Kenyon Class of 1999 Fall Class Letter

Classmates,

To state the obvious, it’s been a crazy bunch of months, and no one’s been untouched by it. Between a global pandemic, contentious elections, and rumors of murder hornets, it hasn’t been easy. And I know that many of us are finding personal tragedies and hardships layered on top of our shared struggles. There’s so much to worry about and pay attention to and deal with here in 2020--I hope you’re all hanging in there and that this class letter finds you well. I know that for me, one of the best things to come out of this really challenging year is that many of us have felt drawn to reconnect with old friends, such as the weekly Zoom calls I have with some of my Kenyon friends. They’ve been an absolute lifeline for me in our new socially-distanced world.

After working 17 years in private high schools, I couldn’t help but take an interest in how private schools, colleges, and universities are responding to the pandemic. Every conversation with my neighbor whose twin daughters made the dubious decision to enroll at Denison, every chat with friends who are in the professoriate, I found myself listening carefully to how schools are responding. And, of course, I’ve been wondering about how Kenyon is meeting this moment.

In-person instruction just wrapped up for the approximately 950 first-years, sophomores and international students who studied on campus this fall, numbers intentionally kept low so no one would share a room. Kenyon’s policies and protocols included regular testing for those on campus and the implementation of the “Kenyon College Commitment,” a personal pledge developed in cooperation with the student council that emphasized the well-being of the entire community. Life on campus (watch the video!) looked a bit different as Kenyon adapted its facilities to ensure safe access to dining, athletics, research and more (I’m assuming that students are staying at least six feet apart if running the Naked Mile, for instance).

Juniors and seniors and members of the faculty discovered new ways to learn and teach remotely. Check out our new faculty notes section to hear how your favorite faculty members dealt with the shift to Zoom classes, virtual office hours and online assignments.

Our alumni community has shifted to meet the challenges of 2020 with an equal degree of innovation — organizing and attending virtual events, connecting with current students and new graduates as volunteer mentors, and giving back during June’s record-breaking online giving challenge, Kenyon Together. I know in the past, when I lived in the middle of nowhere Indiana, I would see special events happening in distant cities, but now the special lectures and roundtables and other events are accessible to all alumni, wherever you are in the world--check out all these events on Kenyon’s Alumni page. Many of us were back on campus for Reunion Weekend in 2019 for our 20th, and unless--like me--you get back at every opportunity, you may not have even noticed that this past year’s reunion was cancelled, but it’s worth knowing that planning is underway for Reunion Weekend 2021. If conditions allow, it could be the biggest alumni gathering in Kenyon history, as ALL alumni will be invited back for the festivities, even if it isn’t our reunion year. Stayed tuned for more information from the College.

I’ve been happy to see how Kenyon is dealing with these unprecedented challenges, but I’m sure it’s not easy. Back in the summer, a professor and public intellectual at NYU made a compelling case for a large number of colleges and universities failing under the current strain--scary stuff for anyone who cares about education in general or institutions like Kenyon in particular. I know for me and my wife, understanding the difficulties that all educational institutions are facing has made us even more committed to supporting Kenyon, and one of the things that I’ve come to understand better from my time as a teacher is how important giving by alumni, parents, and faculty is to the health and well-being of any private school. It basically comes down to two things, one of which is obvious and the other that’s not.

Obviously, money that we donate goes directly to support Kenyon and its programs, including scholarships to help pay forward the great educational opportunities we’ve benefitted from. But what’s less obvious is the way that our giving can be leveraged by the college over and above the actual value of our gifts. Kenyon, like any private school, also gets money from charitable foundations and other organizations, none of which have unlimited funds. And one of the many factors they look at in their decision-making process is the percentage of alumni who give back. Why? Because alumni loyalty is the mark of a school that changes lives, that provides so much value that its alumni feel moved to give back. For this reason, it’s more helpful to Kenyon to have 400 of us give $5 each year than it is to have one of us give $2000, even though the total is the same. With that in mind, I would like to encourage all of you to make a donation, whether that’s $1 or $1 million, because every gift really does matter.

Great things are happening at Kenyon and that is why we support it year after year with a gift to the Kenyon Fund — to keep the good news coming. We give to bolster the student emergency assistance fund, which helped dozens of students get home when the spring semester unexpectedly went virtual. We give to make it possible for the College to award more in financial aid this year, when many families’ budgets are strained. And I give to help fund new scholarships like the Kenyon Women’s Annual Scholarship and the Lowry Annual Scholarship for underrepresented students, which was announced just last month along with the renaming of the Kenyon Athletic Center to honor Emeritus Trustee William E. Lowry Jr. ’56 H’99. Scroll on to read full details on this exciting piece of Kenyon news!

During challenging times like these, alumni support is more critical than ever. Join us in making your gift to the Kenyon Fund at gift.kenyon.edu to ensure good things continue to happen on the Hill this year, and in the years to come.

Finally, I want to encourage everyone to renew and deepen connections with the friends you made at Kenyon--give someone a call, shoot them a text, set up a Zoom with friends, or connect with someone on Facebook or LinkedIn or wherever you do that kind of thing. A big part of what made Kenyon special was the special people we shared it with, and you can never have too many of them in your life. Take care, friends.

Sincerely,

John Sherck

P.S. Scroll down to read our fall class notes.

Introducing the Lowry Center & Scholarship

William E. Lowry Jr. ’56 H’99 was the first Black student in the nation initiated into Beta Theta Pi, was student body president and captained the football, basketball and baseball teams. He went on to serve in many volunteer roles at Kenyon, including as trustee. In honor of Bill’s accomplishments and impact at Kenyon, the Board of Trustees decided to rename the Kenyon Athletic Center in his honor.

Recognizing his legacy, Board Vice Chair Joseph E. Lipscomb ’87 has created an endowed scholarship in Bill’s name to help bring more underrepresented students to Kenyon. Anyone can make a gift to the annual fund portion of this scholarship, or one of many other scholarships at Kenyon, and provide an immediate benefit to a current student.

Support currents students now with a gift to scholarships

Despite a challenging year, the College remains committed to continuing to meet 100% of students’ increased demonstrated need, with donor support. Every dollar you give goes directly to support students this academic year.

Consider giving today in support of:

Hannah More Scholarship for first generation students
Kenyon Women’s Annual Scholarship for female students
Lowry Annual Scholarship for underrepresented students
Pope Memorial Annual Scholarship for students from urban Ohio public school

And, of course, you can make a gift to the Kenyon Fund’s scholarships and financial aid designation, which supports the education of every single Kenyon student.

Make a Gift

Upcoming Virtual Events for Alumni

You're invited to join us this winter at these free events for alumni.

Alumni Town Halls with President Decatur
Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. ET and Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. ET
Five-week mini class with Professor Emerita Pam Jensen
"Democracy & Education: An Introduction to Rousseau's Emile"
Tuesdays, Jan. 5 – Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. ET
A Celebration of Kenyon Green Initiatives (two-part series)
Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. ET

Visit kenyon.edu/alumnievents to register and view our full alumni event calendar.

Class of 1999 Fall Notes

Dawn Sakamoto Paiva: During her years at Kenyon, it never occurred to Dawn Sakamoto Paiva that she'd see her name on a book cover...as a photographer, rather than a writer. The ‘Ohana Grill Cookbook (Ulysses Press, 2020) debuted this fall, featuring 50 Hawai‘i-inspired, grill-friendly recipes. In addition to serving as the book's photographer and food stylist, Dawn co-developed and contributed several recipes. She wants you to know that the one time the grill caught on fire, it was NOT her fault.

Andrew Shannon: Zoë and I continue to enjoy the (political?) climate in our corner of NE FL, and have formed a socially-distant "Sidewalk Drinking Society" with several like-minded neighbors. We've recently met our new nephew, Taran Lee Kekoa Shannon, via Zoom call, and I was newly promoted to Associate Professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville. Wishing health and meaningful work to our Kenyon family!

Zachary “Gush” Nowak: Zach Nowak has been hunkered down like everyone else but has enjoyed seeing his Kenyon buddies for Sunday Zoom calls. He's currently a lecturer teaching the Harvard History Department's biggest class, the history of college sports.

Jordan Kurella (Schmidt): Jordan is no longer married to James Kurella ’96, but is still living in Columbus, OH and writing. Even with the horrible world around us, Jordan had four short story publications, their first poem published, and a magazine translated Jordan’s only novelette into Spanish. They spoke at three conventions (two virtual), and will be doing a virtual reading in late October. They’re looking to connect with Kenyon friends.

Katie Varda Schwab: Living the dream here in the PNW in Seattle. I am working hard as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and supporting my teaching hubby Ian Schwab '98 and middle school kids, Odin (13 yo) and Soren (11 yo), as they carry out their tasks of school at home. We are trying to creatively elevate our coping skills to get through this pandemic and stay safe. House projects, art, exercise, camping, paddle boarding, and family dance parties are helping.

Kate Griffin (Druschel): Late last year, I joined a fintech start-up creating a new banking product for the millions of Americans who don't have bank accounts today. 2020 has been a tough year to start a business, and it's been a rollercoaster - but BrightFi will be launching by the end of the year (fingers crossed). This international studies major never thought she'd start a tech career in her 40s!

Adam Donaldson: At a Kenyon career fair, I met an AmeriCorps recruiter and spent a year volunteering in Columbus schools. So grateful for that happenstance. In this unusual 2020, I am leading ServeRI, my home state’s AmeriCorps agency, to bring people together to address community needs--distance learning, food insecurity, and COVID response. It’s humbling to be that recruiter now and to promote service opportunities for others.

Shannon Byrne: I've been in Durham, NC for 8 years now, working as a psychologist at Duke Health. "Y'all" is officially part of my vocabulary now. I'm adjusting to doing telehealth during the pandemic, and appreciating lunch periods with my dog. Hope to connect with other Kenyon folks in some way - find me on Facebook!

Mary Elizabeth Fincke: I've been teaching ESL with Boston University for the past 15 years. I live in Jamaica Plain, MA and teach kundalini yoga through zoom every Friday.

Andrew Phillips: I'm living in Covington, KY (Cincinnati), and recently earned my designation, "ISA", as a member of the International Society of Appraisers. So between my antique business and personal property appraisal work I am staying busy.

Kamille Harless (Johnson): I just want to remind you that I have the pleasure and privilege of representing you on Kenyon‘s Alumni Council. If you have any questions or concerns you would like to raise with the larger council, please feel free to be in touch with me (I can be found on Facebook or Instagram) or any members of Alumni Council. Here is a link to the Alumni Council page of Kenyon's website: kenyon.edu/for-alumni/alumni-networks/alumni-council/

Molly Gutridge (Harsh): Working at home (for Kenyon! with a toddler!) since March has made me really nostalgic for the energy and hum of campus. But it's been great to catch up with so many classmates and other Kenyon alumni virtually, as I enter my second year as the College's Director of Annual Giving. Liam (who will be 2 at the end of Jan.) keeps Matt and I on our toes. Having a baby in my forties has been an eye-opener, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Michael Klein: My wife, Meghan Quinn, started a tenure-track position at William & Mary this fall and I transferred offices in the Dept. of Vet. Affairs Office of General Counsel. So, we made a move to Williamsburg, VA from Nashville, TN over the summer in the height of lockdown, buying a house in the woods on the edge of town. We love it here. As every homeowner knows, owning a house presents never-ending projects, but we are relishing the opportunity to make this place our own and I am enjoying the chance to put some of my rusty construction skills back into action. We've got a back deck for socially distanced visits if anyone is in the area, stop in! Also, for those in the Kenyon community who might have met her, our 6-year-old labrador retriever, Gracie, who we inherited from my parents, is absolutely thriving with her humans home all the time! I wish health and safety to all of you, near and far.

John Sherck: I just celebrated one year at PNC Bank in my new career as a software developer. Lauren Coil-Sherck ‘02 and I are living in Cleveland Heights, OH with our 3 girls, 1 dog, and my mother, who we’ve been caring for since March. I’ve been singing in a local choir the last couple years, which has gone on-line this fall for a very different experience.

Read notes from the Class of 1998 and the Class of 2000.

New this year! Read notes from faculty.

Support Kenyon

If you missed the chance to share your news for this letter, you can submit a class note at any time via class.letters@kenyon.edu.

Class Listing

Kenyon is grateful to the following donors for their generous support of the College, including the Kenyon Fund, during the 2019-20 fiscal year. An asterisk (*) indicates a donor is a member of the Henry J. Abraham Society for loyal and consecutive giving. An obelisk (†) indicates an individual who is deceased. Please note that as of July 1, 2019 Kenyon’s annual giving societies have changed. Visit kenyon.edu/societies for more information.

1999

Annual Fund Total: $47,211

Class Participation: 26.44%

Philander Chase Society

Donors of $10,000 to $24,999

Adrianne R. Kimber*

Sheldon A. Kimber*

Bexley Society

Donors of $2,500 to $9,999

Kelly C. Lyles*

Robert L. Lyles III*

Michael C. Martin*

Joshua E. Prime*

Hays C. Stone P'91*

Kenyon Society

Donors of $1 to $2,499

Anonymous (2)

Christopher L. Acker

Margaret Ahearn Walsh*

Carolyn J. Anderson*

Whitney Arnold

Jennifer Ashley

Courtney K. Bambrick

Michael J. Barmach MD*

Matthew S. Beason*

Sarah H. Booth*

Rebecca J. Bradbury

Courtney C. Braun

Christine Breiner

Anthony A. Callander*

Stephanie E. Camp*

Joshua C. Carrick

Susie W. Cho

Micheal B. Courtney-Brooks*

Erin E. Detwiler*

Lindsay M. Doyle*

Katherine L. Drewry

Jonathan H. Dunlap*

Elizabeth G. Dunning*

Irene L. Dutton*

Paul J. Dutton*

Heather E. Edwards

Zachary P. Florin*

Jennifer J. Fong

Harry C. Fry

Brian P. Gibney*

Kate Griffin

Molly M. Gutridge*

Kamille A. Harless

Gabriel N. Heck*

Lesley C. Herzberg

SiSi N. Hester-Clarke, MD*

Elizabeth R. Hieronymus*

Devon F. Higby*

Sarah A. Horstmann

Rebecca M. Hoyt*

Timothy A. Juchter*

Robert W. Kiefaber

Elisabeth Hyun Kim

Richard W. Kinney

Brian H. Kirkvold

Michael J. Klein*

Joshua S. Krepon*

Alessandra M. Lacavaro*

Denys K. Lai

Frances M. Landreth

John O. Laughlin

Meghann J. Laughlin

Andrew D. Lebkuecher*

Virginia C. McBride

Kara M. McClurken*

Jessica McCullough*

Megan W. McLeod*

Lindsay D. McNulty*

Maria Mohan Miklowski

Jason E. Mowery*

Andreas Mueller*

Amanda L. Northrop*

Zachary Nowak*

Jonathan J. Nycz

Elizabeth D. Oneglia*

Hannah Parker Litt

Shangwe A. Parker

Terrence G. Parmelee Jr.*

Laura M. Pettus*

Andrew H. Phillips

Emily S. Popovic*

Bridget L. Reddick

Sarah Ross Mills

Clara I. Rubin-Smith McKie*

Nathaniel N. Salter*

Michelle L. Santangelo*

David C. Schalliol

Katherine V. Schwab MD

John R. Sherck

Mehgan Sidhu

David A. Sims*

Eric G. Smith*

Richard S. Snow

Margaret Somple*

Marisha Stawiski Holter*

James C. Stover*

Hayden S. Temin*

Graham E. E. Thomas

Nathan D. Thomas

Amy M. Upston*

Mareike B. Wieth

Clare Willoughby Ceballos*

Megan M. Young*

George Wharton Mariott Society

These alumni have included Kenyon in their estate plans or have made other planned gifts.

Zachary B. Nowak

Kenyon College
105 Chase Avenue, Gambier, OH 43022

Kenyon Class of 1999 Fall Class Letter

Introducing the Lowry Center & Scholarship

Upcoming Virtual Events for Alumni

Class Agents

Class of 1999 Fall Notes

Class Listing