Mary Washington Class Notes Spring 2026

Mary WashingtonClass Notes

Spring 2026

Class Notes

No class agent? No problem. Send your news to classnotes@umw.edu If you prefer to submit Class Notes by mail, send to: UMW Office of Alumni Engagement, 1119 Hanover St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

1950

Marcy Weatherly Morris classnotes@umw.edu

I, Marcy Weatherly Morris, am disappointed I didn’t receive any responses to my questions about our lives since graduation from the last Class Notes! My life at age 96 is so different, but it’s a joy to be alive and have my memories to help me through the aches and pains that come with advancing years. I wish my wonderful husband, Juney Morris, was still with me, but after his 100 years and 17 days, he was ready, and God has him now! He missed meeting our 15th great-grandchild, Rosaline Weatherly Morris, who was born Nov. 25, 2025, to Paul Morris ’10 and Cassie Lewis Morris ’11 , and our fourth great-great-grandchild, a baby boy due in July to Chloe and her husband, Sam. Liam and Gabbie are getting married April 25, 2026. My life continues to bring blessing after blessing! I hope all our classmates are having wonderful lives, too!

1951

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

1952

Rita Morgan Stone rita.stone7@aol.com

Kay Showker, feeling blessed to be independent, is enjoying her time in Sarasota, Florida, while her friends in New York are enduring freezing cold. She has occasional thoughts about selling the New York property.

Joyce Long Moore had a quiet Christmas with her daughter and her family. She is looking forward to a great 2026 after she recovers from a carpal tunnel surgery.

Maryanne Heatwole Cox celebrated a special birthday attended by all five of her children. In her attached apartment to her daughter’s home, she entertains herself with books on tape and puzzles on the computer and uses an app for ordering groceries. Among her special Mary Wash memories was performing as

drum major when our band played at the Redskins game.

Mary Lou Finney Boyd is also thrilled with her attached apartment-living arrangement. She looks forward to watching the Winter Olympics and visits with her grandchildren.

Claire Sindlinger de Groot weathered the snowstorm and was grateful for neighbors who ensured that her newspapers were delivered in time for her morning coffee.

Charlotte Adams Harrell moved to smaller quarters at Westminster Canterbury at Virginia Beach but still entertains her neighbors with her piano playing.

Peggy Sherman Capers remains at home in Augusta, Georgia. Her lovely Southern accent sounds just the same. She was excited to finally have a great-granddaughter among her 15 great-grandsons.

Betty Montgomery Handy celebrated a special birthday hosted by her daughter. She remains in close touch with her grandchildren even though some live many miles away.

I have renewed respect for Susan Hutcheson Jurgens, our class agent for many years. Susan lives in Gordonsville, Virginia, where she has many kind neighbors who see that she gets to church and has plenty of groceries.

I, Rita Morgan Stone, attend University of Richmond basketball games and the Richmond Symphony as well as various activities provided at Lakewood. Particularly satisfying is my time spent helping some of the housekeeping staff prepare for their citizenship exams. On another note, I hope you can see a copy of the 2024-25 Year in Review. You’ll be proud to be a Mary Washington alum!

1953

Betsy Dickinson Surles surles@infionline.net

I, Betsy Dickinson Surles, have not had any contact from my 1953 classmates, but I learned from my sister that Peggy Hopkins Johnson is in assisted living near her daughter and is still in her “going” mode. Good for you, girl!

Since my husband, Jesse, and our youngest son, Stephen, died in January 2024, I’ve remained in our home in Culpeper. I live with my brother, who is in good health, and my eldest son, who suffered a paralyzing stroke and is in a wheelchair. As a new widow, I’m active

in my new church and drive the short distance there each week in daylight. I miss teaching Sunday school but still attend classes. One never learns it all in a lifetime! My travel days are over, even driving out of town to Fredericksburg. My daughter comes from Alexandria monthly and for all family events. My two granddaughters and two greatgrandsons are too far away in West Virginia for spoiling! As a foods and nutrition major at MWC, my culinary skills are still evidenced by my well-balanced meals. I can vegetables each summer to enjoy all year. My time is spent baking Cakes by Betsy and growing German irises, peonies, crepe myrtles, and other flowers. I also sell my remaining porcelain and hand-painted collectibles from Main Street Studios, which we ran in East Palestine, Ohio. I’m grateful to be in excellent health but slower paced for sure. I look forward to new opportunities and have connected with three younger generations of kids I’ve “mentored” over the years. Renewing contacts of 60 years ago has kept my mind alert and my spirit alive! I wish I could hear more exciting news from the Class of ’53. Please keep in touch as we age gracefully. Best wishes for a grand 2026!

1954

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

1955

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

1956

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

1957

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

Sheila Liebler Brog returned to New York City after college and worked for decorator Roslyn Rosier. She met attorney Avron Brog in February 1959; they were married nine months later. Since a decorator’s salary wasn’t enough, Sheila became a public school teacher. She and Avron had three sons, seven granddaughters, a grandson, and two great-grandchildren. She returned to being a decorator with her friend, Nancy. Sheila enjoys traveling the world, playing bridge, cooking, working out at the gym, and spending time with her family.

Front cover: Members of the classes of 1980 and 2005 in front of Lee Hall at Reunion Weekend 2025. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

Betty Ann Rhodes O’Donnell went to New York City after college and worked for an advertising agency. She married Brendan O’Donnell, who worked for Harris Intertype Presses. They moved several times, eventually to Mason’s Island, Connecticut, followed by Marabella in Seattle, near two of their three children. They also have four grandchildren (two sets of twins). Brendan passed away in 2022 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Mary Whitford Thielscher married David “Rudy” Thielscher, who graduated from Dartmouth College in 1954. They had one son and lived in Weston, Massachusetts. They now live in a retirement community in nearby Concord. The news of their move came from Ben Taylor, a fraternity brother of Libby Field Erwin’s husband, Hugh, at Dartmouth College, who was his roommate in NYC.

Libby also moved to NYC and worked for New York Life Insurance Co. in their actuarial department and later as a medical underwriter. In 1962, she married Hugh “Boodge” Erwin Jr., who graduated from Dartmouth College and its Amos Tuck School of Business. They lived in the city before buying their first home in Chappaqua, New York. Hugh worked his way up through the American Seating Company, eventually managing the Chicago and then Cleveland offices. They have three children and three grandchildren. In February, Libby broke her hip and had a partial hip replacement and spent a month in rehab. She and her daughter belong to the National Society of Colonial Dames of America XVII Century, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Hudson Women’s Club.

1958

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

Kay Martin Britto lives in a retirement village near Dulles Airport and stays engaged in activities. There is even a pool in her building! She has five children who live in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge, Virginia, as well as Atlanta, Seattle, and Cincinnati. She has four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Like a good English major, Kay still loves to read!

1959

Beth Shochat Cole bethcole75@gmail.com

I, Beth Shochat Cole, want to hear from my 1959 classmates. A young man who works in our building made me happy when he recently said: “Oh, my gosh, you are a legend!” And so are you all! Email bethcole75@gmail.com or text or call me at 240-687-1717.

I happily heard from Ann Brooks Coutsoubinas, who told me that Edna Gooch Trudeau is still living in New Kent, Virginia. Eddie’s grandson, Lucas, is a tall 16-year-old who excels in music. He plays several instruments, recently expanded his talents to jazz, and joined the marching band at school. He drives now, giving his mother a break from ferrying him around. He’ll soon appear on television in Battle of the Brains for a fourth time.

From her apartment windows, Ann watches ships, barges, cruises, and anything that moves up and down the Hudson River. She took a cruise with one of her brothers and his wife and traveled to Greece. She also made a couple of trips to Fredericksburg and hopes to get back soon.

Molly Bradshaw Clark has fond memories of her college days, shared her nephew, Jay Bradshaw ’88. She resides in a senior living neighborhood in South Carolina. She’s happy with her first great-grandchild, Ava, and her four grandkids.

Anne Saunders Spilman passed away on Nov. 27, 2025, according to her husband, Robert. She is sorely missed by her family and all who knew and worked with her in the many organizations and ministries with which she was involved. She was a legendary baker, avid gardener, skilled craftswoman, and a devoted child of God. Anne earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics

from Mary Washington and used those skills to raise her family and serve and help others in need. She is survived by her husband, a son, two daughters, seven grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren, as well as other loving family and friends.

1960

Karen Larsen Nelson karenlarsennelson60@icloud.com

1961

Lloyd Tilton Backstrom Ltbackstrom39@gmail.com

Susan Wilson Sproul and husband Dave feel fortunate to own a house in Tucson, Arizona, to escape Virginia’s chill and gray winter skies. Spring and summer find them at Brandermill Woods in Midlothian. Tucson is a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, which Sue blames for the extra pounds she’s put on. Warm winters mean the best weather for hikes and street festivals, two of the reasons they’re happy there. Friends and family enjoy visiting; daughter Tina and her family came for Christmas. Grandson Henry is checking out colleges, and UMW is a contender for its geography major. If he enrolls, he will be the third generation in their family to attend. Fingers crossed! Fall 2025 saw Sue and Dave touring New England, and they plan to visit Costa Rica this year. Dave will travel to Botswana in July, but Sue will probably stay in Virginia. If any classmates come through, please email suesproul@me.com

Jerri Barden Perkins, MD, wrote that “being healthy as best we can is good news for all of us!” She and

Allie Davis ’27 and members of the 1908 Society before processing at Commencement 2025. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

Marcia Minton Keech dove into AI classes recently, and what fun they’ve added to their discussions, with new tools, questions, and plenty of curiosity. Locally, Jerri teaches yoga, helping her community breathe, sleep, and feel better. In January, she planned to connect two new UMW faculty members with the Telfair Museums in Savannah, where the late artist Gari Melchers— whose home and studios are a part of Mary Washington—once served as fine arts director.

Clara Sue Durden Ashley and her son, Andrew, flew to Ohio to visit her son, Park, and his family for Thanksgiving. One of her seven grandkids could not attend because he was visiting and proposing to his girlfriend. They’ll be married in April. Clara Sue and Andrew went to St. Augustine, Florida, in December to visit her son, Dennis, and his family for Christmas and New Year’s. His eldest son also became engaged at Thanksgiving. Clara Sue will return there for his Valentine’s Day wedding. In May, Clara Sue’s third great-granddaughter will arrive in nearby Sterling, Virginia! Her son, Chris, is the grandfather of all of them. One of her grandsons from Ohio will also graduate in May from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Her family keeps her hopping, and life is good!

Sarah Leigh Kinberg made a big move from Stockton, California, back to her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. She loves being back, especially because her son and his wife live in her Stockton home, so she can return for a month here and there. She is one lucky gal!

Bev Carlson Shea returned with her son, daughter-in-law, and their two children from a 12-day trip to St. John, where son Dan rented a fabulous villa for the entire family. His equity firm owns the villa and cottage, and he won a bid to rent it the day after Christmas. He was able to get it two years ago and again this year to the delight of the whole family. Bev added that “thanks” to the Federal Aviation Administration closing airspace to the Caribbean due to the Maduro operation on the day they were scheduled to return, it took four extra days to get seats back home. Grandchildren Katherine (at Princeton University) and Jack (in high school and earning all A+ in his classes) are scrambling to catch up.

Art and I, Lloyd Tilton Backstrom, are hibernating through this winter with the companionship of our two pooches. By now, all four of us are bushy-haired and in need of grooming. I promise to be more presentable for our reunion and

look forward to being among our family of classmates.

1962

Kathleen Sprenkle Lisagor classnotes@umw.edu

Rosalie Alico Turner has been selected to teach a course through the Duke University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) this spring, titled “The Journey of Racism: From Jamestown to Jim Crow to Justice?” Rosalie has long been passionate about educating others about our country’s true history. She has written three historical fiction books, and she and her husband led civil rights history tours for the past 12 years in Alabama and Mississippi, where they lived. They moved to Durham, North Carolina, nine years ago. Rosalie’s husband of 61 years recently passed away. They met during her senior year at Mary Washington at a party while he was in basic training at Quantico. She feels blessed to have their two sons and their wives and six amazing grandchildren. Rosalie’s college roomie, Martha Haggett Calvin, passed away in May. They remained friends all these years, so she will be greatly missed.

Emily Lewis wrote: “For three years, a group of 1962 classmates have gathered on Zoom to reconnect, remember our Mary Washington experiences, and socialize with peers who share the same age and important history. People show up when they can, and new people join when they hear about the group. All classmates are invited and can be added to the notification list for the next Zoom by letting UMW’s Mark Thaden ’02 know of your interest (mark.thaden@umw.edu, 540-654-2160). We gather around late November or early December and June or July for about an hour and a half. Touching base with friends from such an important phase of our lives and reigniting our old connections has been warm and satisfying. Come join us!”

1963

Betsy Lydle Smith betsylydlesmith@gmail.com

Life is good for Pete and me, Betsy Lydle Smith, in southern Arizona. I joined a writing group in my community and have just published my memoir, Adventures of the Heart: A Life WellLived. My motivation was to write it for my daughters and grandchildren, but since it was published on KDP, it’s also available on Amazon. It was so much fun reminiscing about Mary Washington and my life in the ’60s, as well as other

times in my life. This year, visits from family and friends have included trips to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Canyon de Chelly, as well as a Panama Canal cruise. We spend summer in the Seattle area, enjoying the beauty and moderate temperatures, while getting out of the summer heat of the Sonoran Desert.

Suellen Grant Knowles, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mary Washington and served two terms on the Board of Visitors, passed away on Oct. 2, 2025, reported her daughter. From a family of educators, Suellen taught and served in school systems in New Jersey and Maryland, ending her career with the Chamber of Commerce in Winchester, Virginia. She had a passion for traveling, which began her junior year of college in Vienna, Austria. Suellen loved facilitating international partnerships and trips for local businesses. She also adored being a grandmother, was committed to volunteering and historic preservation efforts in her community, was a master gardener, and taught continuing education. She is survived by a daughter, a son, two grandsons, and other loving family and friends.

1964

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

1965

Evie King Cox Coanriver@gmail.com

1966

Katharine Rogers Lavery hlavery1@cox.net

Joan Cuccias Patton hosted the MW Lunch Bunch at her beautiful home in August. It was a potluck with Caroline Hogeland Ruppar, Ann Kales Lindblom, Sandra Hutchison Schanne, Susanne Landerghini Boehm, Anne Meade Clagett , Lois Rucker Scott , Anne Powell Young, Marcia Covert Chaves, and me, Katharine Rogers Lavery. We reminisced about MWC memories such as Mrs. Read’s modern dance classes and Miss Arnold’s swimming classes and amusing personal anecdotes. Marcia described living in Spain and her career as an artist, referring us to her amazing and numerous paintings on display at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts.

Since Mary Kathryn Rowell Horner was recovering in Florida from a broken arm, we had a smaller lunch with her at

Caroline’s lovely home. Along with Ann, Katharine, and Lois, we enjoyed the warm fall air on the deck and FaceTime with Pam Kearney Patrick and Kathy Goddard Moss before lunch. We were saddened that Carolyn Eldred and Marilyn Wood Hunter recently passed away.

Mary Kathryn spent Christmas in Smithfield with her sister’s family. She was planning a January Caribbean cruise with the Horner English cousins and was expecting visitors at her Florida condo this winter. In January, she had a “minilunch bunch” with Betsy Pakenas ( Linda Spangler’s daughter) and Sally Souder in Bradenton.

Anne Powell Young has purchased more of Marcia Covert Chaves’ paintings as part of her legacy for her grandchildren. Anne goes to monthly book club meetings and helped to organize a successful high school class reunion dinner. Anne and Virgil enjoy performances at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts with friends and have monthly family birthday dinners. Virgil coordinated a spring banquet for his 1966 graduating class from Quantico and a formal ball to celebrate the 250th founding of the Marine Corps. Anne enjoyed dressing up for the formal occasion.

Anne Meade Clagett has nothing new to report, as she is a country gal who rarely leaves her area. She and Barbara Bishop Mann reminisced on the phone about attending McLean High School together. Barbara and Robert are now a stay-athome couple with the assistance of a congenial aide. They enjoyed a Christmas visit from Bobbi’s “little” brother, Jim, and his family and celebrated Abigail Spanberger’s inauguration. Bobbi has followed Gov. Spanberger since her early days as a local politician.

Lee Enos Kelley had no news but thinks we’re of the age where that’s really good news. She’ll celebrate her 82nd birthday in March. She’s grateful for everyone who has contributed to our Class of 1966 Scholarship, helping it grow and be even more beneficial to students in need.

Ann Kales Lindblom had a long phone conversation with her freshman roommate, Ann Martin, who is keeping well in Ohio with her devoted family.

Pam Kearney Patrick was grateful for the long-distance connection at our luncheon. Pam and TaB are glad to have their son nearby and helped finance a home for him so they could all enjoy his inheritance! They’ve slowed their running activities while TaB has knee replacements and look forward to getting back out when the weather warms again.

Pam still paints wonderful watercolors and exhibits them in local galleries, as does Carol Bingley Wiley. Pam shared that Carol and husband Pete moved from Maine to Brooklyn, where they’re enjoying their children and highly talented grandchildren, but plan to relocate to the Mideastern seaboard.

Pam called Ambler Carter for her birthday and noticed that the walls of her cozy home were lined with books, as she doesn’t watch TV. She also spoke with Pam Hughes Ward, who is fine and lives only a few hours away from two of her children.

Annette Maddra Horner feels connected to us through Class Notes and appreciates the ways our lives are changing. Her husband, John, is experiencing memory loss and other dementia symptoms that have greatly changed their daily lives. He and Annette have found rewarding new activities, using an online program to capture stories from John’s youth—he narrates while she writes—and hope to publish privately a book for the family. They also attend a weekly community choir for people with memory loss, along with a caregiver and other local singers. John loves it so much that they plan to continue in 2026.

Mary Parsons Black tried to arrange a trip to Northern Virginia to join our MW Lunch Bunch but found it was impossible. Mary Parsons and Ron will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in May, right after they travel to the Dominican Republic with her sister and a gentleman friend to visit dear friends who own a home there. She looks forward to the MWC reunion this June.

Winnie Woodson Stribling had a busy Christmas season with her handbell choir’s many services and a concert. She conducted a handbell techniques workshop for several church groups. Winnie and Brad keep active with walking, bells, and gatherings with family and friends. They’ll celebrate their 50th anniversary in April. Brad would love to go to New Zealand, but Winnie is not sure she could handle the travel and thinks they may just have cake!

Kitty Downs Gregg and daughter Cindy commemorated Kitty and Don’s 50th anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas. Don unfortunately passed away four months earlier, and Cindy insisted on keeping the Las Vegas date. Son Chris, who works for the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, D.C., was assigned to a taskforce to address the

shortage of air traffic controllers during the government shutdown. Kitty has become a football fan since the Denver Broncos had such a good season. Kitty keeps in touch with former roomie Terry Caruthers and marvels at how Terry has expanded her painting hobby to a real vocation, launching a website, making beautiful decoupage pieces, and selling commissioned paintings. Terry is active in several community groups and travels to family events.

Midge Meredith Poyck had a fun year largely due to her eldest grandson’s wedding in May followed by a lengthy stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she avoided the Tucson heat in one of her favorite places over the summer. Midge is enjoying family and friends, keeping active, and staying healthy. She looks forward to another summer in Santa Fe.

Betsy Chappelear Tryon gladly shared that son Frank was married in September at Forest Lawn’s Wee Kirk of the Heather, fully dressed in traditional Scottish garb like his grandfather. Frank acts in local theater productions, and Betsy enjoyed his holiday performance as George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. Granddaughter Maddie has changed from professional volleyball to amateur flag football. She plays close to home and hopes someday to participate in Olympic flag football.

Joan Cuccias Patton is happy to report that her grandson will be married in Charlottesville in June, and Joan will be one of two “flower grannies!” The bride is a UMW graduate. Joan regrets that she is unable to make her annual winter trip to Florida and will miss the usual gettogether with Mary Kathryn and Sally.

Carolyn Perry Grow is enjoying the good life in Keswick, near Charlottesville. She still lives in the house she and Dave designed and built in 1994 and thinks her emotional ties as a widow will keep her there as long as possible. She enjoys homeownership and has good reliable workers to help. Carolyn’s other interests are philanthropy, football, and politics. She remains on the board of the Democratic Institute of Penn State. She has connected with her graduate school, the University of Rochester, and has joined its Wilson Society and George Eastman Circle. Carolyn enjoys her bridge groups and has hired a personal trainer to keep fit and safe at home. She happily reconnected with her South Carolina cousins—all Clemson fans—for the Penn State vs. Clemson college bowl game.

Diana Hamilton Cowell and husband Dan have had a UMW Theatre adventure

year, joining in a train trip to New York for three wonderful Broadway plays. They also enjoy the Metropolitan Opera-HD broadcasts in their local Delaware theater and have seen outstanding performances of La Sonnambula, Andrea Chénier, and I Puritani. In September, they went to Mary Washington for a dinner at Seacobeck Hall for the unveiling of the plans for the new fine arts building and joined UMW Theatre at Arena Stage in D.C. for Damn Yankees They also went to UMW’s Celebration of Giving. Diana’s former roommate, Margaret Winton Engvall ’65, and her husband also attended, so they sat together and had a good visit.

Katie Winn Green traveled to Sydney, Australia, to visit her son and his family for the holidays. It was her first time celebrating a summer Christmas, but the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks, visible from their home, made the holiday seem normal. Back in Houston, Katie performs with the Houston Choral Society (about 100 members) and is preparing for a March concert commemorating 250 years of the U.S., and a May concert celebrating their artistic director’s 10-year anniversary with the choral society. After a decade as the chorale’s music librarian, which involves preparing concert scores and hauling heavy boxes of music, Katie has turned the responsibilities over to a willing younger couple and used her new free time to go to Sydney.

Kathy Goddard Moss and husband Tom took advantage of a long earthquakeprevention-construction period at their senior community in Oakland to travel far and wide. They visited a dear sisterin-law in Seattle and the kids in Georgia, then rented a car and drove to see Tom’s brother in North Carolina, followed by friends in Tennessee, and then to the kids in Ohio. They flew to Canada to visit Tom’s family, who took them to Grand Valley, the Moss home since they emigrated from Ireland in the late 1800s. Kathy and Tom then flew to Spain and had a long, restful visit with their daughter’s family, celebrating birthdays, Father’s Day, and just being together. Still desperately missing twin sister Eileen, Kathy keeps in close touch with Eileen’s family, her greatest legacy. Kathy and Tom are grateful for their blessings of family, a caring community, good friends, good weather, and pretty good health!

Caroline Hogeland Ruppar and husband Allan retired to their Florida home for the winter, arriving just before Thanksgiving. Caroline’s granddaughters who live

nearby helped with everything, including climbing ladders to hang holiday decorations. Next summer, Caroline and Allan plan to take the family to Montana —where her great-grandparents settled after the Civil War, and Caroline spent the summers of her youth—to visit the old homestead and Yellowstone National Park. In October, Caroline and Allan plan to revisit the Savannah Lodge in South Africa, one of their favorite places, where they took the entire family in 2023.

Ginny Bateman Brinkley and Bill are sticking close to home but spent Christmas in Tampa with their son and went to Jacksonville to see doctors and friends. Ginny meets weekly with her dulcimer friends and attended the Stephen Foster Dulcimer Retreat in November and the Central Florida Dulcimer Festival in February. In January, Ginny participated in a book festival sponsored by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville and sold a copy of Earthquest to a NASA scientist. Ginny and Bill work with a personal trainer and keep all their lake “toys” in perfect condition for the grandkids to use when they visit. Their first great-grandchild was due just before Ginny’s 82nd birthday! Ginny keeps in touch with Ryan Stewart Davis , who lives comfortably in the independent section of a retirement community in Seattle, near her kids and grandkids, and with Mary Grace Wright Day, who is in Naples, Florida. She’s also connected to Judy Blum Wasserman, Kathy Fowler Bahnson , Marty Spigel Sedoff, Anne Meade Clagett , and Bobbi Bishop Mann and is grieving the passing of former roomie Dee Dee Nottingham Ward

Cathe Cantwell Luria is still relishing the MW Lunch Bunch we hurriedly organized in May when she and Eric visited from Ajijic, Mexico. Eric had never been to our nation’s capital and enjoyed all the sights as well as Williamsburg, Virginia, and New York City. They visited Eric’s brothers in Detroit and Cathe’s brother in Georgia. In September, they took a two-week trip to Japan led by author Shasta Nelson, who writes about women’s friendships and organizes fascinating excursions for women and occasionally couples. At home, Cathe has voice lessons and sings in two choruses, takes Spanish and art lessons, and is active with the Unitarian Universalist fellowship, which is largely composed of expats from across the globe. She travels to Portland frequently to visit her daughter’s family and enjoys learning of her teenage grandkids’ passions and activities.

Susan Roth Nurin gave up her NYC apartment overlooking Central Park to move to New Jersey near her children. Because of her progressing Parkinson’s and a few other issues, Susana is in an assisted living facility and greatly misses the fierce independence she enjoyed most of her life.

Yvonne Hutchinson March visited Susana shortly before she moved and tries to keep in touch by phone. Yvonne is thriving in her three-bedroom apartment near St. Augustine, where she feels safe riding her red tricycle around town. She sent a photo of herself on her trike labeled “my sole form of transportation.”

Barbie Barriga Rowe adores her job as director of admissions at West Chester Friends School near Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Barbie’s three children live in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Switzerland. Their kids and six grands were all able to visit for Christmas. One 20-year-old grandson lives with Barbie, helping with the winter chores and upkeep on her 1827 house, especially after 20” of January snow!

Susan Hanes Chaney and husband Bill had a spring trip to Myrtle Beach, exploring Brookgreen Gardens’ magnificent azaleas. They had a small party at home to celebrate Bill’s 102nd birthday—his favorite gift was an old-fashioned hand-crank ice cream maker. In the fall, Susan and Bill kicked around Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, enjoying the horse-drawn farm equipment and the good food.

Hank and I, Katharine Rogers Lavery, took what was probably our last Nags Head extended beach vacation in June. The grandkids are all grown, several have families of their own, and it’s too strenuous for us to rent a house, pack all the necessities, and drive five hours when it’s unlikely we’ll have many visitors. We celebrated Hank’s 93rd birthday in August with a series of small gatherings. We fill our time with our bowling league, senior fitness classes, and home management. I play my cornet regularly at our small historic church (52 years now) but no longer belong to any bands, the orchestra, or the brass quintet. I do a small bit of tutoring advanced math and join three friends to attend Arena Stage productions four times a year. I enjoy keeping in touch with my classmates and greatly appreciate your willing cooperation whenever I ask for information. Our class is amazing!

Marilyn Wood Hunter passed away on Sept. 13, 2025. After graduating with

a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mary Washington, she married her husband, Raymond, and raised their family of three children. Their busy lives were filled with swim teams, baseball, Girl Scouts, and Indian Guides. They spent much of their time in her childhood hometown of Waynesboro, Virginia, visiting family. But Marilyn’s sharp mind for numbers and logic led her to a career in the student accounts office of the University of Richmond. She later learned to write code and went on to work in IT and project management before retiring. She is survived by her husband, three children, eight grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren, as well as other loving family and friends.

1967

Mary Beth Bush Dore mbeth1945@gmail.com

Donna Lorance Porcaro and her husband are enjoying retired life in Alexandria, Virginia. Donna took up quilting during the pandemic, a hobby she still loves today. Her granddaughter, Sophia, is proud to carry on the MWC legacy, following in the footsteps of both Donna and her daughter, Ellen.

Mary Carter Bishop and husband Dan Crawford stay busy with political and environmental work in Roanoke, Virginia. Mary, an author and journalist, gives talks about local racial history.

Irene Bartlett Lape has written several books since retiring from teaching. She and her husband enjoy traveling, having recently come back from a motorcycle riders tour of Thailand. They’re soon going to the Galápagos and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Yvonne Milspaw and husband Douglas moved to Rhode Island to be closer to their grandchildren. She has joined several reading groups, maintains a yoga practice, and sings in a local church choir.

Eleanor Frith Peters and husband Mike are enjoying retirement in Greenville, South Carolina. Their eldest grandson became a lawyer in the solicitor general’s office and is getting married in May. Another grandson graduated from Wofford College and is an insurance broker in Greenville. Their granddaughter is a senior accounting and finance major at Wofford College and is about to depart for a month to Sydney, Australia, with a brief trip to New Zealand, as part of a college program. She’ll go to graduate school for accounting at Clemson University

in the fall. Eleanor and Mike traveled to the Caribbean this past year and took a barge cruise to Burgundy, France, as well as a trip to Scotland.

Leonora Talley Burger retired from her social work clinical practice in December 2024, after 50-plus years. She has begun a new relationship with a childhood friend from Roanoke, moving to Winchester in August 2025 to be near him.

Carol Verell Soter and David live in Greensboro, North Carolina, close to family, where she enjoys playing piano for her local church.

Gail Balderson Dise and her church group took a trip to Turkey last year, following the trail of Paul. A neat experience during this trip was seeing the landscape via a hot air balloon. Gail traveled with Mitch, her significant other, in 2025 throughout the United States, visiting friends and family.

1968

Susan Morris susan.morris@mac.com

It has been a whirlwind couple of months for me, Susan Morris. I had a successful knee replacement in August, plus wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with family and friends, including a short visit to Charlottesville with my eldest son and his wife. I turned 80 in January. My incredible husband, Don Wolford, surprised me by flying in my sons, Elliot Leflar, from Charlottesville, and David Leflar, from Atlanta, for a fabulous dinner party that included my local son, Jim Leflar; his wife; and my two teenage granddaughters. What a kickoff to this next decade! We escaped our Chicagoland winter by heading to the Caribbean in February and Sydney, Australia, in March. We left Sydney on the Queen Anne and floated for 20 days back to Los Angeles. Since our previous Class Notes, I’ve enjoyed reading the personal news that many of you submitted.

Ellen Adkinson Reddingius moved back to Palos Verdes, California, four years ago to be closer to her family. She only keeps in touch with her former roommate and longtime friend Lynn Middaugh Cowen, who is well and living in Virginia near her family. Ellen had a surprise encounter with Sally Monroe Kelly at Trader Joe’s. They didn’t know each other in college, but Ellen recognized Sally as our MWC 1968 May Day Queen. What a surprise to meet her after living so close for so long! Ellen is well, happy, and loves being closer to her family.

Sally Monroe Kelly and Pete are thriving in Palos Verdes Estates, California. They’re excited to welcome their 13th grandchild (a girl!) in February. Nothing like a baby to keep you feeling young and hopeful!

Maureen Murphy McCart is back home in Towson, Maryland. She finally retired last June. She had a great 2024, spending a week in Rome in January with her younger granddaughter who was studying there for a semester. She also spent a week in June with her older granddaughter who is stationed in Hawaii in the Marine Corps. Maureen spent a week in France, where she crossed two things off her bucket list: Notre-Dame and the Normandy beaches, the latter being more emotional than anticipated. She’s now figuring out her next act. She’s planning a mini reunion in April in Charleston with Sue Farnham Piatt , Nancy Patterson Rockey, Barbara Macon Sacha ’69, and Suzanne McCarthy Van Ness ’69

Carol O’Connor Hammond and husband Tom live in Columbia, South Carolina, where they moved 11 years ago to be closer to their grandchildren. They previously lived in England for seven years, where Carol taught contemporary European history at Portsmouth College and enjoyed every minute of English life. They also lived in Spain and Italy. The Class of ’68 remains a group of vibrant women. Carol’s mother attended Mary Washington when it was a teacher’s college, and her daughter, Melissa Oliver ’94, also received her degree there.

Patricia Ann “Pam” MacPhee Gibert lives in Arlington, Virginia, and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2001. She and husband Paul enjoyed many years of retirement together, traveling all over the world and the U.S. He passed away in 2023, which altered Pam’s life quite a bit, but she feels lucky to have wonderful children, grandchildren, and dear friends who bring her immeasurable love and joy.

Susan Kay Blosser Wight looks forward to an adventurous year with trips planned to St. Croix, Palm Springs, and best of all, skiing! “Yes, these old bones still love the mountains and skiing,” she wrote. She and her husband share this passion and will do the Ikon Pass and visit a bunch of ski resorts in Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico in March.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Witmer Roberson is fine and living in a retirement community in Brandermill in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Her husband passed away two years ago.

Georgia Carroll Sherlock and husband Jim are well, but like most boomers, have noticed that their machinery is aging. They have five children and eight grandchildren between them. Georgia and Jim took a delightful cruise to the Mediterranean in the fall. She remains in contact with Mary Ellen Ashelford and Linda Hall Palmer. Her MWC roommate, Fran Rodgers Bryant , died in November after suffering a significant stroke.

Marie France Bast Suhre and David celebrated 57 years of marriage in December. They live in Bend, Oregon, and have two children: Cecile is a software engineer in Bend, and David Jr. is a stockbroker in Salt Lake City. Marie enjoys volunteering for a local nonprofit that provides grants for underserved kids to attend summer camp and moderates a nonfiction book club through a local bookstore—a perfect volunteer job for a retired librarian!

Sheila Spivey Hume retired from her podiatry practice in Maryland. She returned to her roots on her family farm in North Carolina, spending several wonderful years trail-riding with her horses and friends. Following a sevenyear stint as a patient advocate in Wilmington, she headed to Panama for a yearlong adventure. It was a fantastic experience, though bringing her two adopted Panamanian cats back to the states was quite the undertaking!

Sheila has settled in the Nashville area and plans to stay put. She has a hip replacement scheduled for March and looks forward to traveling after she recovers—starting with visiting her former roommate, Nancy Porter Atakan, in Turkey, and eventually, a trip to Kenya.

Angela Cummings Petro’s daughter had her second son, George Oliver, in August (both Angela and her daughter had children later). The eldest, Raymond Joseph, is 3 years old. She has all the relatives’ names covered—smart woman! Angela’s son and his family live across the street from her daughter’s family. His three girls are ages 16, 13, and 10. All the kids run around the neighborhood and are in and out of each other’s houses, just like when we were growing up.

Betty Dobbins Talley has had some personal challenges. In November, two fainting spells resulted in six staples the first time and only super glue the second! The day after Thanksgiving, she got her new best friend, a pacemaker. Betty is back to planning trips for 2026 and looks forward to many more years of fun. An important side note—UMW’s Talley Center for Counseling Services has a new director, and we’re all looking

forward to great things happening under his leadership.

Pamela Tompkins Huggins is ready to cross that 80-year-old bar and is happy to still be circling the drain! Her family spent Christmas with her middle daughter’s family in their new vacation home on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the lovely community of San Pancho. Pam’s asthma kicked in, but if you’re not feeling well, she highly suggests an oceanfront, poolside lawn chair with kids and grandkids waiting on you. This place may well become the go-to family getaway for a long time!

Susan McCrory Braaten and Tom are planning a long-awaited cruise to Scandinavia, so she hopes to share more in the next issue.

Jane Wilfong Dinsmore lives in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Her second husband died from the effects of dementia. Jane now lives alone with her four rescue cats. After careers in insurance and human resources and as a safety director, she worked part-time in James Madison University’s biology department until age 67. A biology major at MWC, Jane grew up on a farm, and her passion has always been animals. She feeds squirrels and birds and saved a feral mother cat and her four kittens. Another passion is doing deep dives into political and world issues, which she never had time for while working. Jane’s daughter and her husband live nearby. She also has a brother who taught biology at Mary Washington for five years and coached high school football before returning to Virginia Tech to pursue a doctorate in education. Jane enjoys reading and working in her yard and flower beds. She walks for exercise and is in overall good health.

Cheryl Grissom Ragsdale wrote: “We are of an age that there are changes expected.” She and husband Ben moved to Avery Point, a continuing care community in Richmond, Virginia. Cheryl said that downsizing was not fun; it was painful and physically hard. The result, however, has been delightful. Cheryl is a docent at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and loves conducting tours. She would love to have MWC classmates join her! Cheryl also shared news of a recent encounter with Judy Jackson Jones at Costco: “I asked a lovely single woman if I might share her table while I ate my hot dog. She graciously agreed. As we visited, she suddenly asked if I was Cheryl Grissom. I was taken aback but delighted to learn she was a long-lost classmate. We had a wonderful visit and shared what we knew of fellow members of the Class of 1968.”

Rosemary “Patti” Whitley Saumweber cherishes her wonderful years at MWC. She married David Saumweber, a ’69 UVA graduate, in 1971. After he finished grad school at UVA, they moved to Silver Spring, Maryland. David worked for the National Academy of Sciences, and Patti began a 40-year career as a pediatric neurodiagnostic technologist, primarily at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She loved her work and reluctantly retired at age 69. She and David raised two sons: Whit, an oceanographer, who teaches at the University of Rhode Island, and Tom, a district manager in southeastern Massachusetts, for an international company. Patti and David moved in 2018, settling in Attleboro, Massachusetts, to be close to their sons and their families, including their four delightful grandchildren. Sadly, David passed away in 2019, but Patti has successfully created a new life enriched by family and community service. She loves to travel and will soon embark on a two-week tour of Eastern Europe. The number 80 will not slow her down!

Laurie Walters Shepherd is receiving radiation for a skin cancer that was on her head. It is going well and is minimally invasive. They’re hoping to see all four children and six grandchildren (ages 3 to 13) in June for a Blacksburg reunion. Should be a wild but fun time!

Fredericka “Freddy” Doggett Pendergraph retired after teaching Spanish for 49 years. Son Vince and his family live with her in Mechanicsville, Virginia. She has three grandsons and one greatgranddaughter and said there’s never a dull moment.

Barbara Bennett will celebrate her 80th birthday in January at a party with family and friends. She’ll likely be one of the first 1968 classmates to reach this milestone. What a wonderful gift for sure! She wishes those others celebrating birthdays to have continued health, curiosity, and appreciation for every day. Barbara feels fortunate for her international work and travels and her monthly art exhibits at her Q Street Fine Art Gallery in D.C.

Diana Stamer Young relocated to Texas in 2010 and moved from Beaumont (near Houston) to New Braunfels (close to San Antonio) after her marriage to John Young in 2021. They like to travel and went on a cruise this time last year.

Mary James Wright considers herself blessed, but this summer was definitely a challenge. Her mother fell and broke her hip just before her 105th birthday

and passed away one day before that milestone. Mary’s husband went through cancer treatments all summer but came through with a victory at the end. Mary broke her wrist one week after her mom died. She said it was a reminder that we aren’t as young as we once were—and to be more careful where she plants her size 9s. She has made a good recovery and truly enjoyed a delightful autumn and fun-filled Christmas season. They enjoy being in the Charlottesville area, close to her college roommate, Charlotte Shelton, who is guiding her youngest brother, Todd, through cancer treatments. As we all approach 80, the challenges are real, but we’re blessed to have the advances of medical science to give us the best possible options. Cheers to all for a positive and powerful 2026!

Merrilyn Sawyer Dodson’s husband, Steve, died Dec. 15, 2024. This has been a long year learning to travel without a partner, but Merrilyn did it. She enjoyed a master gardener trip to the Winchester area to visit gardens in April and went on a Mary Washington Alumni On the Road trip to Provincial France in October. She had an enjoyable time and made new friends. Merrilyn’s granddaughter was awarded a full athletic soccer scholarship to Stephen F. Austin University in Texas, scored in her first game, became a starter after the second game, and ended up as the high scorer. In January, she will be playing for Middle Tennessee State University (long story) outside of Nashville. Merrilyn traveled to Texas to see her play and plans to see her play in Tennessee.

Rochelle Grey wrote: “1968 seems so long ago!” She still lives in the Fredericksburg area. After completing a master’s degree in library science and working for years in Stafford and at Quantico high schools, she has officially retired. While working daytime in high school, Rochelle spent evenings facilitating online courses at the university level. She also volunteered at Mary Washington Hospital for years prior to the pandemic. As the first married woman student enrolling in 1964, she feels fortunate that MWC was willing to admit her! Rochelle has enjoyed watching our alma mater grow and thrive. She wrote: “As time rolls on, may we all continue to experience the best of health and life. Portez-vous bien, 1968 classmates!”

Susan “Sue Chadwick” Jacobsen Gerig’s husband, John, passed away in March 2019. She moved to a condo in Fairway Lakes, Tampa, Florida. It’s quiet, and there is a wooded preserve behind her backyard. She is near the club where they’ve been members for 20 years.

Sue no longer plays tennis but does moderate exercise classes and gentle yoga. Her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson live two miles away in a fixer upper 1960s house with a lovely lake view that they bought in 2022. They do lots of activities together and help each other with various projects.

Mary Schneider Carroll lives in Vienna, Virginia, and has been blessed with a happy marriage to Mike for 53 years. They have wonderful children and nine grandchildren, ages 18 months to 21 years. Mary spent their early years together raising their children and then had a 20-year career with the Fairfax County Government in accounting and IT. Since retiring, they’ve traveled to Europe, enjoyed several cruises, and gathered their family together for a beach week every year. Mary sends best wishes to all our classmates for good health and happiness as we move into our eighth decade! She doesn’t know how we got here so fast!

Lynn Shelby Kickingbird and her husband, Kirke, who still works as a lawyer part time at age 81, lead a full and active life in Edmond, Oklahoma, centered around their local church missions, community ministries, and their four grandchildren. Lynn and Kirke’s commitment to family and culture was highlighted last July by a milestone trip to New York City with their eldest granddaughter, Ella. The eightday excursion immersed their young artist in the city’s finest offerings, from Broadway’s Hamilton to the Met and the Guggenheim museums, marking her transition into world travel. They’re embracing their passion for exploration with a trip to France in March. After studying the language for eight years throughout her education, Lynn is eager to finally experience the South of France. Their itinerary includes stops in Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and Arles, where they plan to balance historical sightseeing at Roman ruins with the region’s renowned cuisine and wine.

Belinda Lowenhaupt Collins’ husband of 52 years, Anthony Collins, died on Sept. 3, 2025. She’s now figuring out the rest of her life and has applied for an independent living apartment in Alexandria, Virginia. She’s been an executive coach for the last 15 years and has truly enjoyed that.

Kerry Lynn Duer Klein’s husband sent a note: “My wife, Kerry, is a member of your class and graduated in January 1968, a semester early so we could get married that March. We attended graduation with the entire class in June.

She was a chemistry and math teacher for many years and received a master’s degree in education at Memphis State while I was earning my law degree there. Since then, we’ve lived on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where she grew up. We have three children: two are CPAs and one is a lawyer. Kerry now has severe dementia, and I’m her caregiver. I know she has fond memories of MWC. She was a wonderful wife and mother for all of us.”

Rhoda “Dodo” Fisher Roberts didn’t travel outside the northeast last year, instead opting to stay in New England, visiting friends and enjoying her first grandson, who just turned 1. Dodo spent the summer on Nantucket and had many visitors—although there’s still room for more! The kids came up a few times with family and friends.

Donna Sheehan Gladis’ husband, Steve Gladis, Ph.D., published a powerful new novel, The Brides of War: A Vietnam War Novel, an intimate, moving portrait in the tradition of Kristin Hannah’s The Women and Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures. “It follows four Mary Washington women whose lives intersect in friendship, love, and loss. Through interracial relationships, antiwar protests, and the personal struggles of the late 1960s, the novel reveals the hidden cost of war on the women left behind—those who waited for letters, feared the latenight phone call, and faced a future reshaped by conflict.” A professor at George Mason University, Steve is also an executive coach and a prolific author whose fiction and nonfiction works explore human courage, moral choice, and resilience. A Marine Corps officer and Vietnam veteran, he noted that Mary Washington’s proximity to Quantico “created a bridge between two worlds— one academic, one military—and in that meeting ground, destinies were rewritten. These women became the quiet collateral of the war.”

Lelia Jane Shields Evans, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Mary Washington, passed away on Sept. 29, 2025. After graduation, Lelia married her high school sweetheart, Stewart, and taught school in Albemarle County, Virginia. She earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Virginia and supported Stewart through law school. Devoted to her faith, Lelia was active in her church throughout her life, volunteering her time, talent, and love in the church nursery, Sunday school, and Vacation Bible School, as well as various guilds. She is survived by her husband, four children, six grandchildren, and other loving family and friends.

Marianne deBlois Zentz MdeBZ@verizon.net

Anne Hoskot Kreutzer annekreutzer@hotmail.com

From Marianne:

It’s always wonderful to hear from our friends and classmates, even if it takes a nudge or two to get something out of them!

Connie Cline Bukzin and her husband enjoyed seeing the highlights of Bilbao, Bordeaux, and London in October. They’re incredibly proud of their 14-yearold grandson, a member of a fencing club in Northern Virginia, who specializes in Saber and just competed at the Junior Olympics! We’ll keep an eye out for the Bukzin name in some future Olympics.

Since 2008, Connie and Anne Hoskot Kreutzer have kept up with each other in their monthly book club meetings. Anne and husband Tom look forward to their trip in May for the grand opening of the “Tin Store” museum in Szubin, Poland. She has worked for years through their nonprofit, Friends of Oflag 64, to raise money and collect artifacts for this small exhibition in honor of their WWII POW fathers. It is located in the very space where POWs stored and shared tin cans of food from their lifesaving Red Cross food parcels.

Anne shared that Barbie Hopta Reid enjoys her quiet and calm life in Richmond with friends, books, pickleball, and Maymont Gardens.

The happy and blessed Martha Wilbourne Cummings enjoys both pickleball and tennis in Virginia Beach, along with visits with her 10 grandchildren. At the time she wrote, she was also loving the winter wonderland left by a mini blizzard!

Our former Peace Corps classmate Lyn Howell Gray and husband Jim have completed the transfer of their beloved 15-year project, Liberia Reads! (Visit Liberia-reads.org) to the in-country teachers whom they trained. They are now comfortably ensconced in Blacksburg, with lots of travel. We loved the closing of the Grays’ newsletter “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” Lyn is planning a mini reunion in April with Ann Simpson Brackett , who loves spending time with her 3-year-old granddaughter and baby triplets, and Donna Cannon Julian

Lyn and Martha represented our French House friends in Williamsburg at the funeral of our friend, CeCe Smith Riffer,

after her unexpected passing. We also had sad news from Lou Myers Daly, Christie Wineholt , and Nina Shepherd of the unexpected passing of Nancy Parker Soles. Nina said life is “delightfully dull” in her world in South Carolina, and that she’s healthy if we ignore the touch of “doolally.” (Look up this fun word—we’ve all got it!) Christie is doing fine and tries to see Betsy Crews Neilson as often as she can. Living in Pennsylvania, Betsy is dealing successfully with some medical issues, and has an active text thread with Christie, Linda Gattis Shull (in Charlotte), Barbara Burton Micou (in Richmond), Patti Boise Kemp (in Fredericksburg), Betty Wade Miles Perry (in Virginia Beach), and me, Marianne deBlois Zentz (in Florida).

Iris Harrell and he r wife, Ann, and thei r band, More Joy (Visit morejoyconcerts.com), have realized their protest songs from the ’60s are equally relevant today, as they are fundraising for the Democratic Alliance in Santa Rosa. Iris has traded out-in-the-sun golf for the fun of indoor square-dancing! They’ve continued their bucket-list travels to presidential libraries in Chicago, aiming for the Obama, Hoover, and Ford libraries. She and Ann will celebrate their 47th anniversary this May. Love Iris’ expression that “we are all in our 4th quarter, so we’d best be getting our lists checked off.”

Iris also shared a letter from Jamari Greenhow ’29, an environmental science major who is our scholarship recipient. Jamari wrote: “I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the Class of 1969 50th Reunion Scholarship. I come from a low-income family and have been nervous about how I would pay for future plans. This scholarship immensely increased my ability to attend a four-year university and left my family extremely relieved. To be honest, the search for making college affordable has been extremely depressing and almost made me think I wouldn’t be able to follow my dreams, but your scholarship has removed that fear and stress that was plaguing me, and I will be forever thankful.”

The talented Chris Phillips Farhood is preparing for an exhibition of her oil paintings in a Manhattan restaurant in February. She has continued her private practice of psychotherapy and enjoys walks along the Hudson and having her son living three miles away. In August, Chris and her MWC roomie, Betty Olander Adams, had a fun time at Betty’s home in Hume, Virginia, reminiscing about double dating at

MWC, being in each other’s weddings, and staying “buds” all these years. Sadly, at the end of that visit, Betty’s husband of 56 years passed away after a long illness. Chris and Betty plan to visit again in March, after the bitter cold and snow have receded. Perhaps they’ll attend our 57th reunion this spring!

Judith Farrell Bechtold is a Virginia girl, born and raised in McLean. After graduating from Mary Washington, she married, moved to Herndon, and had her first child in Arlington Hospital. So, it was with a definite guarantee of moving back in two years that she reluctantly moved to California, the land of earthquakes and hippies. “Well, we make plans and God laughs,” she joked. Judy and her husband settled in Huntington Beach 49 years ago with their three children. Two years ago, they moved to La Costa Glen, an active retirement community in Carlsbad near San Diego, with about 850 residents aging in place. There, Judy met Joan John Grine ’53, who mentioned she was from Staunton, Virginia. They both discovered they were Mary Washington graduates, a cause for celebration! Joan knew of another MWC alumna there, and Judy tracked her down on her own floor! Her caregiver said she was turning 100 soon and is often foggy, but she was a fountain of information on Mary Washington! Judy and Joan visited with Gigi Baravini Stone, a former New Yorker, and showed her their yearbooks. She couldn’t remember when she attended, but it was sometime during World War II, before MWC had yearbooks. Judy found it interesting that these three alumnae had attended college during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, respectively. The UMW Alumni Office has been looking for Gigi’s information, but computers were not around then. Please contact them if you know of her!

Clare Burke Ardizzone and husband John are retired and will celebrate their 46th anniversary in a lovely senior abode across the street from the north shore of Lake Michigan, near downtown Chicago. They’re active in the choir at their Irish Catholic church (St. Patrick’s, no less). Many Irish immigrants settled in 19th-century Chicago, but newcomers often come from Latin America, giving Clare the chance to use the Spanish she learned after graduation during a Peace Corps tour in Chile. Clare and John also participate in a book group (free flying) and a writing group led by a retired editor in their community. They enjoy bicycling and walking on the lakefront path off of Lakeshore Drive. Last summer, they visited northern Italy in the

Dolomites near Milan for several weeks and are enjoying watching the Olympics there! One of their granddaughters will graduate high school at the Interlochen Academy in northern Michigan. Their elder granddaughter’s graduation from the English program at the University of Prague in the Czech Republic will put them on the move again. Clare is grateful to be healthy and active and looks forward to hearing from Mary Washington classmates.

I, Marianne deBlois Zentz , still have all my original parts and enjoy tennis, with lots of sunscreen, and trips to my five grands in Houston and Ventura. They’re all planning a reunion in the Banff area of Canada this summer—a bucket-list item!

1970

Anne Sommervold LeDoux ledouxanne@yahoo.com

1971

Karen Laino Giannuzzi kapitankL11@yahoo.com

As I, Karen Laino Giannuzzi, write this, the temperature in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is about eight degrees, with lovely snow on the ground. From all the notes, the Class of ’71 has had quite a tumultuous 2025!

Debbie Oja Tuttle lives in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, and lost her husband and partner of 43 years in July. Our condolences, Debbie. We hope you’ll come to Reunion Weekend in May to be among friends.

Nancy Belden splits her time between Washington, D.C., and Norfolk, Connecticut. She has been widowed for a year and a half. Nancy, our condolences. Although retired, she’s still active in polling organizations and chairs the board of the Washington Office on Latin America, a human rights group. Nancy’s son, Giovanni Russonello, is writing a biography of Gil Scott-Heron, the influential American jazz poet, singer, and musician, known as the “Godfather of Rap.” It should be an interesting book for anyone curious about the evolution of music.

Julie McClelland Seder has had a tough 2025. Her beloved dog, Guinness, whom we’ve seen in many Facebook entries, was killed in a freak accident. Julie, all of us understand the devastation when you lose a precious pet and the need to replace them. Best of luck with your new puppy, Phineas! Julie is recovering from

health issues and is preparing for a great time at reunion with Pam Temple Roach. Julie and her partner, Dirk, helped her daughter, Ashley, and her son-in-law, Dan, celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary with a huge party. Julie, I think back to our days at the Pentagon, when we surprised a lot of people when we were introduced and broke into laughter and hugs!

Diana “Diney” Rupert Livingston had a total knee replacement in October 2025. It has not been an easy recovery, but she’ll be ready to make her yearly trek to Italy in May. Sadly, she will not make it to our reunion. Good luck with rehab!

Beth Fleming Skidmore, twin sister Kathy Fleming Barton , and Sally Reichner Mayor, all Betty Lewis Hall friends, met up in Fredericksburg in November. Sally lives in Switzerland but returns occasionally to visit friends and relatives. It would be great, Sally, if you came back for our reunion!

Sally’s daughter, Patricia, works for the International Skating Union, so she was in Milan for the Olympics and figure skating events. 2025 was a rough year, even in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Sally lives in Crans-Montana, where they’ve been devastated by the New Year’s Day fire in a bar full of young folks celebrating. Such devastation from which many will never fully recover. Sally, we send condolences to all affected. Sally works for Les Roches Global Hospitality School, meeting students from across the globe. She also enjoys hot-air

ballooning and is president of the Crans-Montana balloon club.

Lynda White and Brenda Marable Shaw teamed up for Mary Wash Day 2025 to help our class raise money for the Fund for Mary Washington. Let’s keep that going as we gather for our 55th reunion!

Several of us have downsized our living quarters or moved to continuous care or 55-plus communities. Mary Weaver Mann has moved to St. Mary’s Woods in Richmond, freeing her from a house. She has lots of activities to keep her busy in her new place.

I met one of my dearest friends in York, Pennsylvania, through a “small-world” coincidence. Susan Brown Lohin told me years ago about her high school friend from Princeton, West Virginia, who now lives in York. When Delilah and I met, we realized we lived only seven houses from each other and have become the best of friends. Susan has retired from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, but she’s still busy with dogs and friends, although she would prefer to be in warmer climates.

Gayle Franklin Hawkins had a difficult 2025, spending seven months helping her son and daughter-in-law, Kara, while Kara battled a brain tumor. While Kara recovered, Gayle’s daughter, Tracy, underwent a double mastectomy. She’ll undergo reconstructive surgery after finishing chemo. Gayle was able to take a breath and go on a UMW Alumni On the Road trip to Greece with Janet Hedrick ’73 and Mary Basnight Donovan ’67. Gayle made her first trip to Fredericksburg in a

From left: 1971 graduates Beth Fleming Skidmore, Sally Reichner Mayor, and Kathy Fleming Barton.

decade and visited friends from the trip, including its faculty leader, Dr. Angela Pitts. They all shared a wonderful Greek meal. Gayle ended the year with family for Christmas and looks forward to her daughter and daughter-in-law being back in good health in 2026. Gayle has trips to Africa and France planned with some of her MWC friends. I hope you can make time for our 55th reunion this year!

Susan Estelle Strattner passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2026, according to her brother. She had a passion for life, including a love of travel, aviation, sports, bike riding, and photography, and an unwavering devotion to her family. After attending Mary Washington, she became a social worker in Norfolk, Virginia, where she was known for her compassion and steadfast commitment to those in need. She is survived by her four siblings, four nieces, five nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Nancy Kennard Pinder passed away on Jan. 21, 2026, in Walnut Creek, California, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She graduated from Mary Washington and earned a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. She was a proud science educator for many years. She adventured the world with her loving husband, Cliff, and raised their children in Minnesota, Puerto Rico, Belgium, and Italy, before retiring to Florida and then California, close to their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing bridge, fitness classes, cooking, entertaining, volunteering, and being an active member of her church and the YMCA. She is survived by her husband, daughter, son, two grandchildren, and other loving family and friends.

I, Karen Laino Giannuzzi , traveled with 23 alumni, family, and faculty on a UMW Alumni On the Road trip to France in October. Dr. Andréa “Andi” Livi Smith and UMW Advancement’s Beth Hunsinger ’01 made sure the trip was fantastic. We went to Toulouse, up the eastern part of France—including Dordogne, Mont Saint-Michel, the battlefields, and the Normandie cemetery—and spent a couple rainy days in Giverny and Paris. While visiting the Rodin Museum, Beth and I met Susie Owens and Rebecca Smith Bouygues for lunch. They were featured in my last notes and have both lived in France for decades. Visit them if you are in Paris—they know where the great food and views are!

1972

Sherry Rutherford Myers sherryhon2011@gmail.com

Spring has sprung! I hope everyone survived the winter!

Deb Stanley Leap stays busy volunteering at an assisted living facility and tutoring American citizenship students. She’s also fostering both a kitten and an adult cat into healthy adoptable animals. She said it’s great for companionship without a long-term commitment.

Julie Obarski Simpson and husband John received a beautiful blessing Dec. 16, 2026, when their daughter welcomed their granddaughter, Jovie May Glasheen. She has already brought more joy than they could have imagined. Her arrival has been especially meaningful as John began dialysis in March 2025. While the treatment is lifesaving, it’s certainly not easy. Julie prayed for something that would give John strength and encouragement—and Jovie has done exactly that.

Jeanne Helmandollar Holtzmann was headed for California this winter and taking a cruise after that. She picked a great time to be away from so much snow. We hope to have lunch together soon.

I, Sherry Rutherford Myers, hope to hear from more of you for the next edition so I can share everyone’s accomplishments and adventures.

1973

Joyce Hines Molina joycemolina1951@gmail.com

We begin with sad news. Susan Regan, a friend to many, died in September. Deborah “Debbe” Heiman wrote a beautiful tribute: “I will miss Susie every day for the rest of my life. I live in Arlington, Virginia, and Susie lived nearby in Gainesville. We met for lunch once a month. Susie, Ruth Siko, and I were suitemates and roommates throughout our years at MWC as well as lifelong friends. Susie was a wonderful friend—thoughtful, compassionate, kind, and loyal. I could not have asked for a dearer friend. I will forever hold her in my heart.”

Susan Jacobius Davis has been to 106 countries so far. She completed her goal to visit all 50 states last year, concluding with a visit to Oklahoma. Congratulations, Susan! Besides traveling, Susan enjoys making cards and scrapbooking her trips.

Patricia “Patty” Stewart retired from a career in physical therapy and has lived in the museum district of Richmond, Virginia, with husband Bob Traub since 2006, after having spent 32 years in Tidewater. Although she misses the beach, she enjoys urban living, especially in a beautiful historic area. Patty’s eldest son recently retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and lives in Hatteras, North Carolina, with his wife, 9-year-old son, and 4-year-old daughter, who are the lights of their nana’s eyes! Her younger son lives in Richmond. Her two eldest grandsons, the sons of Bob’s daughter, are “grown and flown,” having settled into college life.

I, Joyce Hines Molina, am ready for new adventures in 2026. I look forward to temperatures above freezing so that the two inches of ice from a winter storm can melt. This is day five of being stranded, unable to get a vehicle up the driveway, which is on a hill through the woods. When you read this, we will be perspiring through the muggy heat of summer and yearning for cooler temperatures. But for now, I’d like to be somewhere sunny and warm, holding a drink topped with an umbrella, with the only ice being in the drink! Please send me your news anytime; you don’t have to wait for a reminder. I hope to hear from each of you before the next deadline.

1974

Sidnia “Sid” Baker Etherington sidleexx@yahoo.com

Suzy Passarello Quenzer suzyquenzer@gmail.com

Greetings, Class of 1974! Margaret “Peg” Hubbard and Patti Goodall Strawderman volunteered at the 2025 reunion and had a great time! They attended faculty lectures, campus tours, and special gatherings for the 1908 Society, which our class is now a part of since we’ve reached our 50th reunion. These gatherings included a welcome reception at Brompton (home of President Paino and his wife), a special dinner on Friday night, the Saturday picnic under the 1908 Society tent, and a 1908 class photo. Peg and Patti encourage you to consider volunteering or attending a non-1974 reunion. Meeting and interacting with current students volunteering is incredible. They are funny, smart, ambitious, and outgoing! Make some new—and younger—UMW friends! We learned that MWC alumnae who’ve had their 50th reunion can also march in the graduation procession with the 1908 Society (gowns provided).

Peg and Patti will walk in the 2026 Commencement in May and plan to volunteer for Reunion Weekend.

Peg and Patti wrote that Nancy Pederson Trzcinski, who lives in Elkin, North Carolina, sold her large home with a swimming pool and moved into an adorable one-floor cottage down the street. Daughter Christine, son-in-law Richard, and Nancy’s two grandkids live just blocks away, and son Matthew is also nearby.

Lisa Tyree Sweeney and husband Denis moved from their longtime home in San Diego to a golfing community in the Austin, Texas, area. They’re busy and happy.

Patti, Peg, Nancy, and Lisa are among our classmates, along with Jonette deButts Hahn, Deb Ryan Howard, Susan McDonald Osborn, Rita Hodges Gilpin, Karen Sunnarborg, and Susan Tyler Maguigan, who have held monthly Zoom calls since the pandemic. They also have annual mini reunions in between regular campus reunions. They’re heading to Savannah, Georgia, in April and will report back!

1975

Armecia Spivey Medlock vagirl805@msn.com

Val Walters said our 50th reunion in June was so much fun, with a great turnout and excellent weather. The Alumni Association did a terrific job in coordinating activities and changed the venue in a positive way. Val saw Cindy Snyder, Pat Powers Gaske, Karen Lebo, and me, Armecia Spivey Medlock, as well as other classmates she didn’t recognize. Things aren’t as vivid as they used to be! Sadly, Carol Kearney Pease’s husband, Mike, passed away a week prior to the reunion. They missed Carol and Hope and were looking forward to catching up. Since moving to Delaware five years ago, Val and wife Kathy travel frequently. They like to fly-fish for trout and have gone crosscountry fishing several times. In October, they spent three weeks in Italy, including a week in the Dolomites area in Northern Italy. The scenery was wonderful, and the trout-fishing was fantastic. Val is not sure when she’s going back but knows she will!

Linda Hall went on a cruise last April, starting in Fort Lauderdale and stopping in several locations on the way to Canada. Everyone was so friendly, and there were many opportunities to meet new friends. Linda was surprised to meet a fellow MWC alumna from Dallas who

graduated in the late ’50s. They found it was fun to compare notes. In all her years since graduating, this was the first time Linda had run into a MWC friend.

1976

Janis Biermann biermannjanis@gmail.com

Margo Clifford is enjoying her retirement from teaching. She traveled to Iceland in March 2024 to see the Northern Lights, but it was too cloudy. However, she caught a glimpse of them this fall from her own front yard! She and Ann Chryssikos McBroom went on a cruise to Key West to attend a wedding in June. Margo is busy with freelance writing for an educational publishing company and volunteering as a courtappointed advocate for children in abuse and neglect cases. She looks forward to our reunion and catching up with everyone.

Susan Grimes and husband Scott took a two-week hiking trip to Southern Patagonia, seeing lots of beautiful mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Susan is doing a weeklong ultra-marathon trail race in Costa Rica starting Feb. 8, 2026. She’s excited to celebrate our 50th reunion!

Daphne Johnston Elliott was in Waikiki with her family for Christmas. She also looks forward to our reunion.

1977

Anne Robinson Hallerman annehallerman@gmail.com

Martha Harville passed away suddenly at her home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Aug. 8, 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Mary Washington and a master’s degree in library science from Florida State University. Martha worked in public and school libraries throughout Virginia and became a school library media specialist for the Department of Defense Education Activity, serving on bases in Germany and Japan as well as Camp Lejeune. She loved reading and traveling, visiting Egypt, Morocco, Japan, and across Europe. She is survived by two brothers, nine nieces and nephews, and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews.

1978

Janet Place Fuller janetpfuller@gmail.com

1979

Barbara Goliash Emerson emers3@msn.com

With the New Year comes word of alumni retirements. Ron Bennet finally retired from a longtime IT career but still gets calls from former co-workers on how to load science-specific software. He jokes that he may start charging them for tech support. Living eight minutes from the ocean in Port Orange, Florida, he can smell the salt air on a good easterly breeze day, so no wonder he’s enjoying life to its fullest. Congrats, Ron!

Doug Lorber will retire in August after 45 years as a doctor of audiology in Albany, Georgia. He and wife Nancy plan to spend time with their three kids and seven grandchildren, traveling and enjoying life (including lots of golf) as well as doing more theater. His wife added, “So, don’t be surprised if we show up at your door one day and take you to dinner.”

I, Barbara Goliash Emerson, took another wonderful UMW Alumni On the Road trip last fall to Provincial France. We started in the southwest in Toulouse, worked our way through the Loire Valley to the Normandy Coast, and ended in Paris. We were accompanied by Dr. Andréa Livi Smith, who provided informative commentary on buildings, bridges, and other structures. These trips are well-run and a great opportunity to meet alumni from other classes. I traveled with Karen Laino Giannuzzi ’71 , Peg Hubbard ’74, Karen Sunnarborg ’74, Jenifer “JB” Blair ’82 , and Barbara Dixon ’82 . I’m still in touch with Clare Thornhill ’75 from the 2024 Portrait of Italy tour, and we met in December for lunch and a tour of beautiful Biltmore. It’s always great to see Clare, but without the Italy tour, I’d likely never have met her.

We’d like to hear from more of you. There is a Class of 1979 Facebook page, where Class Notes due dates are shared. Please consider sending news for the next issue.

1980

Susan Garter skgarter@gmail.com

Ford Hart is in his last of four years in Singapore, where his wife, Gabby Rush, is New Zealand’s ambassador. Retired from the U.S. Foreign Service since 2016, he advises companies and writes about China and Asian geopolitics. Gabby and Ford will depart this year for her onward assignment. Ford saw Janine Peake and

husband John Geanuracos in London in May. Ford returns to Virginia a few times a year to visit family.

Sandy Slusher Smallwood is enjoying retirement and is the 2026 president of the Loudoun County Master Gardeners. She has served on the board for three years and gained her water steward certification in 2025. Protecting our watershed has long been one of Sandy’s passions; there are many farms in Northern Virginia with ponds that feed into the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Engaging with the community and providing education on gardening and environmental best practices has kept Sandy pursuing continuing education and spending time outdoors.

Barb Gant Kinner’s highlight was when she and husband Greg took their two 13-year-old granddaughters to Paris for two weeks. She also attended our 45th reunion with Sandy and Debi Caton and enjoyed catching up with Colleen Henegan and Beth Meisel. Barb gave Jan Stankiewicz McCarthy and me, Sue Garter, a quick tour of Asheville last fall. Barb’s lowlight was being diagnosed with breast cancer upon returning from Paris, but she’s doing great now!

I spent a few days in Greensboro, North Carolina, visiting Jan and her husband, Mike. We enjoyed seeing John Cleese in Raleigh for his “Not Dead Yet” tour, which included a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, followed by a Q&A. We also visited Barb, and I met up with a former manager from my days at Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey (known as the Apple TV Severance building).

1981

Lori Foster Turley lorifturley@gmail.com

Our 45th reunion is almost here, May 29-31! I, Lori Foster Turley, hope you’ll return to campus to reconnect with old friends, share stories, and celebrate our years at Mary Washington! The weekend will be full of events, but I want to highlight our class gathering Friday evening on the Linden Terrace (4th floor) of the Cedric Rucker University Center (named for our esteemed classmate). We’re hoping for a great turnout! Visit the Reunion Weekend website at alumni. umw.edu. You can register for as many or as few events as you’d like. Call your friends and encourage them to go! I look forward to seeing you there!

1982

Tara Corrigall

corrigallt@gmail.com

Georgiana Hall and her husband spend winters in Tucson, where they bought a home to escape the cold, and spend late spring, summer, and fall in Colorado Springs. She retired from teaching physics and astronomy for an online community college five years ago and loves it! She enjoys swimming, cooking, and hiking and hopes to get back into golf. They took an interesting trip to Costa Rica in January 2025, and they hope to visit again soon. Hawaii and Europe are on her possible travel list for 2026. She’d love to hear from alumni in Colorado Springs and Tucson. Her email is hersheytherabbit@gmail.com.

Nancy Kaiser and wife Mary McElhone traveled to Australia and New Zealand, with a two-day stop in Hawaii. They flew to Adelaide and then Sydney, before an 11-day cruise off Australia’s eastern coast. Nancy saw two juvenile hammerheads on a dolphin excursion, which totally made her day! They continued to the Great Barrier Reef, a magical and beautiful place, where Nancy saw a whitetip juvenile shark while snorkeling! She felt like she had won the lottery! They also flew a small prop plane over the reef, a lifelong dream fulfilled! They celebrated the holidays with a friend and her family in Melbourne, then went to New Zealand, spending two weeks traveling through the national parks on the South Island. They finished with a wonderful train ride from Christchurch to Picton, catching a flight to Auckland. They returned to Sydney before the inevitable 18-hour flight home! She and Mary are planning their next adventure.

Annmarie Cozzi is recovering well from a knee replacement. She split her fall journey from New Jersey to North Carolina, staying at my house for a few days. We listened to Gordon Lightfoot hits as we seriously discussed a new book about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

I, Tara Corrigall, was interviewed by Blake Bauer ’26, a UMW historic preservation major interested in filmmaking, in October for a project on Marshall and Russell Halls for his video documentary class. I showed him our windows, floor plan, built-in beds, and unit bathrooms. While he enjoyed crazy details about desk aides, visitation, housemothers, and parties, I was reminded of the strong sense of community in dorm life. Walking into the parlor in the afternoon and seeing

Vicki Haynes Morris and others watching General Hospital, hanging out in the unit, and making plans. Meeting in front of Farmer Hall (Trinkle Library) to walk to dinner at Seacobeck or checking in on friends studying in the library. Walking to Giant for late night snacks—yes, we survived eating cookie dough right out of the tube. Blake is an impressive person (and the son of Keith Bauer ’89 and Debbie Schluter Bauer ’91 ), and I look forward to his future endeavors.

Please share your news and updates. Just because you told Facebook doesn’t mean your fellow classmates are up to date on your adventures!

1983

Marcia Anne Guida marcia.g.james@gmail.com

Mary Ann Mayer retired from the bed and breakfast she operated for 26.5 years and is working at another inn for now. She is planning a big party in Dublin, Ireland, with friends for her 70th birthday in December.

Theresa Min Lee’s eldest son, Anthony, and his wife, Brittany, had their first child, Benjamin, in September. Both are stationed in the U.S. Air Force in San Antonio, Texas. Theresa and her husband visited Benjamin for Christmas. They also visited her husband’s siblings and Theresa’s uncles in Korea in 2025, which was her first visit since her family immigrated to the U.S. in 1976! Their entire family is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that milestone in August. Theresa visited Yellowstone last July, and plans to travel to Rome, Assisi, and Medjugorje, near Croatia, in June and Japan in October to visit her son.

David Cox retired early from NSWC Dahlgren in 2007 at age 50. He enjoys life on Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, the only home he ever owned. His passion is nature photography, especially insects.

Gail Vermilyea Cherochak lives near her mother and extended family in New Hampshire. She fills her time as a hospice and hospital volunteer and with volunteer sewing projects, crafts, and needlework groups, as well as church projects and outings with friends.

Active alum Susan Leavitt and husband Jon completed three weeks of biking and hiking in Italy at the end of 2025. Sardinia was particularly amazing. She’s headed to Goa, India, in February with friends. Now on the Alumni Association Board, she enjoys a more active role in

shaping decisions for UMW. Two more triathlons are on the horizon this spring with Estie Corey Thomas’ daughter and Susan’s goddaughter, Anna Brooks Balderson. Susan recently caught up with Jen Utz ’82 from lacrosse and field hockey days!

Carter Still Sonders and husband Steven both love retirement. They live in Williamsburg but enjoy staying at their condo in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Carter loves shell hunting and collecting and often explores other beaches for treasures. She recently completed six years on the Williamsburg Community Foundation board and serves on its philanthropy committee. Their two sons (ages 29 and 26) graduated from West Virginia University; Christopher is in Richmond, and Matthew moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. No grandchildren yet! Carter and her husband enjoyed river cruises on the Danube and the Rhine this year and have their eyes on Portugal next!

Lisa Harris Coleman is eagerly awaiting husband Ken’s retirement later this year, and then the traveling will begin.

I, Marcia Anne Guida, visited with Anne Thompson Steen in Nashville a few months ago. We had a great time talking about the past, present, and future.

Keith and I spent December in our London cottage and traveled to Munich and Bruges to visit friends. We have season tickets to our Premier League team, Tottenham Hotspur, so we attend as many matches as possible in London. I took early retirement as a regional vice president with Humana in March. I’ve always dreamed of traveling around the world—so we are going in 2026! We’re planning a cruise on the Danube, and more time in Italy and the UK. I have Italian citizenship, making the path for us to spend more time abroad easier.

1984

Christine Waller Manca christine.manca@att.net

1985

Joanne Bartholomew Lamm jlamm88@verizon.net

1986

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

Miranda Yen sends warm greetings from Hong Kong. For the past 30 years, she has dedicated her career to transformational training— helping people see things from new

perspectives, communicate with greater ease, and make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives and work. Her programs have reached more than 9,000 participants, and she finds deep joy and purpose in every group she leads. She runs her own training company with her business partner. At age 93, her mother remains healthy, sharp, and spirited. Miranda and her husband will celebrate 36 years of marriage this year, and their two sons study in the United States. She has no plans to slow down anytime soon and looks forward to reconnecting with everyone during our reunion.

1987

Kemetia Foley kmkfoley@gmail.com

1988

Jay Bradshaw jaybradshaw747@aol.com

Beverly Newman bevnewmn@yahoo.com

From Jay:

Our class is two years away from our 40th reunion in 2028. We’re forming a committee to capture ideas for celebrating this milestone. Meetings will be held via Zoom. Send us an email at mwcclass1988@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at MWC Class of 1988 and Friends.

I, Jay Bradshaw, am often asked why only a few classmates submit updates. The short answer is social media. Alumni use Class Notes to stay in touch and share info, which keeps classmates who are not on socials in the loop. Please consider sharing news in the future. My aunt, a 1959 alumna, even submitted an update!

We’re not far from the demolition of Marshall and Russell Halls. Having lived in Marshall for three years, I, like many others, am sad to say goodbye. I’ll post photos on the Marshall Hall Facebook page. We wish future students all the best in the new theatre. I had fun at our Marshall video shoot last summer. A big thanks to the Alumni Association for the unique opportunity to document the hall’s architecture using 4K drones. Former Marshall Resident Director Joe Mancuso joined us. He and wife Jean Barbagallo Mancuso ’87 live in Northern Virginia. She works summers at Wolf Trap National Park, encountering numerous Mary Washington alumni at the concerts. Joe is still high energy and works full time. A special thanks to former Marshall residents Stephen Hu ’87, Don Redmond ’86, Peter LaMarca ’86, Chris Zavrel ’86, Kim Holcomb ’85, and Liz Brown Holcomb for coming! Kim is the godfather of the Grill on the Hill and my predecessor as dorm president. Last fall, I participated in a class project by UMW senior historic preservation major Blake Bauer ’26, the son of Keith Bauer ’89 and Debbie Schluter Bauer ’91 Blake produced an incredible video documentary on Russell and Marshall Halls. Of course, he got an A! He plans to release the video on YouTube, which we’ll post on the Marshall Hall Facebook page. Kathy and I have a high school and college graduation to plan this spring! Our high schooler has not decided yet where he is going in the fall. On a different topic, I have a tip for alumni that encounter a skunk. Taking a bath in tomato juice may have worked on The Partridge Family, but Dawn dish soap will remove a large amount of the stink. It took me five showers and my clothes were trashed after being on the receiving end of a full-frontal spray during post-Thanksgiving festivities. All you can do is laugh.

Keith Bauer ’89, Blake Bauer ’26, and Debbie Schluter Bauer ’91 attend the Generations Breakfast last fall. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

I heard from Ken Plaia, our class president. He was near JFK Airport this past winter and saw planes taking off and thought of me! Bev Newman visited him recently, and they had a great day catching up. They saw Moulin Rouge on Broadway and had dinner in Madison Square Park. Ken looks forward to seeing everyone again at the next reunion!

Barbara Kirkwood-Taylor, who also earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Mary Washington in 2004, is working on her third career, serving businesses through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. She loves her work supporting growing businesses and highlights UMW as one of Virginia’s superb resources for talent. Her youngest daughter is a college junior, so Barbara is fascinated by the tools today’s students have at their disposal. Her daughter chuckles when she tells her about the hours she spent in the old Trinkle library without the Internet or a computer. Barbara became a grandmother to identical twin grandsons in May, which she is tickled about after only having daughters. They’re growing fast, and her heart is so full! Barbara checked off a goal when she downsized and moved to downtown Fredericksburg, where she enjoys walking and being close to amenities. She misses the river but not the yardwork. Just a short drive provides a coastal fix. She hopes 2026 is full of joy for everyone!

Kelly Gould Stewart has been through a few changes since her last post. She no longer works for the state of Maine due to disagreeing with leadership and now works for New Hampshire, a much better fit. Thankfully, she lives close to the border, so her commute time did not change. She covers two of the most rural counties in the mountains, providing consulting to Child Protective Services. Essentially, she goes where no one else dares to assess safety and provide therapy for families. She deals with abject poverty, and most of the families are distrustful of government entities. The job change has been refreshing. She maintains a small private practice in Maine. Her family’s weekend side hustle—a gun shop, training facility, and range—has grown and will be her work when she retires. Their business is extremely nurturing and family friendly. The shop held a customer holiday party, attended by guests ages 1-91, and a wonderful time was had by all. Their band played, and folks sang or joined in on instruments. But her greatest accomplishment is daughter Joie,

who lives in NYC and is a senior video producer for FanDuel and a freelancer. She lives with their grand-cat, Kimchi! Jennifer Madison Smith moved back to the hectic Northeast tri-state area to be closer to family. She works as a science educator and naturalist, serving museums, botanical gardens, and nature centers. She hopes everyone is well and knows that she misses the south dearly!

David Black ’87 said to tell everyone hello! Michele Linden Scherdin ’89 sends greetings from Wisconsin, where her family moved 13 years ago for her daughter’s gymnastics training and to be close to her father-in-law, who was paralyzed from multiple sclerosis. They had seven wonderful years with him. Daughter Jamie had a successful career making nationals and attending Winona State University. She is now married, and Michele and Tom are the proud grandparents of Michael Ray. Son Ryan is in a master’s degree program in sports performance analytics at Winona State. Son Justin studies business at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Daughter Regan is a high school junior, plays flute in competitive marching band and front ensemble in winter drumline, and is on the gymnastics team. She hopes to study Korean at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and become a translator. Tom has worked remotely for WellSpan, a healthcare company based in Pennsylvania, for the past nine years. After staying home for 16 years, Michele became an independent consultant for L’BRI Pure & Natural Skincare. Last year, she was third in the company. They’ve enjoyed free trips to Cabo, Jamaica, and Ireland, and are going to the Dominican Republic this year. They purchased a condo back home in New Orleans and will live there November through April. Michele and Tom celebrated 29 years of marriage this winter. It’s been a wild ride full of ups and downs, but she feels truly blessed. She often thinks of all of you and wishes everyone health and happiness in the New Year!

After years of military life, Kendel Paulsen and her family settled in the cute town of Burke, Virginia, nearly 21 years ago. There, they raised three children who are now across the map, building and growing their own lives. It’s impossible to believe that 1988 was more than a moment ago. Mary Wash has seen such tremendous changes over the decades, she wrote, and Fredericksburg is no longer little. As much she appreciates growth and expansion, she misses our little town, with Sammy T’s as the

epicenter of her memories. Kendel’s journey has been a rollercoaster of changes and challenges. After decades working for nonprofits, she opened her own business in 2017 as a coach to those seeking answers in life, career, and leadership. It’s been an amazing journey, and she looks forward to working for years to come. May this year be filled with love, joy, and wonderful memories of Mary Washington.

From Bev:

Hi, everyone! By the time this publication comes out, thankfully our ice mountains will have finally melted in Richmond, but Marshall and Russell Halls will be gone. For three of my four Mary Wash years, I, Bev Newman, lived at the bottom of the hill and loved being in Marshall! I’m a big supporter of the arts, but that makes me sad. Thanks to Jay for the final Grill on the Hill and the great slideshow, the fun Marshall drone video, and all the pictures and videos. Here’s to all the good times we had there and the new productions, shows, exhibits, and events to come. I love my Mary Wash memories and forever friends!

1989

Jim Czarnecki jimczarnecki@yahoo.com

Leah Wilson Munnis and Mike Munnis ’12 moved to Indialantic, Florida, and will celebrate their 22nd anniversary in February. Mike retired from the federal government, and Leah works remotely for the Johns Hopkins University applied physics lab. Daughter Kiauna Munnis ’14, who works for TSA in Fort Myers, Florida, is getting married in March. Congratulations!

David Schellin manages properties he owns in Arlington, and lives in Falls Church.

I, Jim Czarnecki, work in corporate training in Charlottesville, Virginia. I’m the proud father of two girls (yes, God does have a sense of humor): Emma (age 25) and Megan (age 23). I look forward to hearing from more of you soon!

1990

Susan Crytzer Marchant march66358@verizon.net

Sean Michael Dargan released a great new album, Dazzle Camouflage, which is available on streaming platforms (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music) and can also be found on his Bandcamp profile

He’ll perform at J. Brian’s Taproom in Fredericksburg on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Come cheer him on and hear him play!

I, Susan Crytzer Marchant , retired from the federal government on Sept. 30, 2025, after 35 years of service to the Department of Defense and intelligence community. I’ve been spending time with friends and family and training my new border collie puppy, Buster. What’s new in your neck of the woods? Send your updates. And show up for Sean on April 4!

1991

Shannon Eadie Niemeyer sfniemeyer@comcast.net

Hello, all! I hope everyone is doing well!

DeAnna Toten Beard is in her 24th year as a faculty member at Baylor University. In 2023, after a few years as chair of the Department of Theatre Arts, she was appointed vice provost for faculty affairs. She and spouse Kemper Beard have two adult kids living in the United Kingdom. They share their home with two big goldendoodles and a handsome but grumpy cat!

1992

Courtney Hall Harjung charjung@hotmail.com

Evelina Weidman Sterling has lived in the metro Atlanta area for 28 years. She started a new position as associate vice president for research at Morehouse School of Medicine. She would love to hear from alumni in Georgia!

Christine Harrison Casey celebrated her 10th anniversary at Transitions LifeCare, a hospice and palliative care nonprofit in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was selected to speak at the Association of Fundraising Professionals International conference in San Diego in April. She’s taking her husband, Tom, on an Alaskan cruise in May to celebrate his 60th birthday.

My husband, Tom, and I, Courtney Hall Harjung, became PADI Rescue Diver and Master Scuba Diver certified in October. We celebrated our 26th anniversary in Curaçao, scuba diving and eating freshly speared lionfish, a tasty way to control an aggressive, invasive species. We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in casinos in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mardi Gras season came early, and we partied, paraded, and balled in Biloxi, as well as Mobile, Alabama, and our hometown of Pensacola, Florida. We’re planning spring

trips to Akumal, Mexico, and Roatán, Honduras. I hope you all have wonderful adventures in 2026. I’d love to hear what’s new, so please email me or reach out via Facebook Messenger. Have a great year!

1993

J. Suzanne Horsley prof.horsley@yahoo.com

Allison Griffin Mitchell works as a wound, ostomy, and continence certified nurse at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville.

Keith Park lives in Winchester, Virginia, and has worked at Electrical Equipment Company for 29 years. He has twin girls in their sophomore year at Virginia Tech and a son who is a high school freshman.

Theresa Overstreet Guyton is a nurse practitioner in the University of Virginia Health System and is working toward a Doctor of Nursing degree at James Madison University.

Kimberly Madison works in Dahlgren, Virginia, and volunteers with the Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad in fire and emergency management. She has run into numerous Mary Washington alumni and students through her job and volunteer work. She has two cats.

Cliff Jordan is halfway through his three-year assignment in Korea as deputy National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency lead. With over 32 years of federal service, he can see the light at the end of the tunnel. During long weekends, he has visited Japan four times, as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia-Brunei.

Mark Bouck has lived in Raleigh, North Carolina, for 22 years. He and Jennifer, his wife of 31 years, have three children. Mackenzie (age 27) and Kaitlyn (age 25) graduated from Virginia Tech, and Joey (age 22) is a Christopher Newport grad.

Bethany Zecher Sutton serves as school board chair in Arlington, Virginia, and is running for reelection for a second four-year term. Her daughters are a second-year college student and a high school junior. Bethany’s day job is working as a leadership coach and consultant, providing leadership development for women in higher education. She lost her husband, Ben Sutton ’95, to cancer a few years ago. Bethany loves travel, visiting Vermont, California, Indiana, and Nevada in 2025.

Shannon Beasley and wife Jez moved to Savannah, Georgia, five years ago from Virginia. He works remotely as senior director of data implementation for EAB Global, Inc., an innovator in recruitment, research, best practices, and student success in higher education. Shannon and Jez have six acres of land with a pond and majestic live oaks covered in Spanish moss and a couple of gators. They’ve volunteered and fostered many rescued pets over the years. Shannon looks forward to his annual Super Bowl weekend golf trip in Hilton Head with 12 friends. Sadly, he and his wife both lost their moms in the last five years, but otherwise, life is pretty good.

Christine Mundt Dawson and Eric Dawson wrote that Christine spent another year at Mercer Advisors. She enjoys the work and remote work environment. Eric works for Orlando Health, currently on a project to bring clinics in Birmingham, Alabama, into the system. Their high school senior is trying to figure out where he wants to continue his studies in history and music—his team came in second place in the History Bowl! Their youngest is enjoying her sophomore year in an orchestra magnet school. She has grown over the past two years, which is both good (great to see the growth) and bad (they’re sorry to see their little girl grow up). The eldest helps where he can and works hard to keep the dog out of trouble. They look forward to meeting up with fellow Mary Washington alums in Naples, Florida, in February.

After graduation, Karen Clendenin Martinez taught at a Christian school in Springfield, Virginia, and moved to California, where she taught elementary school in Anaheim from 1999-2003. She returned to Northern Virginia and began teaching for Fairfax County Public Schools. She has lived in Centreville since 2007, and she’ll finish 23 years of teaching in Fairfax in June. She has taught fourth, fifth, and now third grade, all in gifted education. Karen and her wonderful husband, Raul Martinez, originally from El Salvador, will celebrate their fourth anniversary in July. They met at church in February 2020, so their first year of dating was during the pandemic! They look forward to traveling to El Salvador to visit his children, Alisson (age 28) and Brian (age 30). At Mary Wash, Karen was a member of the dance team and performed with the dance company. She continued studying dance and performing after college and just “retired” from dance in 2018 at age 47. Not too bad for someone who’s had arthritis in her knees since birth!

Pete Chirico celebrated his 30th year as a geoscientist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, Virginia. He stays connected to UMW’s Department of Geography, guest lecturing last year on his research into conflict-affected mining and mineral deposits and serving on a master’s student committee this year. He lives in Vienna, Virginia, with wife Bethany and their 10-year-old daughter, Jillian.

Lindsey Weller Poulsen has lived in Eugene, Oregon, for 18 years. She works as a physician’s assistant and certified Department of Transportation medical examiner in occupational medicine. She has three kids, with one in Chicago and two finishing college, so she’s technically an empty nester. She plays tennis and loves to run, hike, and do outside activities in the Pacific Northwest.

Jennifer Sheffield has lived in Chicago since graduation and has mostly worked for the same company. She is currently senior vice president of operations for Radancy, a talent acquisition software company. She has been happily married for over 25 years, and her son is a freshman in Marquette University’s nursing program. They live about a mile from Wrigley Field and have Cubs season tickets, regularly attend shows at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and enjoy Chicago’s amazing dining scene. She’d love to get together with UMW alumni in the area.

Tracy Young Rowland is an accountant at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She began taking free classes last fall toward a Society for Human Resource Management certification so she can switch careers in the future. Tracy has been interested in human resources since she took MWC classes for her business administration and psychology majors. Her daughters enrolled at Wright State last fall; one is working on a master’s degree in biology, and the other is a freshman English major. Her husband graduated from there in 1992. They are a Wright State family, and she enjoys working in a college setting.

I, J. Suzanne Horsley, loved hearing from so many classmates! Like many of our peers, I lost a parent recently. I returned to Suffolk, Virginia, for my dad’s funeral last summer. It gave me such comfort and happiness when my MWC roommate, Diane Newcomb Easter, and our hallmates, Cindy Dunnavant Easterday and Leann Vernon, made the trip to support me and my family. The lifelong friendships we made at MWC are so important in all our life stages. I’m in my 17th year as a professor at The University of Alabama. I have two rescue dogs and

Mary Washington alumni with Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement

Katie Turcotte (back row, far left) on the UMW Alumni On The Road Christkindlmärtke trip to to Germany and Austria in December 2025.

cruise as often as I can. I’m also writing a book about the intersection of disaster communication and mental health.

Mary Jane Condon Bohlen, a retired teacher and accomplished artist, passed away on Dec. 8, 2025, reported Patricia Lopez ’85. Mary Jane became a medical photographer during the 1960s, one of two women in that field in the U.S. at the time, before starting her family. After moving to Virginia in 1979, she taught at Catholic schools in the Fredericksburg area and Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Mary Washington and a master’s degree from VCU and kept a studio at LibertyTown Arts Workshop and her shops, Needle Artisans in Virginia and Lilac Tree in Massachusetts. She received a Fulbright Memorial Teacher Fund Scholarship to study in Japan, a Silk Road Smithsonian Folklife Festival Fellowship, a George Washington Federation Foundation Fellowship, and was twice honored as Northern Virginia’s outstanding elementary art teacher. After retiring with her husband to Rhode Island, she self-published Bosom Buddies, a book featuring photography and essays celebrating breast cancer survivors. She was a devoted mother and nana, and we send our condolences to her loving family and friends.

1994

Jennifer Dockeray Muniz jennifermuniz1@gmail.com

Heidi Zirkle Arthur’s children are both in college, so she and husband Ben split

their time between New York City and their farm in Ashford, Connecticut. Heidi has spent over 20 years as a healthcare consultant, specializing in publicly funded healthcare. She focuses on youth behavioral health, integrated services that address social determinants of health, and the advancement of peer supporters and community health workers. She is a co-founder of Lifting Voices, an independent initiative to transform the children’s behavioral health system by elevating the perspectives of youth with severe mental health challenges and their families. Ben makes music with numerous collaborators through his project and podcast, SongWriter.

Debbie Hodges Shelton was promoted to human resources business partner II for benefits with the City of Manassas. She traveled to Florence, Italy, with Kristen Maestri Mullins last fall to visit her daughter, a UMW junior studying abroad there. Debbie is connected to campus as both a parent and proud alum.

After 23 years with the same company, Nick Miller has transitioned to Wyndham. He began a master’s degree program this winter, noting that much has changed since he was a student.

Ann Pegelow Kaplan is an associate professor at Appalachian State University, part of the University of North Carolina system. She is defending her Ph.D., completing her first book project, and opening a solo exhibition on climate change in Paris—timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate

Agreement. She’ll have another solo exhibition at Saguaro National Park this spring.

1995

Matt and Shandie Covington mattandshandie95@gmail.com

1996

Jennifer Rudalf Gates teamgates17@gmail.com

1997

Michelle Trombetta michelletrombetta@gmail.com

Aaron Zielinski and his family are well. They’ve made several trips to campus to give son Ben, now in high school, a feel for Mary Washington. During their most recent visit on Nov. 8, Ben learned he had been accepted for the fall 2026 class, and he has officially committed. Aaron and wife Lisa are thrilled for him, knowing both he and UMW are a perfect match. Aaron admits that, selfishly, this also means more frequent visits to Fredericksburg and more strolls down Campus Walk. Aaron continues his work as CFO at AVMAC, where he feels fortunate to be part of a family-oriented environment. In his spare time, he stays closely connected to Old Dominion University Athletics in Norfolk. Along with a couple of partners, he co-hosts The Monarchists Podcast, covering ODU sports across YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and their website.

This fall brought some unexpected but wonderful reconnections with fellow alumni. I, Michelle Trombetta, met up with Eric Earling while he was vacationing in Key West, where we enjoyed dinner and even a bit of late night celebrating. A few weeks later, business travel took me to Northern Virginia, giving me the opportunity to take my former Framar roommate, and cherished bridesmaid, Julie Newell Leslie, out for a birthday dinner. Serendipitous moments like these remind me just how special our Mary Wash connections remain.

1998

Jen Carter Tsimpris jctsimpris@gmail.com

1999

No Class Agent classnotes@umw.edu

2000

Jennifer Burger Thomas jenntec14@gmail.com

Kate Amey Degnan was awarded tenure and promoted to associate professor of psychology at The Catholic University of America in August. As director of the Positive Development Lab, she and her students seek to understand the multitude of factors that support wellbeing and flourishing across the lifespan. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as she and husband Matt Degnan ’99 are settled in Falls Church, Virginia, parenting two high schoolers, and will see their eldest off to college next year.

2001

Annie Johnston anniebatesjohnston@gmail.com

Tamara Garvey, a full-time artist in Savannah, Georgia, had a multimedia solo show from Jan. 30 to Feb. 21, 2026. In “The Winter of our Discontent,” which she worked on for six months, Tamara paired paintings of the “Log Lady” from David Lynch’s show, Twin Peaks, with recordings of 50-plus American women responding to J.D. Vance’s infamous “childless cat ladies” statements. Images and more information can be found at TamaraGarvey.com

It’s been a busy year for Virginia Green Bartlett and Preston Robinson ’99. They finally got around to getting married, with Dr. Andrew Ward ’01 officiating. Shortly after, they moved to Roanoke, Virginia, with their five kids, four cats, and three dogs. Preston already misses Louisiana food and is contemplating the need for opening a Cajun/Creole restaurant. Virginia’s children’s book will be published in February 2026.

2002

Travis Jones tljones8@gmail.com

Carolyn Murray Spencer turtlecjm@yahoo.com

2003

Jessica Brandes jessbrandes@yahoo.com

Garett Seeba resides in Galveston, Texas, with his wife, Tashia. They will celebrate their 14th anniversary in January. Tashia completed a community refrigerator project to feed the underserved and homeless community of Galveston Island. Garett practices oral

and maxillofacial surgery in Webster, Texas. He’ll compete in the triple crown of 200-mile races this year (Tahoe-200 in June, Bigfoot-200 in August, and Moab-240 in October).

Matt Marchione moved back to Virginia from Chicago in July. He’s looking for new job opportunities and to connect with fellow alumni while enrolled in graduate school.

2004

Sameer Vaswani svaswani54@gmail.com

Andrew H. Blate, CPA celebrated 17 years of marriage to Jessie C. Thomas-Blate ’03 in October. They live in Alexandria, Virginia, with their two sons. In May, Andrew will celebrate his 25th year working in home improvement as the owner of Beautiful Home Services, LLC. He and business partner Craig Schneibolk hosted the ninth Blate-Schneibolk Strategy Endowed Case Competition with UMW’s College of Business.

Alaha Ahrar is the founder and chief executive officer of International Kindness Sharing (IKS), a humanitarian nonprofit that advocates for justice, fairness, equity, and equality. Now in its sixth year, IKS has operated through major global crises, including Covid-19, the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, and the ongoing war in the Ukraine. Despite these challenges, the organization has remained active and steadfast in its mission, providing cross-border humanitarian assistance guided by kindness, resilience, and social responsibility. It has received numerous recognitions from countries across the globe, most recently a certificate of honorary high degree from the Voice of Peace Organization in 2025. Alaha herself has received numerous accolades, including the Most Effective Women’s Rights Defender of the Year in Europe, Asia, and America, International Consensus of Afghan Women in the Diaspora, in 2023 and 2025.

2005

Allyson “Ally” V. Lee Marzan allyvlee@gmail.com

2006

Shana Muhammad shana.muhammad@gmail.com

Julia Scott Tompkins married Brent Kintzer ’04 in Richmond, Virginia,

on Nov. 29, 2026. The wedding party included Will Brunner, Karla Brooks Ott , Justin Zimmerman ’04, Scott Baker ’04, and Matt McLaren ’05

Beka Kruse Wueste published her second novel, Fireflies in a Jar, and her first short story collection, My Side of the World and Other Tales of Death

2007

Jay Sinha jay.sinha9@gmail.com

Daniel Clendenin daniel.clendenin@gmail.com

Sarah Eckman sarahje@gmail.com

2008

Trish Lauck Cerulli trish.cerulli@gmail.com

Alyssa Lee alyssa.linda.lee@gmail.com

From Alyssa:

E. Kira Lemons graduated in December with a master’s degree in higher education leadership from San José State University. They have started an Ed.D. in educational leadership at the same school.

Jeremy Bloom spent part of the summer hiking the Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail with his dad, who was in the middle of a thru-hike from Georgia to Maine. Jeremy’s partner, Jason Ho, proposed over the holidays, and they are planning a spring 2027 wedding in San Diego.

Joni Briganti races triathlons with Team USA. In 2025, she raced over 100 triathlons: 13 national championships and seven World Triathlon championships in Pontevedra, Spain, and Wollongong, Australia! She placed fourth in the world in her age group, 65-69! She looks forward to the World Triathlon championships in Abu Dhabi, and finals in Pontevedra. Her awesome psychology degree supports her efforts in coaching her swim team and triathlon clients, along with motivational speaking at Virginia Rotary Clubs and many radio talk shows, including Fredericksburg’s Town Talk with Ted Schubel

Dana Byrd Looker earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Mary Washington and owns an independent bookstore called Looker Books in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. After five years in business,

Looker Books will soon expand to a larger location nearby. Please visit if you are in the area!

2009

Elizabeth Jennings Haden elizabethsjennings@gmail.com

Alexandra Meier alexandra.m.meier@gmail.com

2010

Kelly Caldwell kellyecaldwell@gmail.com

Sarah Trimble and her husband welcomed their first child in October 2025. They’re enjoying living in New Orleans, and are excited to celebrate “baby’s first Mardi Gras” this spring.

Bryan Keys completed all six Marine Corps races in 2025, including the historic 250th Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. He also earned a warrant and serves as contracting officer at Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico.

Kathleen Watson Keys received the Marine Corps Systems Command Acquisition Excellence Award for Contract Management for her outstanding actions for the Advanced Amphibious Assault program as a supervisory contracting officer.

David Watts completed a master’s degree in divinity and counseling, cum laude, at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and is now a licensed professional counselor and ordained pastor in the Anglican Church. He is a 17-year Navy veteran, having enlisted into the reserves while at Mary Washington and is serving on active duty at Pearl Harbor, as a Navy chaplain. He is married to Gloria and blessed to have three beautiful children: Isaac, Charlotte, and Philip. If you’re living or visiting Oahu, he’d love to connect with you. Get dirty, go Wash!

Jacquelene Whelchel D’Amico married her college sweetheart, Michael D’Amico, also a business administration major. They met during one of Professor Hubbard’s accounting classes and distracted each other during Professor Frackleton’s business law class. They’ve been married 14 years and have three children. Jacquelene has worked on several exciting projects since graduation. She was featured on the cover of February 2026’s Fredericksburg Neighbors magazine and has written a children’s book, The Adventures of Trollee and Alice, sold at various

storefronts in downtown Fredericksburg. Jacquelene was invited to speak at Books at Belmont in March, discussing her work and experience as an author. She also started a tutoring business called Smart Cookies Education Services in 2021 to foster literacy and reading growth after observing the detrimental effects that Covid-19 had on children.

Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of Bigfoot’s Big Heart, tells a lovable tale about kindness and belonging through everyone’s favorite gentle giant. Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, and now based in Glen Allen, Sarah writes books that spark laughter and empathy in young readers. She appeared as a presenter at Crozet BookFest Jr., sponsored by CharlottesvilleFamily magazine, where she encouraged families to read, imagine, and share stories from the heart.

2011

Hannah Hopkins hannahlhopkins@me.com

Kira Lanewala klanewala@gmail.com

2012

Mandi Solomon msolomon211@gmail.com

Laura Vorona and Elsie Godin ’11 took a girls’ trip to Scotland, celebrating nearly 18 years of friendship, thanks to their time at UMW.

Elsie Godin ’11 and Laura Vorona ’12 in Portugal.

2013

Amanda Buckner McVicker amanda.l.mcvicker@gmail.com

Andrew Hogan andrew.hogan819@gmail.com

2014

Elizabeth Storey elizabethdstorey@gmail.com

2015

Evan Smallwood esmallwood15@gmail.com Moira McAvoy moira.jo.mcavoy@gmail.com

Erin Clark married Marc Johnson Jr. on Nov. 8, 2025. The ceremony was held in Luray Caverns’ Cathedral Room. They are expecting a baby boy in January 2026.

2016

Quinn Doyle quinnmdoyle@gmail.com

Meghan Cardwell moved to Yokohama, Japan, in December to serve as an assistant language teacher for Interac, helping to teach immersion-based English classes in Japanese schools across the Kanto region. Her family is originally from Beppu, and she still has aunts, uncles, and cousins who live in the Fukuoka area. Meghan is excited to

spend time with them while exploring her heritage.

Miriam McCue married Philip Anderson ’15 on July 1, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, with several fellow Eagles celebrating with them. They live in Chicago with their dog, Bodhi. Miriam works at the Art Institute of Chicago, and Phil works at Google.

2017

Samantha Litchford slitchfo@gmail.com

2018

Brittany McBride bmcbride2128@gmail.com

Tiffany Lower and Ryan Harris were married at Rust Manor House in Leesburg, Virginia, on Oct. 3, 2025. The wedding party included Tyler Moore, Robyn Huffman, Sloane Smith ’19, and Andrew O’Leary ’20, with many more UMW alumni in attendance.

2019

Sarah Hampton sarah.g.hampton@gmail.com

2020

Nathaniel Holic nholic2020@gmail.com

Karl Ast released the full version of his game, Droplet: States of Matter, on Steam. It is a 3D collect-a-thon platformer inspired by classic games from the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 eras. The player can change between the four states of matter to explore a rich, colorful universe themed after the periodic table. Karl completed a side project for his website at krayfishentertainment.com. Using archived files, he ported over 20 smaller games he made from 2005 to 2008 to be playable on modern-day browsers. His next game is in pre-production.

Luke Robertson and Annie Madigan ’22 got engaged in Ireland on the Cliffs of Moher. Austin Matz is a partner and co-founder in his new business, Access Wealth Partners, which offers financial services. Alec Biles leads the ocean mapping industry. He also ran an 8:02 mile and is on record for being the fastest in his Denver community.

Shelby Fichter married Cody Miller on Oct. 3, 2025, at a winery near Orange, Virginia.

Austin Jones enjoyed a beautiful wedding marrying Sarah Frick, now Sarah Jones.

I, Nathaniel Holic , proposed to my beautiful fiancée, Angelica Gaughran ’21

2021

Nancy Martin Cooper nancye.martin6@gmail.com

2022

Carson Berrier cberrier@umw.edu

Haylie Stevenson haylie5800@gmail.com

From Carson:

Jessica Probst and Hayden Clark got engaged in October. He proposed underneath the metal arch adorning the Mary Washington College gate on Campus Drive, one of their favorite spots to walk together. Gus Kasper and Elsa Joyce Kasper were hiding in the trees, capturing the moment. Jessica and Hayden will be married in fall 2027.

Chloe Martin Hanisian and Eli Hanisian were married on Oct. 18, 2025. They met in Russell Hall during their freshman year.

2023

Ryan Meek ryan.meek.31@gmail.com

2024

Grace Lefcourt glefcour@umw.edu

2025

Danielle Ross dross@umw.edu

Sophia Akridge, who earned a degree in English and secondary education, is halfway through her first year of teaching sixth grade English and collaborative English at Stafford Middle School.

Kyleigh Friel works as a recruiter for educational services at Amergis Staffing, connecting educators and healthcare professionals to hiring positions. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in organizational sciences at The George Washington University.

Jasmine Imanverdi is working in her dream field as a marketing coordinator for the St. James in Springfield, Virginia. She attended UMW’s homecoming with her friends and spent two weeks traveling with family in Prague, Budapest, and Vienna.

UMW grads celebrate the wedding of Miriam McCue ’16 and Philip Anderson ’15 on July 1, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland. Photo by Jessica Soares.

Memoriam

Josephine Surber Korbach ’42

Marjorie Clapp Roberts Suber ’42

Gurleen Verlander Ferguson ’46

Elizabeth Terrill Savage Stephens ’47

Yanina Giera Schmidt ’48

Mary Elwang Sharpley ’49

Jeryldine Myrl Elliott ’50

Ruth Weaver Regenold ’50

Barbara E. Campbell ’52

Virginia Crim Draper ’52

Patsy Seaton Johnson ’52

Barbara White Ramer ’53

Betty Sebrell Sherman ’53

Mary Davies McCartney ’54

Mary Chaffee Summers ’54

Frances Moorman Hawkins ’55

Betty Bonner Sams Steele ’55

Marian Cutchins Hines ’56

Anne Saunders Addison Scott ’56

Ruth Culver Scull ’56

Gwendolyn Beebe Knight ’57

Barbara Morton Williamson ’57

Elizabeth Foster Beardsell ’58

Henryetta “Dee” Deshields Callahan ’58

Patricia Parker Kapella ’58

Sally Bates Larson ’58

Marjorie Connock Pierce ’58

Marilyn Fox Roach ’58

Irene Goldman Taradash ’58

Carolyn Foy Trela ’58

Cynthia Welsh-Haines ’58

Elizabeth Powers Armitage ’59

Stephanie “Stevie” Conover Denison ’59

Carolyn Carte Harkrider ’59

Anne Saunders Spilman ’59

Eleanore Craig Towe ’59

Fontaine Jones Velz ’60

Miriam Lawson Charnock ’61

Meta Degenhardt ’61

Barbara Ashley Firesheets ’61

Ame Garthright Anderson ’62

Joyce Wilborn Lacy ’62

Mary Edwards Power ’62

Jan Eppard Sodolski ’62

Catherine Shelton Wheeler ’62

Anne Wright Williams ’62

Joyce Shelton Bradshaw ’63

Suellen Grant Knowles ’63

Susan Ramey Green Robertson ’63

Judith Presson Anderson ’64

Patricia Hess Jernigan ’64

Sharon Cramer Bailey ’65

Suzanne Mason Haff ’65

Mary Jane McManus Strackbein ’65

Jacqueline Painter Whitt ’65

Marilyn Wood Hunter ’66

Elizabeth Coleman Price ’66

Diane Gaynor Yancey ’66

Marianne Austin DeHart ’67

Anne Breder Malmquist ’67

Frances Rodgers Bryant ’68

Lelia Jane Shields Evans ’68

Alicia Tilton Bulger ’69

Cecelia Smith Riffer ’69

Susan Turner Masters ’70

Barbara Vick Meyer ’71

Doryn Nortell Morton ’71

Nancy Kennard Pinder ’71

Rosemary Robblee Phillips ’71

Linda LeMay Royster ’71

Susan Estelle Strattner ’71

Ann Apostolou Deeds ’73

Susan Regan ’73

Patricia “Tricia” Bowles Tracy ’73

Diana Yundt Stephens ’74

Deborah Posey Blosser ’75

Roberta “Bobbi” Loftis Lockard ’76

Eileen Mercedes Mejia ’76

Martha Mayo Harville ’77

Mary Metz Hickman ’78

Margaret Elizabeth “Beth” Francis ’82

Arthea Marie Edwards ’84

Janet Hall Lowe ’85

Shirley H. Onderdonk ’85

Jacqueline Sibley Christman ’86

Laurie Sullivan Settle ’86

Janet Marie Smith ’86

Melissa Sue Haase ’88

Phyllis Sgroi Novell ’89

Leony Tirsa Celedon Scott ’90

Ethel Lee Davis Tidwell ’92

Christine H. Cizek ’93

Mary Jane Condon Bohlen ’94

James P. Chamberlain ’94

Michael O’Byrne ’94

Jennifer R. Stevens ’95

Judith J. Henson ’98

Summer Elizabeth Speidell ’99

Norman Jerell “Jerry” Yowell ’99

Jonathon Jacob May ’06

Marshall C. Trump ’06

Christine Myskowski Ryder ’07

Amanda B. Rutstein ’07

Madina Ahmadzai Rhine ’11

Sarah J. Wallingford ’11

Clayton R. Williams ’18

We make every effort to ensure that names are spelled accurately throughout the publication. If your name is incorrect or needs to be updated, please visit https://alumni.umw.edu/ updatemyaddress.

If you have family, friends, or neighbors who might be interested in Mary Washington, please pass along the alumni Refer an Eagle code: UMWFAM, which waives the application fee for those potential students.

Mary Washington Alumni On the Road

Whether you are planning the trip of a lifetime, a return to a favorite locale, or simply looking for your next adventure, the Mary Washington Alumni On the Road Travel Program is a great place to start your journey. On the Road offers a variety of educational travel experiences in which you will benefit from faculty-led programs, intellectually engaged companions, and the high standards of quality that you expect from the University of Mary Washington.

Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

Photo by K Pearlman Photography.