Class Notes
CGS alums are doing all kinds of things: mentoring girls in computer coding, playing keyboard in a rock band, announcing Red Sox games, restoring stained glass windows, performing orthopedic surgery for children in developing countries, designing sets for television and film, baking gourmet desserts professionally, teaching yoga, getting married, celebrating anniversaries, working with Congress, publishing books…See what’s happening in the lives of CGS alums, and submit your class note here.
1950s
Jonnie Gathings (’55) is a retired art teacher living in New Mexico.
Mort Roberts (’56) is an independent broadcast radio sales contractor and does freelance voice-over work.
Alex Thomson (’56, COM’58) is retired and writes that he “has a bunch of successful children and grandchildren” and “is living a happy life with Anne Sherman (SON’59). Life has been good!”
Ronald Della Chiesa (’57, COM’59) has been the voice of the Boston Symphony Orchestra broadcasts on WCRB, Classical Radio Boston, for the past 24 years. Ronald gives lectures on his 50-year career in radio, maintains his website, and recently published a book, Radio My Way. His “Strictly Sinatra” and “Musicamerica” radio shows air every Sunday night on WPLM, Easy 99.1, in Plymouth, Mass. Ronald and his wife host classical music and opera tours to Europe and enjoy attending cultural events in Boston. He is active on Facebook and looks forward to hearing from old and new friends.
Henry Hobaica (’58, Wheelock’60,’67) lives in Naples, Fla., and South Easton, Mass. He worked in education for 26 years as a teacher, reading director, principal, and administrative assistant for K–8. He also founded a construction company that specializes in inground swimming pools, which has grown significantly over the past 50 years and was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as one of the top 50 pool companies in the country by the National Spa and Pool Institute. Henry has three sons and one daughter, and he has been married to his wife, Roberta, for 52 years.
Marty Rutstein (’59, CAS’61, GRS’62) earned a PhD from Brown University and recently retired from State University of New York after a 46-year teaching career. He now does consulting work on environmental issues. Marty writes, “I look back and consider my time at the old College of Basic Studies as one of the very best educational experiences of my life!”
1960s
Dave Dykeman (’60, COM’62) retired from DuPont Canada and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company after 30 years, during which he worked at the head office in Wilmington, Del., planning national and international market and product development projects. He enjoys provincial and federal political activities, running campaigns, and “getting the best elected to get it right for Canada.” He is finishing a short story for publication, and writes, “of course, grandchildren need lots of love and fun.”
William G. Johnson (’60, CAS’62) is retired after 42 years as an Episcopal priest and a concurrent 30 years as a director of the Adult Probation Department in Pima County, Tucson, Ariz. William writes that he has had 10 years of college (an STM at Yale in 1965 and an MPA at the University of Arizona in 1969), but would have had none but for CGS. Such faculty as Professors Wellbank, Barton, Wong, Glanz, and Gilbane (who went on to be dean) still live in his memory because of their determination to help their students succeed. William writes, “Recent outreach from BU Development has rekindled my support of the University and renewed my sense of pride from having been a Terrier.”
Milton T. “Sandy” Martin (’60, COM’62) has been a tax accountant for the past 35 years in Exeter, N.H., and serves on the Board of Governors for the National Society of Accountants, headquartered in Alexandria, Va. He has owned and operated a printing plant; an advertising agency; a publishing house; two inns in York, Maine; an engineering company; a real estate development company; and a café. He now helps clients with their start-ups. Milton also “stays active at 75 with diverse interests,” including a role as director and producer of the Seacoast Idol. He also directs a team of seniors in the Entrepreneur Program at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. He is a musician and travels with a band of more than 20 musicians and 40 singers for the Family Motor Coach Association. While a student at BU, Milton was a studio musician at Ace Recording Studios at Boylston Place and in the house band at the Park 57 Club. He hopes to reconnect with classmates and writes, “I’ve lost track of a fellow student whose father was a newspaper publisher in Louisville, Ky., and a lab partner from Laconia, N.H., with the possible last name of Melnick. We didn’t have a yearbook, even though we were the last class to attain an AA degree, so I have lost the names and faces to help rekindle the memories. Hopefully, these class notes will awaken those memories, as it is my 55th celebration as a graduate. Maybe there should be a reunion?”
Kenneth Beaton (’61) transitioned from a career as a secondary school teacher in Nevada to writing radio spots for a local station. Since retiring in 2008, he has traveled to Italy twice and taken a World War II memorial tour of six countries and a 16-day tour of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. He has studied Italian and creative nonfiction writing, has been published in Country Extra magazine and Nevada in the West magazine, and is a frequent contributor to the local newspaper, the Nevada Appeal. Kenneth is rewriting his first book and memoir, The Bulldog Brigade: A Slice of Bad Decisions, Bruises, Bumps and Stitches, in which he recalls growing up in the fifties and early sixties. Every July, Kenneth volunteers at the American Century Championship at Edgewood Golf Course on Lake Take in Stateline, Nev., and is in touch with Mike Eruzione (Wheelock’77), who has been invited to American Century for 25 years. Ken has been a Kiwanian in Carson City, Nev., for 16 years.
Harry Center (’61, COM’63) lives in Chandler, Ariz., after 30 years in Hawaii. He and his wife, Shelley, have two grown sons. Harry retired after a 40-year career in outside sales and is currently working part time. He writes that he “would love to hear from classmates.” Contact Harry at hscenter@cox.net.
Peggy Griffin (’61, Wheelock’63) is an educator living in Chicago, Ill. She writes and publishes materials that relate to peace in neighborhoods; her latest publication is Healthy Soul Cuisine from the Heart of Appalachia.
William D. Felton (’62, Questrom’64) lives in Weston, Conn., with his wife and two kids, who are 11 and 13. His oldest son, 41, lives in Portland, Ore. William works in real estate, buying office buildings in Seattle, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Denver, Colo.; Minneapolis, Minn.; and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Jon Swenson (’62, COM’64) worked in the insurance and pharmaceutical industries before settling into technical writing and publication positions with two major firms. He retired in January 2005. Jon has been married to his wife, Janice, for 50 years and they have two children and five grandchildren. He writes, “music has always been an avocation and I now spend time relaxing and writing and performing in Pennsylvania, New England, and Florida. Life is good!”
Evelyn Jacobs McLean (’63) is the benefits manager and edits the weekly newsletter at Omega Optical, Inc., in Brattleboro, Vt. Evelyn and her husband, Don (DGE’65, CAS’67), celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in September 2014. She enjoys singing and painting.
Harmon Prives (’63, CAS’65) is retired and living in Maryland after a long career in sales. He still works part time as a substitute teacher in the Howard County Public School System.
Judith Sockloff Villar del Saz (’63, Wheelock’65) has been an antiques dealer for the past 10 years, renting space in an antiques mall in the Miami area.
John Cappucci (’65) has had many exciting adventures since CGS. He was a substitute teacher in the Boston Public Schools, served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970, was a social worker and night club manager, and was the manager of the Housing Improvement Project for the city of Boston while pursuing a master’s degree in public administration in the late 1970s. John has also been a yacht captain for more than 25 years, and is a merchant marine for the shipping company Maersk Line. John works on a US Naval support ship anchored at a base in the British Indies Overseas Territory.
Jimmy Green (’65, COM’67) graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center and was a litigator for the federal government. He retired in 2007 as a senior executive after being awarded a Presidential Rank Award from President George W. Bush, the highest career executive award in the federal civil service. Since then, he has served as general counsel for Graduate School USA, one of the nation’s oldest and largest adult education and professional development institutions, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
James Holzer (’65, COM’67) retired in 2002 as president and CEO of a national physician-sponsored insurance company. He moved to Virginia Beach, Va., and became a nationally certified paramedic. He is an adjunct assistant professor in the health professions division of Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach.
Elliot Small (’65, CAS’68) recently retired from the staff of the Massachusetts Teachers Association after more than 40 years as a negotiator and organizer in the labor movement. He is now happily pursuing his new career playing keyboards in rock bands.
Neal Schneider (’66), a retired captain in the United States Marine Corps, celebrated his 12th wedding anniversary this year with his wife, Alicia. Neal has two daughters and four adult grandchildren, all of whom are successful. Neal is still self-employed after 30 years.
Robert Trott (’66) retired in 2004 from the National Credit Union Administration as a principal examiner and problem case officer.
Rick Valzania (’66, Wheelock’68, Wheelock’70) retired after 35 years of teaching secondary school earth and physical science in Weymouth, Mass. He spends his time enjoying his grandchildren.
Michael Vocino (’66, Wheelock’68) recently published a new book, Befriending Death: Over One Hundred Essayists on Living and Dying, which explores finding meaning and fulfillment in life in the face of death.
Suzanne Cloutier (’67, Wheelock’69,’73) worked as a teacher while enrolled in the Wheelock Communication Disorders program and received her MS in 1973. She spent her career in education at the administrative level and retired in 2005 as executive director of special education. She is a part-time speech/language pathologist. She writes that her years at CGS “gave me time to grow and discover my future career plans.”
David Lieberman (’67, CAS’69) retired in 2014, having been a marketing executive specializing in the health care and telecommunications industries. David now consults part-time, helping health care executives use high technology to achieve better patient outcomes. David is also taking advantage of retirement to visit family in California.
Lewis Mann (’67) retired in 2006 and traveled the US in his motor coach for four years. He is settled in Clermont, Fla.
Randy Miller (’67, Questrom’69) has been enjoying participating on the CGS Advisory Board for many years and says he is overwhelmed by the progress CGS has made.
Frederick Rogers (’67, COM’69) retired from his role as financial services customer relations manager. He volunteers for Project Homeless Connect in San Francisco, Calif., and as a concierge for Port of San Francisco Cruise.
Doug Symmes (’67, CAS’69) has worked as a commercial-industrial real estate broker in White River Junction, Vt., for 40 years. He writes that he “had the good fortune as a junior to enroll in the course The Development of Historical Thought, which was taught by Sidney A. Burrell, professor emeritus and former chair of the history department at BU. It was the most stimulating course I ever took at BU, from the best professor I had in four years.”
John Barry (’68) is developing a multidisciplinary curriculum based on trAction Painting, a genre he developed in which he takes a new approach to art by using the wheels of inline skates, bikes, and even walkers as paintbrushes to create large-scale paintings. His curriculum includes trAction Painting-inspired lesson plans and/or events that incorporate math, science, writing, art, and environmentalism. John recently showed three pieces in a found-objects exhibition at the Village Theatre Art Gallery in Danville, Calif. He also tutors elementary school kids.
Wanda Adams Fischer (’68) retired from her “day” job as a public information officer for the New York State Medicaid Inspector General in 2014. She continues her folk music radio show, “The Hudson River Sampler,” on NPR affiliate WAMC-FM in Albany, N.Y., which began in 1982, and produced her own folk music CD, Singing Along with the Radio. Wanda has had the opportunity to be the Red Sox public address announcer; she announced the entire game between the Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. She lives in Schenectady, N.Y., with her husband, Bill Fischer, and they have two grown children and four grandchildren. Wanda writes that on their way home from a folk music convention in Kansas City in February, they ran into the entire Boston University women’s lacrosse team on the airplane.
Lance Croteau (’69) has been creating and restoring stained and leaded glass windows for churches, colleges, museums, and residences for 35 years as co-owner of Phoenix Studio in Portland, Maine. He also sails the Maine coast in his 32-foot sloop, Miss Tickle, and enjoys vacation charter sailing in Majorca, Spain.
James Hagler (’69, CAS’71, ’83) lives in Itasca, a suburb of Chicago, Ill. He practices law in downtown Chicago and writes that he is “always glad to hear from anybody who remembers me!” Contact James at jimchi@ameritech.net.
Judi (Vogel) Lemoine (’69, SFA’72) lives in Delray Beach, Fla., and sings with Master Chorale of South Florida. She also sings with the group Les Dames, which performs locally for retirement communities. Judi is also the treasurer for her drama group.
Kathleen (Ross) Tarr (’69, Wheelock’71) spent the 1970s teaching school in Australia and owned a mortgage company in the 1980s. She finally discovered her passion to be an antiques dealer and owns her business, the Victorian Rose, which specializes in Victorian porcelains and accessories. She often travels from Maine to Miami, exhibiting at antiques shows. She and her husband of 30 years live in Melbourne, Fla., and Wenham, Mass. Kathleen would love to hear from former classmates. Contact Kathleen at thevictorianrose2004@yahoo.com.
1970s
Michael Bartlett (’72, CAS’75) writes that he was “flattered and honored to be invited to join Dean Natalie McKnight and Jared Bouzan for breakfast in Dania Beach, Fla., in early February. It was great to catch up and learn about CGS plans, and spin tales about what the College was like in the early ’70s. What they didn’t know was that Steven Tyler and Joe Perry played for relatively informal dances in the (then) West Campus dining hall in exchange for practice space in the basement. We students just pushed the tables to the side, stacked the chairs, and rocked on. Just goes to show that you won’t know what stories you’ll be telling 40 years down the line. It was great hearing about CGS today, and I look forward to getting back to Boston one of these days—when it’s warm.”
Donna DeLong Sacks (’72, SON’73) retired from teaching elementary special education in 2014 after 27 years in education. She lives in New Jersey and Hilton Head, S.C.
Ronald Bland (’73, CAS’75) is the president of Broadway Chiropractic and Wellness Center in New York, N.Y.
Gus Blumberg (’73, COM’75) is in his second career as a private client banker at Chase in suburban New York, N.Y.
Austin Duvernoy (’73) writes, “Hello, friends of years ago. Did our world turn out as predicted in our Utopia Projects? I’m an attorney and motor coach operator now, residing in Ithaca, N.Y. Drop by and surprise me sometime!”
Christina (Dolan) Sarlo (’73) has lived in a number of places since graduation. She worked at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and at a New Age spiritual organization, the Summit Lighthouse, in Los Angeles, Calif. She also lived in Montana. Christina married her husband, Frank, in 1992, and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1998 to study massage therapy at Potomac Massage Training Institute and acupuncture at Tai Sophia Institute. Since 2000, she has been in private practice for both massage and acupuncture.
Jayde Steckowych (’73, CAS’75) owns a private practice in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery in Mahwah, N.J. She was previously an assistant professor in otolaryngology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and worked at New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Jayde is the medical informatics committee chair for the Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.
Gershon Blumstein (’74, CAS’76) lives in Michigan and works for a local utility in the role of a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma. He was awarded the Engineering Excellence Award. Gershon and his wife have four children and five grandchildren. His latest degree is in organizational change. In the winter, Gershon cross-country skis and hikes, and in the spring he bikes, fishes, and kayaks. He also volunteers on a UN subcommittee on sustainment issues for developing countries.
Merrill Chaus (’75, SON’77) recently completed her MPH in international public health and works for Operation Rainbow, a nonprofit dedicated to performing free orthopedic surgery for indigent children in developing countries who do not have access to surgical care. When stateside, Merrill also works as a PACU RN.
Bill Ferrara (’75, MET’80) of South Weymouth, Mass., writes that in spring 2015, he began his 20th year at New York Life, and he and his wife, Pam, celebrated 31 years of marriage. Bill writes, “I miss my old friends from CGS. I hope everyone is doing great!”
Deborah (DeeBee) Hall (’75, CAS’77) was promoted to chief operations officer at ASCD, a global community dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and leading, where she has worked since 1999. Deborah holds a master’s in human resources management from Trinity University, a Senior Professional in Human Resources designation from the HR Certification Institute, and a Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resources Management.
Steven M. Weisberg (’75, MET’77) is the president of RARCO Investment Properties, a real estate and development company he founded in 1987 in the Fort Myers and Naples, Fla., area.
Lynn Zanchelli Tattersall (’77) lives in Madison, Conn., and works in the children’s room at the local library. She has a husband of 32 years and they have three grown children.
Allen Brown (’78) is living life in New Jersey.
Fred Grabau (’78, Questrom’80) is the vice president for global business development at Autosplice, Inc., in San Diego, Calif. Fred has been married to Arlene Grabau for 33 years, and they have two adult daughters who also live in Southern California.
Kenneth Kilborn (’79, ENG’88) is biomedical engineer/quality engineering lead at Covidien (Medtronic) Neurovascular. He received his MBA from Angelo State University in Texas and received his certification as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Villanova University. Ken is also an adjunct professor at Angelo State University.
1980s
Linda (Duberstein) Lomberg (’80, COM’82) has been a leading media supervisor, planner, and buyer for almost three decades. Since 1999, Linda has been a freelance media consultant, providing a wide array of media services to a diverse client base. Linda has also worked in New York-headquartered media groups at some of the world’s leading advertising agencies, including Bates Worldwide, Grey Advertising, and Young & Rubicam. Linda lives in Wyckoff, N.J., with her husband and two children. She loves cooking, Vermont, and Walt Disney World.
Jeff Miller (’81, Questrom’83) has been married to Amy Pack (Questrom’86) for 25 years and lives in Needham, Mass., with two children. Jeff is an account executive at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in Boston, promoting Woodcock Johnson contemporary assessment products and services.
Mark Myette (’81, COM’83) is an owner, area developer, and coach for the Entrepreneur’s Source, creating trusted, advocacy-based relationships where clients achieve clarity on entrepreneurship. Previously, Mark spent more than 24 years in Fortune 500 companies. He is passionate about “giving back, volunteering, doing his part to leave the world in a better place, and helping people see things in themselves or the world they may not yet see.” Mark is a Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP) from the Association of Talent Development. In March, he presented the BU-sponsored alumni webcast “From Wantrapreneur to Entrepreneur…Do YOU Have What It Takes to Chart Your Own Course?”
Anita (Bardwell) O’Malley (’81, COM’83) recently started her own company, Leadarati, a social, digital, and mobile communications firm that specializes in helping professionals and their organizations become leaders in their fields. She welcomes classmates to use LinkedIn to connect with her.
Michael Singer (’81, COM’83) teaches economics, government, and law at Coral Springs Charter High School in Coral Springs, Fla. Previously, he was the executive vice president of Original Oil in New York, N.Y.
Albert Dore (’82, Questrom’84) has worked for Federal Express as an operations manager and Dunkin Donuts as an IT project manager. Currently, Albert is working on a government contract installing Real Time Location Systems in hospitals, which allow staff to quickly find and manage equipment and supplies, and reduce costs.
Laura Tennyson (’82, MET’86, SSW’89) lives in New Orleans, La., and is president of Lura Belle Productions, a marketing, event, and branding firm.
Anna (Houlihan) Eves (’83, CAS’86) is the co-owner of a fine art printing company and gallery, Cape Ann Giclée, in Gloucester, Mass. Anna works with artists on reproduction prints and with photographers on high-quality photo prints. She also works with interior designers, galleries, and museums to produce prints for display and decorative purposes.
Charlotte Garnell (’83, COM’85) has been in TV and film production for 31 years, working in the art department as a set decorator. Her credits include Mermaids, Army of Darkness, Milk Money, The Haunting of Sea Cliff Inn, The Price is Right, The Bonnie Hunt Show, 8 Seconds, Love and War, and Mike and Matty. She is the set decorator at CBS TV Los Angeles for The Bold and the Beautiful, with 18 Emmy Award nominations for daytime TV and one win in 2012 for art direction.
Paula (Bellavia) Kinsey (’83, Questrom’85) is an investment advisor representative with DFG Financial Group, LLC, in Hamilton Square, N.J. She has been married for 25 years to Robert Kinsey, and they have three daughters, two of whom are in college.
Joanne Adirim (’84, CAS’86) is the founder of—and corporate pastry chef for—HannahMax Baking, which manufactures All Natural Crunchy Cookie Chips and other gourmet desserts for restaurants, hotels, and grocery retailers in the United States and Canada. Joanne is married to her high school sweetheart and business partner, Stuart Schwartz, and they have three children: Sydney Hannah, Alex Max, and Ari (born after the business, but enjoys eating the products).
Bob McGoff (’84, COM’86) has enjoyed a more than 20-year career at KPMG in Boston. He is a senior associate in operations, but has held several other positions in the firm, including roles in the production, administration, and marketing departments.
Kathleen O’Hare-Figuereo (’84, Questrom’86) works part-time as a research analyst for the Daniel Group while raising her two sons, Nicholas, 11, and Declan, 9. She lives in a suburb of Charlotte, N.C., and enjoys the civilized climate. Kathleen wishes her BU friends happiness.
Lisa (Braddock) Waas (’84, COM’86), became a certified Iyengar yoga teacher in 2014, which is a long process; the certification has been awarded to only 945 teachers in the United States. Lisa owns Community Yoga, a boutique yoga school in downtown Fernandina Beach, Fla. Iyengar yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, and the teaching is rooted in the ancient tradition of the Yoga Sutras. The method focuses on alignment, sequencing, and timing.
Kendra A. Wilcox (’84) writes that she has “fond memories of the EXCELLENT education that I received at BU.” She is a chef at the Cimarron Mountain Club near Montrose, Colo. She invites fellow alums to learn more at her website.
Paul Eisenberg (’85) received a master’s degree at Pennsylvania State University in 2007, and is married with two children. He is the director of professional services for RSI Content Solutions in Audubon, Pa.
John Pawlick (’85, CAS’87) lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with his wife and daughters, Alicia, 16, and Sinead, 13. He works in business improvement and capability development in ICT and media businesses. John and his family recently returned from a trip around the South Island, New Zealand. John writes, “I’ve lost track of many BU friends over the years, but would look forward to catching up if you’re in this part of the world (or online, if elsewhere).” Contact John at johnpawlick@attglobal.net.
David Dorfman (’86, CAS’88, LAW’91) and his wife, Tsui Chi Kao, welcomed a baby girl, Shoshanna, to the world.
Stephen Foley (’86, Questrom’88) is a managing director of corporate banking at TD Bank in Boston, Mass. He also serves as treasurer and is a member of the board of directors for the Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. He, his wife, and two children live in Wellesley, Mass.
Richard Duarte (’87, COM’89) is a post-production sound mixer for film and television. He was one of the foley mixers on American Sniper, which took home a 2015 Academy Award for best sound effects editing. He also worked on the Reese Witherspoon film Wild and the last James Bond film, Skyfall. Although he has been living in Southern California since 1997, Richard has been thinking about returning to the East Coast—perhaps Boston—to take up the next chapter of his professional career.
Nancy Peirce (’87, MET’89) recently accepted a position as a counter manager for Revive at Nordstrom Burlington.
Martha Sweet (’87, CAS’90) opened and operated an artisan bread bakery called Breadsong Bakery, from 1994 to 2008. The bakery was a regular vendor at many farmers markets in Metro Boston. Since 2007, Martha has been working in the operations department at Mass Farmers Markets.
Christopher Lalor (’88, Questrom’90) has been a licensed life insurance broker and owner of Life Insurance Shopping Reviews since 1992.
1990s
Michael Polin (’90, COM’92) is the communications and marketing coordinator for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s College of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and School of Dental Medicine campus in Bradenton, Fla.
Jo-An Severino (’90, CAS’92, GRS’93) started a new life with her family in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. She is enjoying working and living in “paradise” and would love to hear from old classmates. Contact Jo-An at joseverino@aol.com.
Joshua Lewis (’92) has settled down in Manchester, Conn., to teach at Manchester High School, after spending 10 years in Boston. Joshua and his wife have three children, and they have found Connecticut to be a “wonderful place for a family to grow together academically, spiritually, and socially.”
Peter G. Dulac (’93, COM’95) is the corporate vice president of Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Germany, where he has worked for more than 18 years. He writes, “I still have my six BU Men’s hockey season tickets. Go BU!”
David Jones (’94, CAS’96) is enjoying his 14th year working in information technology at Nationwide Insurance in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
Kevin Sanderson (’94, CAS’96) married the former Caitlyn Miller in 2013, and they live in Sarasota, Fla. Kevin runs the business and estate law practice at Merritt & Sanderson, P.A., and was recently admitted to the US Supreme Court bar.
Tola Porter (’95, CAS’97) returned to school to pursue her interest in art. She completed a master’s degree in arts administration at Columbia University and is finishing her master’s degree in art history at the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University.
David Siroky (’95, UNI’97) lives in Arizona, where he is an assistant professor of politics and global studies at Arizona State University. He is married to Lenka, also an assistant professor, and has a six-year-old daughter, Miriam, with whom he watches the Beanpot.
Israel Whitbeck (’96, CAS’98) recently celebrated his seventh year of marriage to Johana Whitbeck and writes that they are “both still celebrating the Pats Super Bowl victory!” Israel and Johana are proud parents to their pit bulls, Taz and Tica. Israel is an attorney at Benson & Bingham in Las Vegas, Nev.
Dania Alexandrino (’97, COM’99) is the Puerto Rico correspondent for CNN en Español and Univision East Coast Affiliates correspondent. She recently received her master’s degree from Kent State University. Dania has three stepdaughters and three pets, and she hopes to grow her family. She loves animals, and is a vegetarian and health enthusiast.
Yee Pang (’97, Questrom’99) is a media director at MediaVest.
Britt Hoglund (’98, CAS’00) started a new job as a lease administrator for CKE Restaurants, Inc., in March 2015 after five years working with Ericsson. In February 2015, she attended her sister’s “outstanding” Sarasota Opera debut as Susana in The Marriage of Figaro, and writes, “Keep your eye out for many more performances to come in the NYC area at www.maevehoglund.com.” In October 2015, Britt will be a bridesmaid in the wedding of her younger brother, Marc, in San Diego. Britt was named a BU Alumni Volunteer of the Year in 2013, and writes that her parents, close friends, and BU’s Orange County Alumni group attended a reception in Newport Beach, Calif. In her third year as a national officer for the sorority Sigma Kappa, she was promoted to collegiate coordinator. She writes, “Being involved with the collegians on the West Coast and California has been an amazing experience, and 2015 is going to be an awesome year for us all! Wishing all my classmates peace and blessings.” Britt welcomes fellow alums to email her at bhoglund@hotmail.com.
Mark Celusniak (’99, Questrom’01) and Kristen (CFA’01) continue to live and work in Littleton, Colo., and Denver, Colo. They have two daughters, ages six, four, and a son, age two. Mark works with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, helping individual clients achieve their retirement goals and earned the designation of Certified Financial Planner in 2010. Mark is still close with many BU Ski Team alumni and is active in the local biking and skiing community. Mark writes, “We love to get in touch with alumni in the area. Reach us at mcelus@hotmail.com.”
Maggie (Mattuchio) Flynn (’99, COM’03) is in film and television production in New York City, having worked on Ugly Betty, Bored to Death, and 666 Park Ave. Maggie is the production coordinator of Gotham for Warner Bros. and Fox.
EJ Kimball (’99, CAS’01) is director of US operations for the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF). Based in Washington, D.C., the IAF works with Congress and parliaments around the world to mobilize political support for Israel based on Judeo-Christian values.
Gregory Voloshin (’99, Wheelock’01) is the assistant principal and athletic director of the Goshen Central School District in Orange County, N.Y. He earned a master’s in physical education from Canisius College, a master’s in instructional technology from New York Institute of Technology, and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from Long Island University. He is pursuing an EdD in executive educational leadership from St. John Fisher College.
2000s
Marshall Crane (’00, CAS’02) is president and founder of the Frank Monahan Foundation, based in Concord, N.H. The nonprofit honors the legacy of coach Frank Monahan by raising and distributing funds to provide assistance in the betterment of the lives and athletic experiences of local youth.
Jeffrey Krentzman (’00, COM’02) lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children, Abigail and Tyler. In 2009, he launched the BBQ Cleaner, which has since expanded to more than 100 locations throughout the United States and Canada. He also speaks about entrepreneurship.
Alexandra Nourafchan (’00, COM’02) is VIP relations manager at Tom Ford, where she handles VIP dressing.
Gabriel Mugar (’01, CAS’04) is pursuing a PhD in information science at the Syracuse University School of Information Studies. His Boston-based nonprofit, Press Pass TV, celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2014. Gabriel serves as the chair of the Press Pass TV board of directors.
Katie Hill (’02, CAS’04) is a government consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Katie supports strategic communication. Previously, she did policy analysis for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. She also served seven years in the Air Force as a logistics officer.
Samuel Reed (’02, CAS’04) works at Morgan Stanley, having built and recently sold a successful fitness center in Newton, N.J., with fellow alum John Sabo (MET’03). Samuel owns and manages 12 residential real estate units in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and is building a home in Mendham, N.J., for his family.
Kendrick Watson (’02, COM’04) is the student services data coordinator for the Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute at the University of Southern California. He earned his MS in education administration from California State University, Northridge, in 2012, and previously held a position in housing and residence life at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Ken lives in the Pasadena area with his wife, Kelly, and three sons, Thomas, Christopher, and Jonathan.
Peter Polewski (’03, CAS’05, GMS’08) is a medical resident in rural Wisconsin. He is also involved in medical research, having recently changed his focus from diabetes and metabolism to hematology and oncology. He spent time in Shanghai and Beijing learning about Eastern and alternative medicine, and finished his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wis.
Zachary Peikon (’04, CAS’06) of New York, N.Y., married Lindsay Sherrin on August 10, 2014. Zachary is a senior associate at Korn Ferry.
Ashley Rumbough (’04, COM’06) mentors a group of girl coders from Phillips Academy for the TechNovation Awards, a global technology entrepreneurship program and competition for young women. She was recently promoted to client partner at Agency Oasis, a digital agency in Boston, Mass.
Rhena Wallace (’04, COM’06) and Derrius Clark (’04, COM’06) were married in New York City on February 22, 2015, and are expecting twins this summer.
Shirali Merchant (’05, COM’07) writes that 2014 was a great year. Her first children’s book, The Adventures of Zulu and the Gang—“a fun read for all dog/animal lovers and hopefully the first of many”—is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles. She welcomes fellow alums to get in touch, and writes, “feedback is always welcome.”
Justin Zelen (’05, Questrom’07) is a junior partner at Commonwealth Financial Group. He writes that he “can honestly say that my first two years at BU were some of the most fun ever. CGS is a big part of that.”
Suz Loshin (’06, COM’08) works at Pixar Animation Studios on Finding Dory, which will be released in summer 2016, and is working on a studio cookbook with an anticipated 2015 release.
Erica Mosca (’06, COM’08) started the nonprofit Leaders in Training in 2012 to empower students in East Las Vegas, Nev., to become first-generation college graduates and future Nevada leaders. Two of her Las Vegas students recently applied to BU and many of their holiday rally donors were CGS alumni or staff members. Erica invites her fellow alums to check out Leaders in Training and read her recent Education Pioneers spotlight.
Michael Spallone (’06, SAR’08) of Summit, N.J., received a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2010, and an MD from Ross University School of Medicine in 2014. When he wrote, Michael was going through the residency match process and hoped to end up in a general surgery training program.
Sarah Weinsten (’06, COM’08) lives in Austin, Tex., and is a program manager for global product design and strategy consultancy at frog design.
Shwetika Baijal (’07, UNI’09) is an associate at 50+1 Strategies, a woman-owned political consulting firm in San Francisco, Calif. She has worked in every aspect of campaigns to get better leaders and laws in place. Previously, she worked on campaigns in Virginia and Hawaii. Shwetika invites former classmates to email her at shwetika@50p1.com.
Valerie Lovenheim (’07, CAS’09) is married to Oren Adaki (CAS’09), and lives in Washington, D.C. She earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. Valerie is a licensed therapist in private practice and a counselor at the University of California, Washington Center and American University.
S. Adanta Ahanonu (’08, Questrom’10) of Tucson, Ariz., is the outreach manager at Year Up Boston. Year Up is a national nonprofit that empowers low-income young adults to go from poverty to professional careers in a single year after attending a free, intensive training program.
Gabe Amzallag (’08, Questrom’10) is working in real estate in Philadelphia, Pa.
Pamela Aquino (’08, CAS’10) and Marta Baranovska (COM’10) met in London, England, during the CGS London Summer Program. Pamela writes that Marta is celebrating her one-year anniversary of living in New York City, where she works at an advertising firm.
Justin Breton (’08, COM’10) is a senior account manager at Foursquare for the New York, Midwest, and Northeast markets. He is overseeing the development of select integrated marketing initiatives. Justin lives in the East Village of New York City.
Christine Liu (’08, CAS’10) works in supply chain management at SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies), Elon Musk’s rocket company.
Ashley McKeone (’08, COM’10) and Michael Murphy (Questrom’10) were married July 19, 2014, at Alden Castle in Brookline, Mass. The happy couple met their freshman year at BU, in Warren Towers. Ashley and Michael live in Princeton, N.J., where Ashley is a studio artist at Harte Hanks and Michael works in corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions for NRG Energy.
John Prestosa-Patena (’08, CAS’10) works as a coordinator of tobacco control for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, based in Chicago, Ill.
Thomas Samph (’08, COM’10) writes that life has been “pretty exciting” since graduation. He taught English in France for a year and then moved to New York City, where he is director of content at Grovo. A video training platform and one of the city’s fastest growing startups, Grovo was recently voted the best place to work in NYC tech. Grovo built a competency-based training library of more than 5,000 videos and a platform to deliver the training; Thomas’s team creates the videos, as well as custom training for clients. He writes, “I couldn’t be more excited to be disrupting training (as cliché as it may sound)!”
Jaime (Goldstein) Sukonnik (’08, COM’10) is freelancing in post-production on feature films. She has worked on several documentaries for HBO and two feature films released in May 2015.
Remy Kassimir (’09, CAS’11) invented a fashion accessory and started her own company, The Tuck, which “solves the pesky problem of a too-long floppy belt.” Remy initiated the product on Kickstarter, where it was funded $30,000 in only 21 days. She has since licensed the company, which will soon hit HSN and QVC. Remy is working toward her license as a real estate agent in New York City.
2010s
Rebecca Kaufman (’10, COM’12) has been working at MasterCard for the past three years on the global external communications team, where she supports company initiatives across social and digital media. This past year, Rebecca was featured in the Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera America, and Le Monde for her reverse mentorship relationship with MasterCard’s chief human resources officer. She was also named a Rising Star of PR 30 & Under by PRNews. Rebecca will soon be starting a new role supporting MasterCard’s broader innovation story, working to share MasterCard’s transition from a perceived credit card company to a technology company.
Khalil Khouri (’10, ENG’14) has a BS in mechanical engineering, a concentration in aerospace, and a minor in materials science. Upon graduation, he began working for Sequel Medical Design in Connecticut.
Ann Powers (’10, CAS’12) lives in Atlanta, Ga., where she is an academic degree program coordinator at Emory University. Ann advises students, engages in curriculum development, and manages an undergraduate program. In her spare time, Ann writes fiction and poetry (a habit and passion inspired by her BU professors) and has a food blog about veganism and plant-based cooking.
Chelsea Bray (’11, CAS’13) is finishing the English literature master’s program at Boston College, after which she plans to pursue a doctorate in editorial studies at Boston University. Outside the classroom, Chelsea dedicates her time to practicing yoga, and this fall, she hopes to complete a 200-hour teacher training at Coolidge Corner Yoga.
Michael Espinoza (’11, CAS’13) recently moved to Milwaukee, Wis., to become an educator at the Urban Ecology Center. The environmental nonprofit provides outdoor science education for urban youth and promotes community through volunteerism, land stewardship, and outdoor recreation. This past spring, BU Alternative Spring Breaks visited the Urban Ecology Center for a week of volunteering and sightseeing.
Rachel Glick (’11, COM’13) writes that throughout her time at BU, she had a passion for interpersonal connection, health and wellness, and being of service in her community. After graduation, Rachel moved to New York City to combine these interests with her COM degree. There, she began helping numerous wellness entrepreneurs grow and develop their businesses through online brand marketing. Through this experience, Rachel was able to see firsthand what it takes to create a successful, sustainable, service-oriented business in the wellness sector. She recently launched her own coaching practice, mentoring juniors and seniors to help them identify how to translate their passions into a professional path. She also enjoys teaching yoga, exploring the city, and getting together weekly with her close group of BU alumni for Taco Tuesdays.
Benjamin Heyman (’11, COM’13) is “thrilled to be back at BU,” working on the production team for BU Today.
Jeff Lambe (’11, CAS’13) is a JD candidate at University of Maine School of Law in Portland, Maine.
Roni Shani (’11, CAS’13) combined her psychology education from Boston University with her passion for the arts to pursue creative therapy for children. After graduation, Roni moved to New York City, where she explored creative therapies through interning at Free Arts NYC, volunteering at the Caring at Columbia Head Start program, and working at the Communication Clubhouse speech and language private clinic. Roni has continued to work as a research coordinator for a study exploring the role of race in health at Harvard University and recently transferred to Columbia University. She is also developing her research skills at the New York University Motor Speech Laboratory to focus her research experience on the field of communicative sciences and disorders. Roni decided to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist and is excited to attend graduate school in fall 2015 in New York City. She also loves to take hip-hop classes at the Broadway Dance Center, discover new areas of the city, and get together with friends and family.
David Torres (’11, CAS’13, COM’13) is the channel account manager for HubSpot’s LatAm partner program. In his spare time, David enjoys brewing beer, practicing mixed martial arts at Redline Fight Sports, and biking around Cambridge, Mass.
Taylor Aube (’12, COM’14) created the fashion blog Stop, Drop & Vogue during her freshman year and now has 35,470 followers. Stop, Drop & Vogue has provided Taylor with the opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week, and in February 2015, she photographed runway and backstage for brands such as Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Jeremy Scott, and Anna Sui. Taylor writes, “This was my third NYFW season and I know there are many more to come! Check me out on stopdropandvogue.com.”
Brandon Epstein (’12, CAS’14) is a 2016 MSEd candidate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. He is working toward a New Jersey teaching certification in French (5–12) and ESL, serves as a faculty research fellow (graduate assistant), and continues to be an active member of the gymnastics community at large.
Aysu Otova (’12, Questrom’14) obtained her producers property and casualty license, and is an assistant client services specialist for Willis North America.
Alexander Pinto (’12, CAS’14) works at a British boarding school in Dunbar, Scotland, where he is a dorm master, teacher, athletics coach, and music and drama assistant. Alexander plans to pursue a master’s degree in international relations and intelligence in the next few years.
Cindy Ruiz (’12, COM’14) is the events and alumni relations coordinator at Portsmouth Abbey School, her high school alma mater. Cindy enjoys traveling and has recently been to Easter Island, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Christine Silen (’12, COM’14) is a strategist for OMD Worldwide, working in New York City with the Estée Lauder Companies. Between graduation and starting her job, Christine traveled with friends to London, Paris, Spain, Italy, and Amsterdam. She continues to play as much golf as possible, and keeps in touch with all of her teammates from BU.
Salma Yehia (’13, CAS’15) continues to be involved in CGS’ World Affairs Forum by working with the current e-board. She is also involved with the planning and execution of TEDxBU, is working with CGS leadership to promote ePortfolio, and will be attending the Ashoka U Exchange. Salma is also busy job searching.
Maria Henning (’14, CAS’16) did a SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate in spring 2015, during which she conducted original research and was part of the ship’s crew. As part of this program, she went to Cape Cod, Mass., and Lyttelton, New Zealand. She then sailed to Tahiti, stopping at the Chatham Islands and Tubuai.
*Class notes as of March 2015