Class of 1985 (30th reunion) (L-R) Row 1: Libbie Powell Key, Bern Wallace, Ann Raines Williamson, Nancy Howle Tenney, Laura Hefner Wanamaker, Lisa Ahl Duncan Row 2: Ellen Hogle McLemore, Julie Bowman Kimbrell, Michelle Martin Gowan, Lori Alcorn Campbell, Charlotte Nesmith Watson
“Alumnae Weekend brought a reunion with wonderful friends as we reconnected on our gorgeous Wesleyan campus. Even rain didn’t dampen our spirits as the years melted away. If you didn’t join us, please plan to celebrate ‘50’ with us! Kudos to the planning committee for a perfect weekend,” writes Pamela Buchanan Kent ’70 from Auburn, AL. Pamela retired in June 2014 as a media specialist in Auburn City Schools. “My daughter, Elizabeth, has blessed me with four grandchildren three funny little boys and a little princess. How did I ever find time to work?” Anne Herndon Oswald ’70 lives in Walterboro, SC, and is a retired real estate broker and owner. She also has two WESLEYAN FIRSTS as the first woman to serve on the board of South State Bank (then First National of Orangeburg, SC) and the first woman board member of Colleton Preparatory Academy. Dr. Jane Thompson ’70 of Darien has a WESLEYAN FIRST as the first woman to chair the committee on student affairs in the University System of Georgia. She was also the second woman to serve as vice president for student services in the University System. In 2003, Jane retired from Clayton State University where she served as vice president. She is currently in part-time private practice as a
licensed professional counselor. Jane’s granddaughter, Olivia Jane Thompson, joined her for Alumnae Weekend 2015 and wore her “Class of 2031” name tag proudly. According to Patti Voyles ’70 of Valencia, CA, retirement is busy! Patti retired from Lockheed Martin in 2008. She writes, “I am an ‘agility’ mom, taking my dog Tasha, almost every week. Tasha is the #3 Keeshond in the country. My dog Ruby doesn’t care to run and jump so we have started Pet Therapy. We qualified with top marks for any team; doing as well as the pros! Ruby is really into getting on beds and being petted. I still find time for quilting.” The Woodward Family Farm in Gadsden County, Florida, was named the 2014 Tree Farm of the Year by the Florida Forestry Association. Susan Woodward Walker ’70 of Franklin, TN, and her sisters Mary Margaret Woodward McNeill ’60 of Southern Pines, NC, and Judy Woodward Gregory ’63 of Quincy, FL, are partners in this family farm. Becky Jones Brock ’72 of Ringgold, GA, has enjoyed this past year visiting with classmates and other Wesleyan sisters. “I spent time with my roommate Eileen Vickery Thurmond ’72 and Eileen’s beautiful two grandbabies – Greer and Collier.”
Jane Farmer Fastje ’72 of Matthews, NC, misses roommate Lynda Lutes Johnson ’72 who died on December 5, 2014. (See In Memoriam) “I have been fortunate to see Susan Woodward Walker ’70 at Tennessee DAR events during the year and to have a visit with ’72 GK classmates M.C. Collins O’Kelley, Eileen Vickery Thurmond, Becky Jones Brock, Debbie Dye Gigliotti, Marianne Graeme Fortuna, Dianne Walden Claussen, and Mimmi Mathis ’73 last fall. My husband (and still my boyfriend) Zach is recovering from a massive stroke in 2011 so our lives are quite different now from that of a full time small town attorney. But we get to see our children and grandchildren in San Diego and Charleston and to see friends often while still doing rehab for speech and physical therapy. Life is great!” writes Elizabeth Rogers Kelly ’72 who lives in Jasper, TN.
1975 (40th Reunion)
Three cheers for “Ree-Ree!” a.k.a. Rita Parker McGarity, who not only served as GH75 reunion chair but also served as Alumnae Weekend chair for the third year! Rita, along with reunion committee members Millie Parrish Hudson, Beth Sullins Hughes, Margaret Strickland Lovein, and Ruthie Knox a.k.a. The President, coordinated
plans for a special can-itreally-be-our-40th reunion weekend. And, it was special. Golden Hearts gathered for two class parties hosted by Ruth Knox at Bradley House where “always and forever” memories continued to be treasured. At the Annual Meeting, GH spirits rose to the occasion when two of their own, Ruthie and Rita took center stage and Brownie Davis Kocher was recognized as one of three alumnae who traveled the farthest distance to reunion. Afterwards, the GH75 Washboard Band and friends performed in Anderson Dining Hall where they played nostalgic and classic WB songs that rocked the room. Yes, the Class of ’75 still has it and yes, they are still “winners from the start.” Sherrie Love-Drake ’75 of Stone Mountain, GA, has fond memories of music professor Dr. Villard. She writes, “Dr. Villard was an abiding force of acceptance, compassion, understanding, inspiration, and genuine kindness while I was a music student during the early stages of opening up Wesleyan’s campus to black students. His continued support, love, and care extended beyond the Wesleyan years into his retirement. He and his family will always be dear to my heart.” Debbie Newby Halicks ’75 is a broadcast editor on the south regional desk of The Associated Press in Atlanta. She and Wesleyan Magazine Summer 2015