone to not let down defenses as the variants are about to hit us but there is a light at the end of the tunnel if we can make it through these next few months! My 2 kids (12 and 16) and husband ( Jay HSC ’92) and I are all faring well and enjoying our pandemic project—a wood burning sauna we built in our backyard!”

Christy Patten Hundertpfund says, “We have finished renovating the outside of our house, which was no easy feat as it confronts the English Channel, seriously face on. We frequently get 50-70 mph salt winds so are really the bow of a ship. I am very ecstatic to report that except for a very small leak in the roof, we are finally watertight. Now for the inside.

Other than that, we are in lockdown here in the UK, have been since March, and luckily we are all still safe and sound. And yes, Éloïse (daughter) was able to go to school without a mask, for a few months last year. So that was really nice for her but might have contributed to the spread. We bought a campervan but can’t actually go anywhere. We are booked to go to Spain on the ferry in July. Fingers crossed!“ Kelly Hall was supposed to go to Tanzania and Costa Rica this year with students, but those trips have been deferred. She says, “I bought a house in PA! I’m fixing it up, and everyone is welcome to visit.

I saw Gwen (Hickey) Babcock when her daughter came to Cedar Crest College for a campus visit in Aug. Kaeden chose SBC, but I know we’re all fine with that. (Yes, that’s me and Gwen under the masks!)”

Gwen Hickey Babcock says, “Greetings from Weimer Knob; home to 4 humans, 3 Weimaraners, 3 cats and 6 or so chickens (give or take 10), roaming fox, coyotes, wild turkeys and 35 deer at last count. We probably wouldn’t leave here much regardless of the pandemic. LOL. After it’s safe again, we sure would love visitors. Devin’s dad passed away in early Nov. from pancreatic cancer.

He is navigating life now without his parents which is tough. My parents are still close by and my 100-year-old grandmother, Mama B, just went to live in an independent living facility close by. Kaeden is a senior in HS and headed to SBC in the fall of ’21. Rory is in 7th grade and missing swim team over the year. Both are doing virtual school this year. Devin is super busy with his business and his clients. I’m having fun selling Thirty-One and Scout & Cellar along with my gift bundles. Doing some volunteer work for SBC Annual Giving with our decade. ’ll be excited to see campus when we move Kaeden in this fall. Honestly, come by and visit if you are near Baltimore, MD/Gettysburg, PA/Lancaster,PA, because we aren’t more than 45 minutes away from any of them. Stay healthy! Miss y’all.”

Cat Ehlen Breeden says, “As with everyone 2020 has been quite the year. Even before COVID we had been accepted to adopt the world’s best puppy! Welcome Bagger he is 10 months and 85 lbs.! My husband and I have left Lake Tahoe and moved to Jackson, WY, in Dec. I accepted a position as sr. interior designer for Design Matters to open and run the Jackson Hole location.

Luckily our puppy Bagger loves the cold and snow as much as we do. I can be found driving with my backseat window down in single degree temps or -5 with our 85-lb. puppy hanging his head out, he loves it.

Don’t worry he loves his harness, too!”

Tory McClintock Wade says, “I wish I had anything going on! I’m just substituting and hanging out with the dog. What else can one do in Farmville during a pandemic?”

Heather Aspinwall Chiles and her family moved to Columbus, OH, a year ago. Her daughter, Charlotte, attends first grade, currently in hybrid two days per week and then attends a pod with a few friends!

Gwen Hickey Babcock and Kelly Hall

Alumna Muffy Hamilton Parsons ’78 reached out to her to connect with past alumnae in the Columbus area. Heather says, “It’s been fun to connect with new people and hopefully help plan a future virtual event!

It’s amazing living here such a short time how many people I’ve met despite COVID. People in the midwest are super friendly.”

Catherine Orr Nihem is still in Dallas with her husband, 3 boys, 3 dogs and 1 horse. Her twins started driving recently, so Catherine started working from home as the account manager for The Equestrian Journal and LOVES it.

Jennifer Wissman Rosenkranz reports, “I’m living right outside Charleston, SC. My oldest, Joel, is living and working just down the street from me. My youngest, Sophia, is getting ready to start the spring semester of her senior year in high school. We are trying to figure out what college may or may not look like in the fall.”

Sarah Young Bass declared 2020 “a momentous year for my husband, Mike, and me. In Sept., we became legal guardians of Micah, an active 12-year old. Micah was Mike’s little brother through Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I cannot express the joy and vibrancy he has added to our lives.

On the professional front, I remain the HR director for a Fortune 200 energy company. With employees who live in remote bunkhouses and others who live on ships, COVID has certainly made my work life interesting to say the least! This spring, I am starting riding lessons and I hope all of us will be back in the saddle again soon!”

spring 2021

Laura Warren Armstrong: Glad to report that all is well in VA Beach.

Tim and I were able to get away to Hilton Head for a few days in Nov. for a much-needed break. Katherine (grade 10) was able to participate in high school swim despite schools being closed most of the winter. Charlotte (grade 8) will be continuing in the IB Program for high school next year. Christine is in her second year in the engineering program at VA Tech where she is in the Corps of Cadets and pledging this spring.

Thanks to all or our classmates for their positive posts on social media!

Kim Cutting Winter: My husband and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary! Our oldest, Hayden is getting ready to fly the coop and we are busy visiting colleges virtually to help him make his final decision.

Our twins Evy and Lolly are busy as freshmen in high school with soccer and art. I continue to spend lots of time in my art studio creating works of love. COVID has been a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my Sweet Briar gals and do weekly zoom calls with Tish Andresen Slattery, Erin O’Boyle Carter and Jen Christian Currie. Love and health to all!

Elizabeth Gilkeson King: I finished my master’s in nonprofit studies in Dec. 2019 from the University of Richmond. Our twins turned 11 in Jan. 2021 and have been relatively successful at not driving each other crazy while spending so much time together. John and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in Sept. 2020. I’m still at Randolph-Macon College and working half the day at home and half at the office. Like everyone else, my family has been hunkered down and learning how to cope with the new normal.

Norma Bulls Valentine: Still have a farm in Aiken, SC, still working in real estate but will be going to Wellington , FL, for the winter. Nancy Bulls stays at the farm in Aiken taking care of 5 horses and the donkey, Eeyore.

Pamela Subranni Berman: We are moving forward through the pandemic. Our daughter Colby is now a lawyer in NYC and her twin Logan is living in Philadelphia with her boyfriend and 2 dogs. Our daughter Jordyn is a sophomore at Lower Merion HS and our youngest, Blake is an 8th grader now. We

101

CLASS NOTES As for me, Katie Maxwell Schellhammer, I have been determined to making lemonade out of these pandemic lemons. Thankfully, our family was already quarantine-ready with a puppy dog, strong wifi,and tennis/ golf/piano hobbies. We created a social pod with our awesome neighbors to navigate the isolation. I am subbing in-person at our elementary school for special-needs students, and my kids (17, 15 and 12) return (hopefully) to the school building in March after one full year of building closure. My boys REALLY miss marching band. Looking forward to the day I can see you all at Sweet Briar again. Until then, stay well.

1996

sbc.edu

Eileen R. MacMurtrie Zuckerman 718 Larchwood Ln. Villanova, PA 19085 eileenrita@gmail.com

102

Let’s start off the class notes by congratulating Kimberly Shaheen White on her acceptance to graduate school. She will be attending Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and will get her master’s in leadership and policy. Strong work Kimbie!

Monica Paul Dennis checks in from MI where she and Matt have celebrated 25 years of marriage. Her youngest son Lloyd is a senior in high school, and they are anxiously awaiting responses from his college application process. Their son Wyatt is a sophomore at the University of MI Ross School of Business and daughter Carson is a senior at Wellesley College and looking forward to her next endeavor after graduation. Monica continues to work as a strength and conditioning coach, and due to COVID, has expanded into online services to provide the same great workout.

Clark Jordan writes that she is happy to report a successful transition from Morgan Stanley to Merrill Lynch in Williamsburg, VA. She works as a financial advisor and enjoys using the experience she gained after 14 years on Wall Street to help individual investors plan for their retirement and manage their investments. She lives with her two daughters (ages 9.5 and 11) in Williamsburg where they’ve resided for seven years. They recently added

two fur babies to their family named Pearl and Ruby. It’s a girls’ world in their house!

Melissa Snyder Giggenbach reports that life is still sweet in Morgantown, WV. She’s now the program director for the WV Innocence Project, a legal clinic at the WV College of Law. The pandemic has brought a lot of family time with both she and Bader plus two boys and two dogs all at home! She has even discovered Bader is a great cook!

Their oldest, Nick, is now a freshman at VA Tech and she loves having a reason to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains again. Their youngest, Thomas, is completing his sophomore year of high school through virtual school.

Everyone stay healthy and safe!

Lee Foley Dolan has been fortunate enough to visit Laura Lechler Hornef during the pandemic and was also happy to spend time with Natalie Brown Adee and her family back in June. They are busy with the three kids. Henry is a senior in high school and will be playing football next year at Davidson College in NC. Mattie is a sophomore and Fred is in 6th grade. The children stay active with their friends, various sports and activities. Online school has been challenging but they are surviving!

Natalie Brown Adee lives in Greenwich, CT, with her husband and their 5 boys. She is actively involved in the local schools and local town politics. Last June Natalie was able to meet up with Laura Lechler Hornef and Lee Foley Dolan in VA. She looks forward to reunion this year!

Jen Beck Locke says that things in AL are going well considering the circumstances and crazy times in which we all find ourselves. They have tackled quarantining, remote learning, Zooms, Teams, computer issues, positive COVID tests, etc. and are praying to regain some sense of normalcy as soon as possible.

Hunter has adjusted well to being home and handling his work virtually. Jen looks forward to seeing our classmates at reunion in May. Jesse Durham Strauss writes that she loved catching up with classmates on Zoom in May 2020. It was great to hear how everyone was surviving COVID. Over the summer, a work trip allowed Jesse to have coffee on Sarah Reidy Ferguson’s porch

Class of 1996 on a class Zoom May 3, 2020

in Atlanta. In Nov., she and Oron bought a home in her parents’ neighborhood in Alexandria, VA. As event business has slowed down during COVID, she has kept busy managing the home renovations while living with her parents and keeping track of the various hybrid, in-person and Zoom school schedules for their kids.

Sarah Reidy-Ferguson continues to enjoy volunteering for the Sweet Briar College Alumnae Alliance as co-chair of the Communications Working Group. She reminds us to follow our social media—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter—for College news and updates on our alumnae community!

She looks forward to celebrating the Class of 1996 at our 25th reunion in the spring!

Cindy Rakow Readyhough is in touch with Eileen MacMurtrie Zuckerman, Meg Magistro Arcadia, Leah Jorgensen Jean, Ardas Hiribarne Khalsa, Kate Mulligan and Claire Christiansen Goves, as well as Katrina Balding Bills ’97 and Becky Moats Miller ’97. She still enjoys riding and showing her horse.

She and husband Patrick have been building a custom home after purchasing land in Clifton, VA. Her kids, Sam (13) and Katelynn (11) have been attending virtual school during the pandemic but have been lucky enough to continue in their respective sports of lacrosse and soccer.

As mentioned, 2021 marks a milestone for the Class of 1996! We are looking forward to celebrating our 25th reunion together in May, until then, stay safe and healthy!

1998

Cynthia Hineline Cyndi.hineline@gmail.com Class President Chantel Bartlett says, “The pandemic has actually been beneficial since I’ve been able to stay home with my now 7-monthold baby girl. I do miss my friends tremendously and can’t wait for all of my Vixen sisters to meet Reese!

I keep in constant contact with my besties Kim Izquierdo and Candice Maillard Broughton. Thank you to all who have been so incredibly supportive.”

Cady Thomas notes, “Things are going well in NC. Work is ramping up and I am back in my house after 17 months of reconstruction from a tree falling on it. Thankfully everyone was safe. Recently got together with Jill Triana ’99 and Christina Andert Hoy ’93 and am looking forward to many more SBC get-togethers after COVID.” Dana Bordvick Poleski says, “I continue to love working in SBC’s communications office. Getting to know the students is one of the best parts. It’s a joy to help promote and grow our College. I haven’t been riding much over the winter, but our group of Amherst riders are making big trail riding and camping plans for the rest of the year to explore more of VA. Wilhelmina the heeler will begin her agility training homeschooling this spring, LOL. Mark continues to carve incredible wood sculpture and plot his next move to take it to the next level. I sure do miss seeing everyone.”

Chantel Bartlett and baby Reese

Cynthia Bumgardner Puckett has the following update. “I’m off chemotherapy and have officially turned the corner to overall wellness.

Quarantine hasn’t been so bad, not that I wish it would go on, but with a total of seven people in my family, there’s no lack of drama.”

1999

Kelly Turney Gatzke 105 Shaw Creek Ct. Elizabethtown, KY 42701-4638 warriorwomankelly@hotmail.com Kristine Bria Brown is currently working with homeless veterans which she is truly enjoying, as well as raising her son Tyler who is about to turn 9. Kristine has been active with her local Black Lives Matter and NAACP chapters in doing social justice work in her community as her way of addressing the racial turmoil in the country. Kristine recommends a book she was recently published in, Beyond Ally, the Pursuit of Racial Justice, authored by Dr. Maysa Akbar, a Yale professor and new chief diversity officer of the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Rachel Bratlie and her family are in CA, trying to manage distance learning for her sons and work from home arrangements for her and Chris. She has accepted a new job with Kaiser Permanente in outpatient psychiatry (video visits from home for the time being). She and her family have mainly stayed put for the last year, on account of the

pandemic. She is looking forward to being able to return to New Zealand to visit, as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Deborah Lanham still lives on the NC coast with her children, although her oldest is at college in UT. She is half-way through her MDiv at Denver Seminary and has found great satisfaction and success in her studies. She still takes foster children for respite care, but has taken a break from full-time cases while applying herself academically.

Katie Leeming Sparkman missed being able to meet up in person with any Vixens this last year.

She enjoyed a lot of family time with her husband and three kids in CT. The real estate market was booming and kept her on her toes throughout the year.

Lindsey Neef Kelly was recently promoted to director of legal collections/attorney at Langley Federal Credit Union. The Kelly kids are in 3rd, 5th, 7th and 8th grades at Virginia Virtual Academy this year, but Lindsey and Sean look forward to having them back in real school!

Although 2020 came with its unique challenges, Natasha White Camboa says it also presented her family with an opportunity to slow down, make changes and focus on what we find most important. For Natasha, that included consolidating her volunteer roles that are most meaningful. It has allowed her to spend more time with their boys (ages 11 and 13). She has embraced yoga in her life and continues to play a lot of tennis. Her husband took on

a new job that is very exciting and allows them flexibility, as he can work from anywhere. VA is great but who knows what’s next?

Amy Gibbs Brown is going crazy during the pandemic, she can’t wait for it to be over so she can see you all again and return to doing standup comedy. In the meantime, if you need a laugh, please follow her as AmyBrownComedy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube.

In October 2020, I was accepted into the Louisiana State University master’s in library and information sciences program where I will not only graduate with an MLIS, but with a graduate certificate in archival studies as well. It’s been a really long time since I had to write a paper or take a mid-term, so it has its challenges, but I am really enjoying it. I also completed a course with Boston University’s Center for Professional Education in genealogical principles and am hoping to gain my genealogy certification in the next two years when I finish up my master’s.

My hope is to work in an archive, museum or library where I can help others with their family trees. My husband Ben retires from the Army in Sept. 2021 after 22 years of service so we will be moving, but haven’t decided where yet. I am hoping wherever we end up has an active Sweet Briar Club and the kids can go to in-person school! Take care everyone and stay safe!

2002

Katie McNamara Brown 2115 Natahoa Ct. Falls Church, VA 22043 mcnamara02@gmail.com Katie McNamara Brown shares that she looks forward to putting the pandemic behind her and is dreaming of the day she can use her vacations days for a real vacation! Right now, Katie has spent too much of the pandemic time indulging in favorite foods and slacking off on workouts while working ridiculously long hours. She is hoping that as the temperatures rise, so will her motivation to be more active. Katie sends her love to all her classmates and hopes 2021 brings much joy to each of you.

Meg Anderson reports that 2020 has definitely sucked, but there

have been a few bright spots. Meg is still at the same FCPS high school but is now in a new role out of the classroom. Meg accepted a position as an instructional coach this year and will oversee the social studies dept. Meg is also happy to announce that she finally legally changed her last name back after her divorce, and she is loving being Ms. Anderson again. Meg was lucky enough to have been fully vaccinated recently and is ready to go back to school and also send her own boys back!

Serena Basten Kachinsky is excited to announce that after 15 years in the emergency department as a registered nurse, she is making the career shift into midwifery. Serena is currently residing at The Farm, TN, with her family and apprenticing with The Farm midwives. She shares that attending births during these challenging times has been a meaningful reminder of the beauty of life.

Amy Mullen sends her love to all her classmates and hopes to have something newsworthy to share next time.

Natasha Ungerer Dillaman has been grateful for an excuse to get out of the house with the opening of a second veterinary practice in Arlington, VA, this past June and has enjoyed meeting so many new pets that have found homes during COVID. She lives in McLean, VA, with her husband and two daughters, who are all ready for virtual school to be a thing of the past! Natasha hopes all is well and looks forward to catching up with classmates in 2021.

Maria Thacker Goethe was named to the list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians for her work leading the life sciences association Georgia Bio and launching the Center for Global Health Innovation which notably stood up a response unit to the COVID pandemic, the Global Health Crisis Coordination Center. Her team works to share information and coordinate resources between public health, private sectors and philanthropic organizations during this public health crisis.

Melissa Rudder and her son Shaine still live on the north fork of Long Island after leaving Brooklyn eight years ago. “Last year was an interesting year to say the least but we had some positives. Feb. 2020, we travelled to Paris, Geneva, and skied

spring 2021

CLASS NOTES

103

CLASS NOTES

2004

Virginia Wood Susi 2929 Dorell Ave. Orlando, FL 32814 ginnysusi@gmail.com Sweet Briar Class of 2004 Sarah Ruff Gibson completed her MBA with a concentration in marketing, summa cum laude.

2005

Lynsie Watkins Steele lynsie@getvie.com Julia Schmitz ’03 and Jane McKenzie Davis ’03 enjoyed the Christmas lights in Lovingston during a socially distanced visit

Verbier and Chamonix! Shaine, now 9 and in the third grade, earned his brown belt in Tae Kwon Do. So far, the biggest news for 2021 is me returning to school! Starting in May, I will be earning my master’s in health administration from Cornell University! Wishing everyone happiness and good health!

Katie McNamara Brown and class officers Aja Grosvenor Stephens, Amy Mullen and Jaime Henna hope that by the time these class notes are published, everyone who wants a vaccine can get one, and we’ll all be happily planning a big event for our 20th reunion in May 2022. Stay tuned for more information regarding Class of 2002 events planned for reunion 2022!

2003

sbc.edu

Nicole Crowder 11003 Howitzer Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 swtnic@gmail.com

104

As we have all been dealing with the ongoing COVID pandemic, I hope all of you are staying safe and healthy, both mentally and physically.

Tica Stoevhase Fetiveau is excited to share the arrival of daughter, Elina, in Oct. 2020—a future SBC candidate for sure! Tica is looking forward to resuming her responsibilities as VP of sales support at SAP at the end of her maternity leave. She hopes to travel after the pandemic to reconnect with friends and family

again, including many SBC peers.

Julia Schmitz reports that she has successfully navigated the complex waters of teaching college virtually after the abrupt transition last March. She worked with a colleague to transition their undergraduate research symposium to a virtual event in April. Starting in the fall, she has been able to teach face-toface, with social distancing and a mask mandate in place. Julia even taught a new course on infectious diseases—a perfect course to teach during a pandemic! In professional news, Julia had an article published in the Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Oct. and a book chapter on high-impact teaching practices accepted for publication in summer 2021. During all of this, she even found time to present at two virtual conferences. She spent the holidays with her parents in MD, with a stopover in VA where Jane McKenzie Davis safely hosted her for a few days!

Like Julia, I have been teaching remotely, then in-person this past year. I was promoted to full professor, the highest academic rank, in Aug.–full before 40! I also published a book chapter on incorporating effective scientific writing into inorganic chemistry lab in the summer. It was fun to catch up with some Class of 2003 vixens on a Zoom happy hour in the spring; we should do this again soon!

Sara Humphreys Long: “After losing my father in a car accident, my career to COVID and discovering my mom’s terminal illness in 2020, 2021 will be a rebuilding year for me. I took an accelerated real estate course on Sept.21, passing my state exam on Oct. 25, and was invited to join an exclusive brokerage firm called The Denver 100 on Dec. 1! I am excited to be embarking on this journey with the love and support

of my precious husband of 7 years and our two kitties, Princess Sparkle Paws and Kitty Purry!

Jen Woodson Morton is learning to teach virtually and has become very tech savvy. She and her husband, Martin, will celebrate 18 years together and 14 years of marriage this year, and their daughter, Chloe will turn 10.

Diane Lotz Warren: “Life is good! Though I’ve not been able to work since March, I’ve enjoyed spending time with my grandkids!

Going to rodeos Watching Harper Willow, 7 yrs., barrel racing. Playing with the three 2-year-olds, Hayes, Kinley and Gianluca, and enjoying 2-month-old Vivian! Started construction on a new house at Two Creek Hollow on my farm in the rural countryside of IN. After a 16-month hiatus, I had a wonderful time at Sweet Briar seeing the renovations at the riding center and the greenhouses! Always a good time!”

Savannah Humphrey Long is CO’s newest realtor in the Denver Metro area

CLASS NOTES

2007

Emily N. Olson 5238 Lake Shore Dr. Waco, TX 76710 emilynicoleolson@gmail.com Lisa Wolff Terwey has been adapting to curbside veterinary medicine due to COVID, and balancing that with homeschooling John (6) Joe (4) and Paul (2). She writes, “Wisconsin winter is dragging on, and we are ready for warmer weather so we can get back out on the water!

We bought a sailboat on Lake Superior last year, and we are looking forward to weekend trips and camping in the Apostle Islands region of Superior.”

Morgan Lorraine Roach Vina recently wrapped up her government service and is excited for next steps in her career. For now though, she loves being a new mom to her baby girl, Dylan. Dylan (6 mos.) recently traveled to McCall, ID, to visit her

grandparents and then to Richmond, VA, to visit her aunt, Ryan Roach ’10, in her brand-new home. The Vina Family sends love to the Vixen community and wishes everyone the very best for 2021.

Erica Kennedy McCallie recently earned a new certification in agile-hybrid project management from the Project Management Institute (PMI). She serves as the VP of communications for the PMI Chattanooga Chapter, for project management professionals in the area. Erica continues to work at Tennessee Valley Authority, where she recently celebrated her 10-year work anniversary. She also enjoys volunteering with TNAchieves as a mentor for students applying to college. She writes, “Usually they are first-generation college applicants— like myself!” Erica and her husband, Andrew, also adopted a new kitten, named Biscotti, who joined them in Oct. as cat number four in the family.

Recently Erica has started working with Jennifer Dick on class outreach

Ryan Roach ’10 with her niece Dylan, daughter of Morgan Roach Vina ’07

and she would like to remind our classmates that if you provide them your birthday and updated contact information, you will receive a special surprise in the mail!

While 2020 was—well, 2020— there was a lot of joy to be found for Eleanor O’Connor. After 10 years of living in Old Town Alexandria, she moved to Reston, VA. It’s been a big change, but it is one that she’s enjoying. And she got engaged! She writes, “My fiancé, John Roy, proposed on Oct. 18, while we were enjoying a beautiful fall day at a winery. We’re both very excited to tie the knot this coming Oct. in NC.”

2009

Jenny Walkiewicz Dill 13938 SW Crist Ct. Tigard, OR 97223 Jenny.Dill11@gmail.com Sarah Hall Lehtinen and her husband, Simon, welcomed their son, Elliot Joseph Lehtinen, in Aug.

2020. They look forward to introducing him to all of his Sweet Briar friends soon.

Bethany Melendy and her boyfriend, Robert Reinders, bought an acreage and moved in Jan. 2021!

Brooke Agee took advantage of an unfortunate layoff due to COVID to get her insurance license (VA, MD, and DC) and is now happily employed by the Wrobel Agencies in Rockville, MD! The awesome thing is she can do everything virtually and provide people with permanent and portable life insurances at union-negotiated rates. She hopes to be able to see people again in person soon!

Erin Coppersmith Aitken moved this past July to Pflugerville, TX, with her husband, Thomas and their sons, Declan (6) and Nolan (3).

On Sept. 30, they welcomed their third son, Whelan James Aitken.

Laura Cromwell eloped with Scott Starita from CO in 2020. Laura wore a pink dress and pearls for the occasion. They now live outside of Denver with a Goldendoodle

spring 2021

Eleanor O’Connor and fiancé, John Roy

105

CLASS NOTES

sbc.edu

Erin Coppersmith Aitken ’09 with her husband Thomas and their three boys Declan (6), Nolan (3) and Whelan born, Sept. 2020

106

Alysha Wiegand ’09, Alex Lischick, Peter Lischick and Katie Bird Lischick ’09

Tyler and Lexie Parker Van Selow ’09 welcomed their Son Tyler “Vee” Lee Van Selow Jr., July 2020

Heather Theunissen Gregg ’09 with her husband Bradford, son Brooks and dogs Bubba and Pippa

Charles “Warren” Hankinson, son of Kathryn Brock Hankinson ’09

named Tobi. She hopes everyone is doing well and staying safe during these crazy times!

Stephanie Perks Dohmann and her husband Patrick are leaving the city life behind, as they recently purchased a home in the suburbs of Alexandria, VA. They are expecting their first child, a boy, in April and looking forward to an exciting (and sleep-deprived) 2021. Stephanie maintains her design role at a consulting firm, and with some additional time during the pandemic, has expanded to freelance graphics, designs and website content.

While 2020 was a year of many changes and challenges, Heather Theunissen Gregg and her family

are so thankful for good health and socially distanced, outdoor activities with family and friends! Despite the pandemic, they’ve had a number of exciting developments, including moving to their dream home in Leesburg, VA, in July 2020, adopting a second pup, Pippa, which ironically means lover of horses, in Aug. 2020 and are expecting their second child, a daughter, in March 2021!

Their son, Brooks (17 months), and his fur-brother, Bubba, are looking forward to becoming big brothers!

They’ve been fortunate enough to work from home throughout the pandemic and spend lots of quality time together (and outside)!

Jessica Lile Hudson and her

weighed 5 lbs. 14 oz. and was 19” long. Warren was welcomed home by his two loving westies, Eddie and Beatrice.

Katie Bird Lischick and her husband, Peter, welcomed Alexander Arthur (Alex) in April 2020.

Katie’s fellow Sweet Tones would be pleased to know Alex absolutely loves music, and he will sing and dance at every opportunity (current favorites include Baby Shark and Pitbull). Though outings are few and far between, Alex did enjoy a socially distanced porch introduction with Alysha Wiegand. Katie and Peter look forward to sharing him with more Vixens, hopefully soon.

family have finally moved back home to NC to be with family. Both she and her husband have started full time remote work from home, making the move to NC possible for the first time. Jessica is currently working as the director of internet and social media marketing for her family’s custom homebuilding business, MorningStar Homes, Inc. She is now involved in website setup and design and has just launched a new website for the company. Her son, Liam, is preparing to start Kindergarten in the fall if public schools re-open.

Kathryn Brock Hankinson and her husband, Ryan, welcomed Charles “Warren” Hankinson into the world on July 25, 2020. He

CLASS NOTES

Lexie Parker Van Selow and Tyler Van Selow welcomed their first child on July 4, 2020. A baby boy named Tyler “Vee” Lee Van Selow Jr. I, Jenny Walkiewicz Dill, look forward to sharing these notes for the wonderful Class of 2009 each fall and spring. I was so happy to receive so many positive updates and beautiful family photos for this magazine.

Thinking of all my amazing Sweet Briar sisters and wishing them the best in 2021!

2010

Rosalie Morgan Louis Rosalielouis02@gmail.com Dr. Kathryn Smith Johnson is currently living in New York with her husband and dog. She completed her doctor of nursing practice from Columbia University in May 2020.

She works at the Mount Sinai Hospital as a nurse practitioner caring for patients with rare blood cancers, myeloproliferative neoplasms and serving as a sub-investigator for clinical trials research.

Anna Rij has had lots of changes in the last few years. She moved from VA to Lexington, KY, in 2017, for a

large animal ambulatory veterinary nurse job. In 2018, she was hired as a senior veterinary nurse for Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. In 2019, she earned her pharmacy technician certification and began working for Rood & Riddle Veterinary Pharmacy as director of special projects.

Most recently, she was accepted to University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine, where she is in her second semester of a 5-year veterinary degree program. She reports that pandemic vet school is quite an adventure and makes her homesick for the Briar!

Alaina McKee Guerry and her husband bought a new house in Sept. Though It is a bit dated and needs a lot of TLC, they are having a great time fixing it up. Their favorite part so far has been seeing their daughter Clara enjoying the yard and the first real snow storm of the year.

Melissa Ramos Jacklin and husband Nick and Melissa welcomed their daughter, Virginia Kate, into the world on June 26, 2020.

Dr. Kaitlyn Wieditz Ooms has had an exciting year. She finished up her medical residency in pathology at VCU Health. Their son, William, is about to celebrate his first birth-

Anna Rij ’10 in her first white coat of vet school

day on Feb. 18. In June they will be moving to Cleveland where she will complete 2 fellowships at Cleveland Clinic. First, she will study cytopathology and the following year she will study head and neck pathology.

Allie Garrison Bridges has been keeping busy during the pandemic. She has been working from home since March 2020 while also watching her 3-year-old little vixen, Karmen. She has been volunteering (virtually) as a mentor to three high school students through the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Charlottesville. She’s been keeping in touch with Alaine McKee Guerry ’10 also throughout the pandemic.

Allie is looking forward to celebrating her 10-year reunion with classmates in May! Ashley Carroll is finishing up her third year working as a research and instruction librarian at Virginia Military Institute. She still lives in Lynchburg, VA, with her partner, Kason, their pug and three cats.

Miss Jasmine M.D. Jones relocated back to Baltimore from Atlanta to spend time with her family and begin rebuilding her life.

Lindsay Arnold has been spending her pandemic days mostly hunkered down in the hill country of Austin, TX, basking in the blazing sun and mastering Zoom calls from the pool and hot tub. She appreciates staying connected through routine chats with the 6-pak. Her twins, Brodie and Beckett are now 5 and blossoming. Cheers and love to all.

Rosie Morgan Louis is attempting to remain sane during the pandemic. She has learned that she was not born to be a barber or kinder-

garten teacher. Spirits are low. Alcohol consumption is high. Everyone is tired of Zooming. She’s started wondering why she even bothers wearing makeup as it is all over her mask instead of her face. Her family recently adopted a very cute, snuggly puppy to help get them through these tough times and to give them yet another reason not to get enough sleep. Cheers!

2011

Heather Marianne McTague 1065 Brennan Dr. Warminster, PA 18974 HMMcTague@gmail.com mctague11@sbc.edu Allison Wiley Blount’s 2019 and 2020 came with a lot of major life changes. She gave birth to her first child Aiden Lewis Blount on Nov. 15, 2019 (also her 5-year anniversary with husband William), moved to Chester, VA, started a new job as branch manager of the Richardson Memorial Library and graduated from the University of North Texas with a MS in library science.

Wendie Harder Charles and her partner purchased their first house in Scottsville, VA, in Oct. They are excited to announce that they are expecting their first child in April 2021.

Kayt Colburn left her job of three years, that was her rock through the beginning of the pandemic, because she landed her dream job. She is now working for Esri, the company that makes the software on which the John’s Hopkins

spring 2021

Virginia Kate Jacklin born June 26, 2020, to Nick and Melissa Ramos Jacklin ’10

Karmen Bridges, future Vixen and daughter of Allie Garrison Bridges ’10

107

CLASS NOTES

Allison Wiley Blount ’11 and son Aiden

Carolyn Vaccaro ’11 and husband Eric Hough on their wedding day

sbc.edu

Lindsay Eneguess ’11 and Paddington hunting in ME

108

Jocelyn Stephens McDonald ’11 fox hunting with the Hillsboro Hounds

Children of Sara Buttine Parsatoon ’11: Lara Kate and Hudson Parsatoon

Victoria Trudeau ’11, Genevieve Lucey and Colbert Lucey (HSC ’11)

Ben Hurt, Katherine Mariah Hoelz Hurt ’11 and baby Emma Bradfield Hurt

CLASS NOTES

COVID map runs. Her official title is app configuration specialist. So, she helps all kinds of organizations set up mapping applications to help them with disaster response and natural resource management. For now, she is working remotely from Austin, TX, while sheltering in place with two dogs and her horse to keep her sane in this new reality.

In Aug. 2019, Lindsay Eneguess received an assistant supervisor job offer from Alene Candles LLC in NH, so she moved her family north to Peterborough. Seeley, now 3, enjoys being closer to family and likes the snow! Eric still isn’t convinced NH is the best state but is enjoying making friends and his new boat that they have been enjoying fishing in the local lakes and going to the Cape. In Aug. 2020 Lindsay’s company promoted her to R&D sample lab supervisor. She has been enjoying fox hunting with Wentworth Hunt in NH and Maine.

Katherine Mariah Hoelz Hurt and her husband, Ben, welcomed baby girl Emma Bradfield Hurt on Dec. 22! They could not be more excited to become a family of three.

Jocelyn Stephens McDonald and her husband, Brandon, both work in real estate and just bought a 35-acre farm in the area where they plan to build a barn and keep horses.

She also enjoys fox hunting with the Hillsboro Hounds outside of Nashville, TN.

2012

Carol Holbrook (Ferguson) Prickett 978 Ravine Dr. Villa Hills, KY 41017 ferguson12@sbc.edu Emily Jones Dent continues to work in person teaching STEM Lab to K-6th graders in FL. Cortney Lewandowski met up with Jessica Murphy ’13 just before Christmas to see Illuminights at Explore Park in Roanoke.

Carol Holbrook (Ferguson) Prickett was married in a tiny pandemic ceremony on Sept. 19, 2020.

A full third of the guests were Sweet Briar graduates, while other Sweet Briar friends and family attended over Zoom. Carol and husband Erron live with his very ornery cat in Northern KY and eagerly await a post-COVID trip to Sweet Briar!

Heather Marianne McTague is in her third year as lead teacher at her ESL school and is the reason they are online during this pandemic. If all goes well, this summer she hopes to be teaching some summer camps, coding and creating video games and VR as well as creative writing, at Temple University Ambler.

Kennedy Munro graduated cum laude from Temple University Beasley School of Law where she served as parliamentarian on the Student Board of Governors. Shortly thereafter she began working as an international tax associate in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Philadelphia office.

She also married James Pilcher in

Cortney Lewandowski ’12 and Jessica Murphy ’13 strike a pose underneath Christmas lights

Oct. in her parents’ backyard in CT. They purchased their first home in Ambler, PA. in Dec. Sara Buttine Parsatoon would like to announce the birth of her son Hudson Parsatoon, who arrived early in the morning on Nov. 7, 2020.

He has been a joyous addition to the family with big sister Lara Kate who loves helping and playing with him.

They cannot wait for Hudson to meet all his fellow vixen friends and help take on the world.

Laura Wolf Richardson is working as an autism/behavior consultant for Piedmont Regional Education Program. She is extremely active in the outdoors, maintaining a variety of activities: mountain biking, hiking, trail running, skiing, cold-water swimming, camping and more! She serves on the board of the Charlottesville Area Trail Runners (CATs).

Laura lives in Nelson County, VA, with her husband, Neil.

Ebie Baker Starling says that on March 18, 2020, Ebie and her husband, Jason, welcomed their daughter McKenna Blake Starling into the world. They are having so much fun with their (hopefully) future Vixen.

Victoria Trudeau and husband Colbert Lucey welcomed their first child, daughter Genevieve, in April.

They had a socially-distanced picnic with Greer “Gordon” Spangler ’10 and her baby girl Lucy this past summer and have kept in touch virtually with other Vixens, especially Megan Seeley Grasham and Sarah Slutz ’14.

Carolyn Vaccaro married Eric Hough in Aug. 2020. They are cur-

rently living in Hoboken, NJ. They are planning on moving soon, but want to stay in NJ. Melaina Macone started a new position as the associate director, customer solutions and innovations for Mondelez International. She is splitting her time between Los Angeles and NYC.

2013

Jackie Montero-Sharpe jackiemontero@gmail.com Thanks for all the great updates!

Recently I have been stretching my riding comfort zone and have begun foxhunting! I am amazingly lucky to have Makayla Benjamin ’18 as my hunt buddy. She is kind, encouraging and always instills confidence in my riding abilities. A huge thank you to my barn, Pine Crest Farm, for allowing me to hunt their horse, Onyx.

Elizabeth Hansbrough Riley: Elizabeth recently received her MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business! Hopefully the in-person graduation happens as planned in May. She is enjoying more free time to catch up on house projects and spend time with her husband, Jackson.

Molly Harper: Molly has successfully completed the MAT program in 2020, and she now lives in Sterling full time with her rescue beagle, Billie. Molly has now finally scored a full-time job, teaching high school English and eSports. If you ever want to discuss etymology, EM staging conventions, eclectic solitary

spring 2021

O’Neill Edwards ’12 (maid of honor), Margaret McClung ’53 and Fran Ferguson ’80 celebrate Carol Holbrook Prickett’s ’12 wedding

109

CLASS NOTES

Juliette Michael was admitted to the Virginia Bar in Nov. 2020. She accepted a staff attorney position at the VA Legal Aid Society in Lynchburg, VA, where she specializes in housing matters.

Allie Raifsnider spent her time in quarantine helping build a critical support team for her company and earning a promotion to lead that group. She now works from home, like most of us, and balances fulltime with being Mommy to a very energetic toddler. “It is not always glamorous, but both roles are incredibly rewarding!”

2016

Onyx, Jackie Montero-Sharpe ’13, Makayla Benjamin ’18 and Royce

practice or video games, she is always happy to discuss!

Sarah Fletcher: Sarah moved back to VA Beach this year and started a new job as an insurance agent.

She also started a new business selling my artwork. Sarah sells abstract expressionist paintings through her professional Instagram @skfletcherart.

2014

sbc.edu

Elizabeth Kilgallin kilgallin14@sbc.edu

110

Meaghan Hogan: “Happy to announce my promotion to senior associate for planned giving at the American Battlefield Trust, a national battlefield preservation and education organization. I’ve also recently been appointed to the board of directors of the City Tavern Preservation Foundation, whose mission is to preserve the City Tavern, the oldest remaining Federal tavern (c. 1796) in Georgetown, DC. This, along with membership in the Junior League of Washington and the Foxcroft School Alumnae Council Social Committee, keep me busy!”

Lucy Drinkwater Valandra: “Married Tom Valandra on Oct. 10, 2020, at the Great Meadow Foundation in The Plains, VA. Lucy received a promotion and is now an associate financial advisor with Meridian Financial Partners in Warrenton while studying for her certified financial planner exam. She stays busy with her two horses that she competes with in dressage.”

2015

Lea Gray graylm27@gmail.com Verena Joerger moved from Claymont, DE, to Kennett Square, PA, and thoroughly enjoys living in the countryside and being close to her horse, Soleil, who is boarded less than 5 minutes down the road.

Khristen Cook Branham lives in Bristol, VA, with her husband, Mike, and her son, Orion, who was born on Feb. 1, 2020. She is currently working for the VA Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and will complete her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in May of 2021.

Julia Friend Eckstine eckstine16@sbc.edu Shannon McCarthy: After four years serving youth and families at a non-profit theatre in Arlington, VA, Shannon McCarthy has moved on to professionally explore another one of her passions. . .books! She recently accepted a full-time position as senior bookseller and marketing associate at Old Town Books in Alexandria. (Support your local indie bookstores!) In her free time, she co-hosts This Podcast Doesn’t Exist with SBC half-alumna Emma Kiely-Hampson. They launched the show in Oct. of 2020 and bring listeners weekly episodes covering conspiracies, unsolved mysteries and other spooky tales.

2018

Cassandra Fenton 1128 Hermitage Rd., Apt. 211 Richmond, VA 23220 fenton18@sbc.edu Marina Biel: I recently relocated from West Palm Beach, FL, to Madison, WI, where I’ll be working as a construction engineer.

Syrena Falkengren recently worked on Joe Biden’s presidential

campaign. She’s now enjoying her new job as a public outreach specialist at a PR firm in New England where she resides with her adopted Akita.

AJ Lukanuski: I am still working as a mechanical engineer for the Navy, but I just finished a complete overhaul of a small house on 1.8 acres of land on the water in NC! I just moved in with my adopted chocolate lab, Koda.

Ashton Mays: In December 2019, I graduated from Duke University School of Nursing with a bachelor’s in nursing, accepted my dream job in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, VA, and got engaged to my best friend, Hunter Richards! I started working in the PICU in March 2020 (just two weeks before COVID made its grand appearance here), so it’s been an exciting/chaotic start, but the kiddos I care for make every challenge worth it. This Sept. will bring a new joyous season to life as Hunter and I wed and officially start our forever together!

Chelsea McKinney: I now live in Whitestone, SC, close to Greenville.

I have been a quality assurance lab tech at the ReFresco beverage company for a year now and try to travel as much as I can, given the pandemic.

Emily Dodson Sadler: I married Miles Sadler (H-SC ’17) on Oct. 10 on a beautiful, rainy day outside of Richmond, VA, surrounded by close family and friends. They say rain brings good luck, and I guess that means we have buckets and buckets of it. I was grateful to have lots of my Sweet Briar sisters by my side and be reunited with my GV 2A crew, Courtney Barry, Emily Hawk Melson and Caroline Thomas ’19. The Sadler house grew by four paws after our wedding with the addition of Magnolia the Goldendoodle and our Beagle-Lab mix Rupert is adjusting well. I’m sending lots of warm pink and green wishes to all my 2018s, especially during this time.

CLASS NOTES

Jules Sudol became engaged to Steven Browning (H-SC ’15) on Dec. 12 of this past year, after he proposed in the Sweet Briar Observatory Field. The couple moved to Roanoke, VA, in Jan. after an exciting few years living in Richmond.

2019

Cecilia Mahan 400 Whitworth Way, Apt. 307 Williamsburg, VA 23185 Mahan19@sbc.edu Cecilia is in her second year at William & Mary Law School and is planning on getting a MA in accounting as well. She adopted a hamster and rescue dog in April and they make daily life brighter.

Heather Lakner is currently working in private wealth management at Morgan Stanley. She purchased a house 5 minutes outside of downtown Annapolis, MD, in Nov., and the same week of closing, she became engaged to her fiancé Andrew Daniels! They are excited to take on

the challenges of planning a wedding during COVID. Caroline Thomas and her fiancé still live in Newport News. She is coming up on two years with Sherwin-Williams Automotive. They are enjoying life with their Lab mix, Beau, and Beagle named Tucker.

Emily Schlosberg is completing her final semester at the College of William and Mary and will receive her master’s in clinical mental health counseling. She has now moved into a house on the beautiful Freedom Farm property and continues to ride professionally for Peg Seals at Freedom Farm.

Nicole Sabovik is doing well during COVID and is still living in Richmond. She spends her time tending to her indoor plants and learning new skills on the Internet Chanel Friedrich is currently unemployed and looking for her next job in marketing, finance, mortgage, economics or policy. She is looking at opportunities in any location and is appreciative of any help that other alumnae would offer in getting there!

Nicole Sabovik and Mikia Hundley, and their dogs

spring 2021

Wedding of Emily Dodson Sadler ’18 (L to R) Courtney Barry ’18, Emily Dodson Sadler ’18, Emily Hawk Melson ’18 and Caroline Thomas ’19

111

CLASS NOTES

Classes with no Notes submitted: Class of 1977

Dee Hubble Dolan hubble43@yahoo.com

Class of 1979

Anne Garrity Nelson nelson.anne@gmail.com Caroline Thomas’s dogs Tucker and Beau

Class of 1988

Christine Diver Ans ubahfla@yahoo.com

2020

Maia Free Jalenak maiajay@att.net

Jordan Sack jordan.adams.sack@gmail.com Olympia LaHota reports that she and Eddie bought and moved into their first home.

Jennifer Crawley Lewis lcrllc@aol.com Olympia Le Hota’s new house

Class of 1992

Amy Peck Driscoll apdriscoll@verizon.net

Class of 1994

Lenora Farrington farringtonlenora@gmail.com

Class of 1997

Melanie Vracas mevracas@comcast.net

Class of 2000

Marilen Sarian Crump artinspiredme@gmail.com

Class of 2001

Meredith Taylor Eads meredithk8eads@yahoo.com

Class of 2006

Victoria Chappell Harvey victoria@gidgette.com

Class of 2008

Jessica Latry Wilson henson08@sbc.edu

Class of 2017

sbc.edu

Grace Culley culleyge11@gmail.com

112

CLASS NOTES

Start Planning Your Legacy

In 1899, Indiana Fletcher Williams founded Sweet Briar College through a visionary planned gift.

Indiana’s vision of a college for the education of young women inspired her to establish a trust of land and other assets that became her enduring legacy. This planned gift has provided transformational education opportunities for generations of young women for more than 100 years.

Please join us as a Williams Associate to ensure that her legacy—and yours—will prosper in perpetuity.

Become a Williams Associate

Not sure how to get started?

Visit: plannedgiving.sbc.edu For questions, contact: Claire Dennison Griffith ’80 434-381-6479 | cgriffith@sbc.edu

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

Box 1057 Sweet Briar, VA 24595

PAID PPCO

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

If this magazine is addressed to a daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email us at alumnae@sbc.edu with her new address. Thank you!

Reunion is on!

Visit sbc.edu/reunion for details.