Princeton Class of 1961

(Items are listed newest to oldest.)

Princeton 61ers in Canada: September 1-5, 2010. Lake Muskoka, Ontario.

Ed Wagner, Tim Mygatt, Rob Walker, Tom Klug, Stuart Tuffnell

Kathie Walker: "we invited four of Rob's roommates and their wives up to our summer cottage in Beaumaris, Ontario, Canada. Tim and Ann Mygatt, Stuart and Talie Tuffnell, Tom and Jane Klug, and Ed and Pat Wagner. We had planned to play golf all weekend but the weather turned against us. It didn't matter with this group as there was always plenty of conversation! We are all planning to come back for the 50th."

Tim Mygatt: "We all had a great time chatting it up (some of us hadn't seen each other for 40 years), playing golf, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, touring the area, meeting the locals and generally enjoying the Walkers' hospitality. Kathie Walker was a caterer in Atlanta and has a business selling her hors d'oeuvres. We all enjoyed the Walkers' lovely rambling house on the lake." -- 9/5/10

Bob Bole has reported the sad news that he lost his partner of 30 years, Artenzio DiOrio, on June 7th. He was in a long remission from brain cancer, but while hospitalized for an infection, suffered a stroke. Bob honored his wishes by bringing him home shortly before he died with Bob and Artenzio's family near. Bob mentioned that in May they had completed a long-planned (but delayed since 2008) 10-day 60th birthday cruise in the southern Caribbean for Artenzio, along with his sister Marty and six friends. Artenzio told Bob that the cruise was "just fabulous". Services were held both in Sarasota, Florida and Lake Bomoseen, Vermont to permit various relatives to attend.

Ellen and George Brake

ley go to Block Island, RI, every summer for two weeks, and over time they’ve encountered some ‘61ers. Nine years ago it was Lorraine and V. J. Menna. This summer it was Carol Wojciechowicz, who was visiting friends on the island. Here are Carol and George, and Carol, George and Ellen, at dinner at an island restaurant called Deadeye Dick’s. Clearly a good time was being had by all. Brakeley - 8/27/10.

In addition to occasional gigs as emeritus pediatric radiologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital (said gigs being relatively few and far between), I have joined the faculty at the University of Kentucky at Lexington as Professor of Radiology, working about 20% of the time at the Kentucky Children's Hospital there. I drive down from Cincinnati. stay overnight, work both consecutive days and then drive back home to Cincinnati. Alan Oestreich 8/25/10

Jim Adams and Neil Graves notified the class secretary that Gary McCown died on August 11, 2010 in Richmond, VA by his own hand. Neil said that Gary asked to be cremated and left instructions for a service, which his niece will conduct, maybe on the 22nd (Sun). Details will be posted here when available. Jim reminisces, "The three of us were friends at Wilson Lodge and all in the English department. Neil and Gary used to play four hand piano duets for us. Gary taught for years in the English Department at Georgetown Day School in DC. A very popular teacher from all accounts."

Paul Earle notified the class secretary that Jack Huiskamp passed away on August 10, 2010. "He was an extraordinary person and one of the closest friends I have ever had. The short version of a very long story is that he lost a ten year battle with cancer (several different kinds). My wife and I are flying out to Phoenix Friday to be with the family at the services Saturday [8/14/10]. There is a visitation at 11 AM and the services begin at 12 noon. After the services there will be a reception, most likely at Desert Mountain but more details will follow when available. The family has requested that memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

Dr. George Scheele has created a comprehensive health improvement system called Factor4 Health which includes a diet plan, book, and a website that explains all the details. George says, "It's not too late to get healthier before our big 50th! It takes time to improve health and the clock is ticking…" Click here to visit his web site for more information. - July 24, 2010

Thanks to George Brakeley for letting us know about the very interesting article about Frank Deford that appeared in the July 23, 2010 Connecticut Post. Through an extenisive interview, Frank's career from start (at age 9!) to present is recounted. It's well worth reading, so click the link and enjoy.

The article mentioned Frank's latest novel, Bliss Remembered, which is the story of Sydney "Trixie" Stringfellow, a girl who grew up in Chestertown, Md. Through swimming, she eventually finds herself in Berlin for the 1936 Olympics. Thanks also to Ken Scasserra for letting us know about this book. - July 23, 2010

Just read the following tribute to Ron George from the Justice who's been nominated as his successor as Chief Justice of California:

"Being nominated to serve on the highest court in California is a dream come true. I deeply respect the inspirational and visionary work of Chief Justice Ronald George and hope to build upon it. As a jurist, woman and a Filipina, I am extremely grateful for the trust Governor Schwarzenegger has placed in me. I hope to show young people what they can achieve if they follow their dreams and reach for their full potential."
-- California Court of Appeal Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, nominated to be Chief Justice of the State of California, June 21, 2010 - Bill Ewing, July 22, 2010

I went to the nationals in Atlanta last week. I fenced all three weapons, sabre for the first time, in the 70+ age category. They are not yet big events to be sure with 6 entries in the smallest and 11 in the largest event. Nevertheless, I won all three. This means I'm back on the US team which will fence the world championships in Croatia in September. Jim Adams, 7/14/10.

And here is what the USA Fencing website had to say on July 11: "... Jim Adams (Rockville, Md.) is also on quite a roll. He won Sunday’s Men’s 70+ Foil national championship, a day after taking the 70+ Epee title. He hopes to complete the sweep with a gold medal in saber on Monday. In the foil final, he defeated Marcel Miernick (Irvington, N.Y.), a 76-year-old representing Fencing Academy of Westchester.

At 70 years old, Adams has been fencing since he was 17. His greatest accomplishment in his 53 years of fencing was a silver medal in the 60+ category at the 2006 World Championships in England. He fences for the D.C. Fencers Club. Fencing is his passion, although he admits it’s not for everyone.

'It’s an individual sport and if you can find somebody else who can fence with you, well you’ve got something to do and you’ve got competition,' Adams said. 'It’s like any other individual sport, tennis or racquetball, but it’s a different kind of sport and it appeals to some people, not to others. I’ve got four kids, none of whom was interested. I’ve got two grandchildren I tried, they’re not interested. I have no brothers and sisters who fence, nobody’s interested. I’m very interested, I love it. You take to it or you don’t, it’s like a lot of things. I don’t play golf, I don’t play tennis, I fence.'"

Congratulations to Susan & Jim Blair for their part in producing a wonderful show, Memphis, which received a well-deserved 2010 Tony Award. - Dick Edmunds, June 13, 2010

Princeton has on its blog site a link to yankeevuvuzela.com. It's a blog about the World Cup put together by my son Giles '97 and features a number of former PU soccer players and others writing from around the world. [Click here to view his article.] Wilson Morris, 6/25/10

We are probably the newest first time grandparents of the Class of '61. Our first grandson, Grayson James, was born June 5, 2010 in Charlottesville, VA. [Ed.: anyone have a challenge?] Our son James is a dissertation short of a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at UVA and his wife Audrey just completed her masters (2 weeks before giving birth) in Speech Pathology, also at UVA. - Richard Wollmershauser, 6/17/10.

To the class secretary: "In November I was elected to the Edgewood [PA] Borough Council. This was accomplished by making 4000 house calIs and talking to 804 voters, many two or three times. Even though the borough has a million problems, Council has been a heck of a lot of fun.

Two years ago I opened new offices in Edgewood for my three businesses: financial services, mail order history books, and tree removal. I do all the up in the air part of the tree business. The other guys work on the ground. But, hey, the air is fresh up there and the views are nice. This is a new way to get exercise after giving up long distance running. My simple goal in investments is to beat the S&P 500. This has been working, even for those with 80% of their money in income generating investments.

I wrote a book on World War II which has not found a publisher. It is a double biography on people who were there. Needless to say this work can be described as a compendium of pathos. Perhaps it is educational.

I plan to be at reunions." Jack Bright, 3/26/10

PS: "I cut this tree down one day after writing you. We had it on the ground by evening. It was 10 feet from two houses."

The University has notified us that The Hon. William H. Long died on April 14, 2010, as reported by his son Benjamin.

From Zoltan Szigethy to 50th attendance chair McGinity: Thanks for the invitation. I have returned to the USA [from Azerbaijan] and am now settling into a home at 4620 Taylor Avenue NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, 206-842-7454. As to the 50th reunion, while I still buy green bananas, I am as yet not up to planning a year ahead. The renovation of two houses - my new address and another one on the same island, which I am preparing for sale - is focusing my attention and time for the foreseeable future. To give but a taste of this undertaking, I recently finished pruning 49 fruit trees on my new property due to their neglect over the past dozen years and am now embarked honing carpentry skills on a small shed and a somewhat larger barn. The days pass quickly, but I'll certainly keep the 50th in mind. With best regards, Zoltan -- 5/5/10

Proud grandparents Marsha and Sam Leisring annouce that their first grandchild, Jack Francis Mooney, was born to Penny Leisring Mooney and Mark Mooney on April 18th at Yale - New Haven Hospital, weighing in at 7lbs.1oz. "I guess Princeton Hospital was too far away," wrote Sam. Penny is a professor of psychology at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT and Mark is a commercial fisherman out of Provincetown, MA -- 4/21/10

A hardy band of finely trained athletes gathered in southwest Florida on 4/12/10, for the annual winter golf outing: Edmunds, Higgins, McWhinnie, Swan and me. A glorious spring day in Osprey, FL – sunny, breezy and high 70’s. It’s been unseasonably cold and wet down here, and the usual March date would have been chancy. After a 9:30 meeting on the 50^th yearbook, we visited the Oak’s tennis courts, where a women’s pro-circuit tournament was in full swing. Definitely a feast for the eyes. And the tennis was excellent. We reluctantly returned to the clubhouse for lunch and golf.

The Eagle Course at the Oaks was as beautiful and tough as we remembered from last year. Many balls were captured by the myriad ponds and lagoons, well guarded by 4 – 6 foot alligators. The par 3 third hole is beautiful, and happens to be behind Don and Brenda’s back yard! Higgins shot an 84, and lets just say that the rest of us got "a gentleman’s C." Edmunds won the pot for exactly predicting his score. Another nice day in paradise. Later, Don, Andy, Dick, Scott and significant others dined amidst the egrets at Casey Key fishhouse. -- Joe McGinity, 4/17/10

Linda and Wilson Morris, Paula and Charlie Morgan with blues piano greats Henry Butler, Marcus Roberts and Gerald Clayton at the Savannah Music Festival in March, 2010. It is left as an exercise for the reader to identify the classmates and their wives in the photo.

Thanks to Page Chapman for calling our attention to Frank Deford's extensive and interesting autobiographical article in the March 29 Sports Illustrated. Says Chappie: "He ain't done yet!!!" -- April 3, 2010.

Jerry Graber and Kathy Wall sent us the sad news that Barbara, Roger Bolgard's wife of 46 years, died on March 21, 2010 at their home in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held on April 24th at 4pm at the Carmel Women's Club. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, Box 2713, Carmel, CA 93921 or the Carmel Mission Foundation, Box 221351, Carmel, CA 93922

We have learned of the death of Gerry Dagenhardt from Terry Maloney. Gerry died on January 27, 2010, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Per Ola d'Aulaire, who crewed for Capt. Siegfried Oldenburg, crossed the South Atlantic Ocean from Africa to Brazil. Progress mapped by GPS coordinates can be viewed by clicking here. They departed Simon's Town, South Africa on Nov. 1, 2009; arrived Salvador, Brazil, Jan. 2, 2010. Total nautical miles=3,960, equivalent to 4,557 statute (land) miles. Boat: 40-foot Hallberg-Rassy sloop. Two crew onboard: Owner/Capt. Siegfried Oldenburg, age 74 of Frankfurt, Germany, and Per Ola d'Aulaire, age 70 of Redding, CT, USA. Photo album: click here.

To the class secretary: It was good to hear from you. We bought a house in Storrs (wife Cynthia is a UConn grad and grew up in southern CT) earlier this year, in anticipation of a move from NC where we had a small farm, raised sheep, goats, chickens, etc. But it was time to move on and retire from farm life. We are both northeasterners and wanted to get back this way. We had renters in the house we bought and we expected to move next spring, but they have left, so we decided to move earlier. Right now, we are back and forth, having made a mini-move to CT in November. Our house/farm in NC is on the market (poor timing, but we had no choice) so we are hoping that it will sell soon. We expect to be here in CT around March 1 for good. It would be fun to see some old classmates, and be included in PU activities once we are settled in next next spring, so please keep me on the CT/PU mailing list. Incidentally, we do plan to attend the 50th, which will be the first reunion I've attended - it's about time!! -- Carl Opderbeck, December, 2009

Chris Perry to Class Secretary, December 8, 2009: "Six Class of '61 members gathered in Paso Robles, CA in November to dedicate Niner Wine Estates' state-of-the-art winery. Besides Dick Niner, classmates included Ted Kurz, Fritz Korth, Chris Perry, Charlie Rentschler and Carol Wojciechowicz."

Chris, Ted, Fritz, Dick, and Don Mills (Trinity '61). Not shown: Charlie and Carol.

The Footnotes campus singing group started in 1959, the fall of our Junior year. I am the only member of '61 who was a charter member of the Footnotes and thus, am the oldest living Footnote. All others in the original group were '62 and '63.

We had a great 50th reunion Columbus Day Weekend and 175 former Footnotes came back. We did a concert in Richardson Hall and it was jammed. Each 10 year grouping performed. Tom Donnelly, February 12, 2010

Click to see photos and details about the mini-reunion ski week in Deer Valley in February 2010.

To the class secretary: "ARC (Architectural Resources Cambridge, Inc.) celebrated its 40^th this year and I am still working but not 100% of the time. One of my favorite projects over this career is the PU Boat House renovation and addition that we completed just in time for our 45^th reunion (in the rain). Philip Laird, whose son is a recent PU grad, took over the reins as President, and thus the heavy lifting is now "by others". It is not often that the press says something nice about architects you know, but I thought you might enjoy the attached. Good filler material. Our nine grandchildren keep us busy and perhaps a PU grad is hiding in the group. Best wishes and thank you for the job you are doing." Dusty Reeder, January 18, 2010

Jerry Norton sent a review of John Cooper's recent book, and this news: Earlier this week I finally caught up with the many others in the class who have turned 70, As a consequence, I have shifted from being a partner in the law firm (Harkins Cunningham LLP in Washington, D.C.) to being Senior Counsel. As I am the first to do so, it remains to be seen what that means. I expect and hope to continue being involved in varied litigation and federal regulatory work. For much of the past 2 years this has included obtaining federal approval of and defending the acquisition by our client (Canadian National Railway) of most of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway, familiar to those in Illinois, where it generated lots of opposition of the NIMBY type. - January 29, 2010

Thanks to Ken Scasserra for referring us to a very interesting article about Princeton Power Systems, a successful venture launched nine years ago by some of Ed Zschau's entrepreneurial students. In addition to nurturing the startup and investing in it, Ed is presently serving as Chairman of the Board. The best news is that it is in the black and looking for qualified new hires to expand.

The article also mentions that Ed "has taught his one-semester course 24 times to about 1,300 students. Each year he selects about 50 students to take it, though some years it’s as few as 35 and as many as 70. 'Based on the students who have contacted me to describe their activities, I estimate that about 250-350 have pursued entrepreneurial paths,' he says."

Ed is also COB of another startup he fostered called Polyera Corp. which is into advanced semiconductor manufacturing materials. Click here for more information. - January 31, 2010

A mini-reunion dinner was held on January 28, 2010 at a riverside restaurant in Naples, FL. Attending were the same tigers as last year: Patty and John McLaughlin, Maureen and Joe McGinity, Pamela and Nick Gotten, and Marcia and Dick Ringel ’62. John recently attended the book launch lectures for John Cooper’s new bio of Woodrow Wilson. Nick is a sponsor and contributor to the annual Univ. of Memphis symposia on Mississippi delta history, culture and life. The next one will be on June 2 and 3, 2010. ( http://www.memphis.edu/deltaconference) John and Nick will be helping in our 50th reunion contact program.

Neville & Ed Mulock, Ellen & George Brakeley and Marsha & Sam Leisring gather for dinner following the January 24, 2010 Triangle Club performance at Fairfield University

Ed Zschau informed us that the Boston Globe reported that our classmate,Jim Dangel, died on January 3, 2010 of a stroke in the intensive care unit that he helped to establish at the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, MA

Elizabeth Rhea Van Dusen has sent the sad news that her brother, Edward J. ("Ted") Rhea, died on December 27, 2009. More information will be provided here when available.

Susan, Robbie Harrison's wife of 44 years, passed away in Savannah on December 9, 2009 after a long battle with breast cancer. There will be a memorial service at the Church of the Incarnation in Highlands, North Carolina, in May or June, 2010, (details to be announced). Remembrances may be made to Christ Church Episcopal, 611 East Bay Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, The Church of the Incarnation, P. O. Box 729, Highlands, NC 28741, and Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31406.

Our late classmate Jim Kunkemueller's wife Pam sent this note about their daughter on 11/24/09: The Joan Zandbergen "Mama Z" Award for Sustained Superior Performance recognizes an official who has stood apart from the rest of his or her peers for a period of 3 to 10 years. The inaugural presentation of the award goes to Laura Kunkemueller ['87]. A native of the Boston area, Kunkemueller rowed for four years at Princeton University in the mid 1980s. Since then, she has competed at the masters level, coached high school and grad school crews, and served on the board of her local rowing club. Kunkemueller became a referee in 1998 and works high school, collegiate, masters and national team selection regattas nationally. In 2003, she became a clinician and has been an instructor at the Julian Wolf Referee College for the past three years. She earned her FISA international referee license last summer. In 2004, she was elected as the northeast representative to the USRowing Board of Directors and was named secretary in 2006. She chaired the governance task force that recently reviewed and proposed amendments to USRowing’s governing documents. Laura and her husband, John, currently live in Connecticut.

From Jim Lane (11/16/09): Paul Rubincam suggested that I forward this photo for posting to our P ‘61 website. From left to right, John McConnell, Jacquie Rudell (Bill’s widow), Ruth Gray(George’s widow), yours truly, and my wife Joni. We are pictured in mid-October at the Michael+David Winery near Lodi, California, where former roommates and spouses had planned to gather for a mini-reunion. Justin and Suzanne Kimballwere unable to attend, and Paul and SueRubincam and Marilyn McConnell had to cancel at the last minute due to unforeseeable family and medical emergencies, but our remaining band of five willingly tasted local wines and good fare that the others missed. Best regards, Jim

From Dick Riggs (11/21/09): I have been married to Sheila Kayser for what will be 40 years at the time of our 50th. We have two children - Charlotte 24, Trinity College '08 living and working in Boston and George 22, Hobart '12. We have lived in Baltimore since 1973. I sold my company in April 2006 - lucky timing - and retired. As busy as I ever was. Travel, working with a couple of small companies, hunting, collecting. Plan to be there for our 50th.

On October 11, 2009, Sam Leisring's roommate, Shelby McKenzie, and his wife Molly were visiting from Baton Rouge, LA. So Sam and Marsha turned it into a mini-reunion by inviting fellow Connecticut residents Ellen andGeorge Brakeley, and Doris and Len Berton to join them for a delicious dinner at their home in Waterbury. Ellen, as usual, was on the other side of the camera.

Nick Newens and Jerrold Graber went fishing on the South Platte River in late September, 2009.

Ron George made national news on October 10, 2009: The New York Times reported "In a speech Saturday before the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Cambridge, Mass., the chief justice, Ronald M. George, denounced the widespread use of the referendum process to change state laws and constitutions. And he derided California as out of control, with voters deciding on everything from how parts of the state budget are spent to how farm animals are managed." Click here to read the article.

Congratulations are in order to Dave Forney for receiving the prestigious Donald G. Fink Prize Paper Award from the IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization. An IEEE Life Fellow and recipient of numerous earlier IEEE awards, Dave co-authored a paper entitled Channel Coding: The Road to Channel Capacity. For more information, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Jim Adams recently returned from Moscow where he was co-captain of the US Veterans' team. Once again the US won more medals than any other country (10 to 9 for both Germany and Russia). Jim did not compete this year but there is now a 70+ category so he is confident he will be back in action next year when the tournament is held in Croatia. Jim continues to collect t-shirts and warm-up suits from other countries. This year he brought home warm-up suits from the country of Georgia and from Japan. He also reports some adventures on the Moscow subway system. Finally, he says, he was impressed by how beautiful and clean Moscow was. The 'Red' in 'Red Square' means 'beautiful' and has been called that for 500 years. It is not a political designation. The Kremlin was interesting but rather drab. -- October 14, 2009.

We are happy to hear that Richard V. (Rick) Butt has made the wise decision to rejoin our class although he actually finished with '62. His info: 83 Joshuatown Road, Lyme, CT 06371. (860) 434-9108,bayberryfarm@comcast.net . Welcome back!

Nancy and Chip Hatch's daughter Katie gave birth to twin boys on February 11, 2010. The boys' names are Eli Dillon Carlson and Daniel Sinclair Carlson (Danny). All are doing very well. Classmate Bob Towler, who lives in San Rafael, as does Katie, has been standing by with a network of his family and friends to give logistical support.