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C L A S S We heard sad news from Dawn Geoppinger ’01, who writes: “The campus community was saddened by the passing of Greg Pedersen ’00 (pictured here with Sara (Radmaker) Johnsen ’01) on March 6, 2012, in Kirkland, Washington. In both his professional and personal life, the word to describe Greg was ‘generous.’ He would give his time, his ear, or his advice to anyone who asked of it, even if you didn’t know you needed his help. He’d quietly take the time to see how you were doing, and genuinely cared about the answers he got. It was that attribute that made him volunteer with inner-city kids. It led him to be a part of the Family Readiness Group when he joined the Army. And it’s what led him to apply, just this last January, to Seattle University’s therapeutic psychology program, a step on the path to licensing as a mental health counselor in Washington. Most of us from UP didn’t know him in those capacities. We knew him as the Patriarch, first of Salzburg 9899, then of the Harvard House. But whether it was a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, or a wall to bang our heads against, Greg was there. He talked us through countless situations—marriage, school, work, and life in general. Greg’s steadfast support during these chaotic moments have left lasting memories. He was a cherished friend to many at the University of Portland and will be missed terribly. Contributions in honor of Greg may be made to the Salzburg Endowed Scholarship.” Thanks for letting us know, Dawn, and our prayers and condolences to Greg’s family and friends. Michael, and Scott; sister, Susan; brother, Charles; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Our prayers and condolences to the family. Please keep Angela Gray Roarty and her family in your prayers after the death of her husband, Robert Sean Roarty, on June 30, 2012, in Tacoma, Wash. Survivors include Angie; their daughter, Gabrielle; parents, Michael and Judy Roarty; brothers, Kevin and Mark; sister, Susan; and many extended family members and friends. Our prayers and con-
dolences at this sad time. Please remember Lisa Staley in your prayers on the death of her mother, Caroline J. Staley, on July 9, 2012. Caroline is remembered as a warm and gentle soul, and was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd. Caroline’s survivors include daughter Lisa; son, Kent; daughter-in-law Dianne; and granddaughter, Nora. Our prayers and condolences to the family.
’85 A CAREER EDUCATOR We heard the following from Heidi Much McGrew, who writes:
N O T E S “I married Michael McGrew in 1999, and we now have two children: Grace, 11, and Hope, 9. I am pursuing a doctorate in higher educational leadership at the University of Dayton, Ohio, and am currently the chair of the Department of Communication at Sinclair Community College.”
’90 REMEMBERING ROMAN Roman Rillera passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2012, in Battle Ground, Wash. Survivors include his partner of 19 years, Rob Randel; aunt Frances Shoaf; sisters Lyric and Heather; and nephews. He was known for his unique spirit and humor and his great love of animals, especially his Doberman show dogs. Our prayers and condolences.
’93 SHE IS DELIGHTFUL! D. Holly Buck (Miller) writes: “My husband Bruce and I, and our son Daniel, welcomed
sound so easy, but we know better. Thanks for writing Katrina, we appreciate all you and other UP military families do in serving our country.
’97 FLICKERS = UP SPIRIT! We heard recently from Kacey Flicker, who writes: “My wife Jami and I are alumni of the classes of ’96 and ’97. The UP campus spirit runs deep through our veins. Jami graduated from the nursing school and I graduated with a B.S. in organizational communications. I was a member on the men’s baseball and basketball teams, lots of great memories there. We have a four-year-old daughter who was born with a genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). This disease causes tumor growth in the brain, eyes, kidneys, and heart. From the age of four months to two years she suffered from daily seizures. Her health has improved greatly after having two brain surgeries at UCLA Medical Center. She is still very delayed and has special needs but the seizures have stopped for the most part. I’m now serving as president of the Oregon TSC Walk for a Cure and hope to bring awareness to TSC and help fund research. Our latest walk was in Portland on June 10.” Thanks for writing, Kacey, we wish you and your family the best and are proud of all you do to help those who suffer from TSC.
’98 ONCE A PILOT... Geneva Catherine into the world on October 18, 2011. She is delightful!!” We can see from the photo above that you are not exaggerating, Holly, thanks for sharing. Wonderful news from Donna R. Johnson-Maxwell: “I have had a few life changes since graduation from U. of P. I worked at the Portland, Oregon and Long Beach, California VA for a total of 12 years. I am now working at NW Vascular Consultants in Portland, Oregon and love my work. I got married on September 24, 2011 on a bright sunny 80 degree day at McMenamin’s Edgefield, one of the happiest days of my life.” Congratulations, Donna!
’94 A FULL-TIME JOB Katrina Kloewer writes: “I’m living in Naples, Italy at present, a full-time Navy wife and mom to two teenage sons and a 7-year-old daughter, enjoying playing tourist while my husband, Mitch, completes his overseas tour.” She makes it
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We heard recently from Craig Swinyard, who writes: “Once a Pilot, always a Pilot! In August I started my fifth year teaching full-time on The Bluff in
the math department. My wife Shoshawna and I bought a house in the neighborhood, and love being within walking distance of campus. In fact, my daughter Mia and I commute to campus together these days—I head to my office in Buckley Center, while she goes to the UP daycare house. Only 17 more years until her freshman year!”