| Kenyon Class of 1977 Fall Class Letter
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Hail ‘77s,
Let me say first that I hope everyone is playing it Covid safe and that your families have found a way to cope through this unprecedented crisis. To say these times are challenging is an understatement. So, I’m sure some good news on the alma mater front will be welcome.
I have to say that I’m impressed with how the College has managed the transition to instruction this year. As ever, the Magic Mountain remains a bright spot and a point of connection and positivity for its community. Kenyon wrapped in-person instruction for the term with aplomb.
About 950 first-years, sophomores and international students studied on campus this fall. Numbers were sufficiently reduced that no one shared a room. The administration took social distancing so seriously that some freshmen scored apartments for one. Talk about a luxe single.
In the College’s usual enlightened fashion, clear COVID-related policies and protocols emphasized the well-being of the entire community. This included regular testing for everyone on campus and implementation of a personal “commitment” pledge developed in cooperation with the student council.
Life on campus looked a bit different as all the facilities were adapted for prevention and compliance. This ensured everyone had safe access to dining, athletics, research and more. You can view the “Kenyon College Commitment” and a short vid of fall highlights by clicking on the links above.
In addition to adaptations for on-campus instruction, juniors, seniors and faculty discovered new ways to learn and teach remotely. Feel free to let your imaginations run with the implications for acceptable e-classroom attire. Check out the new “faculty notes” section to sample how they dealt with Zoom learning, virtual office hours and e-assignments.
The alumni community adapted with equal agility — organizing and attending virtual events, and connecting with current students and new grads as volunteer mentors. Notably, giving back during June’s Kenyon Together challenge produced record-breaking online giving.
Everyone was disappointed that Reunion Weekend 2020 didn’t happen. But we’re all looking forward to Reunion Weekend 2021. Planning is underway and, if conditions allow, it could be the biggest alumni gathering in Kenyon history! Details are forthcoming in the months ahead. But the big news is ALL alumni will be invited back to party. Think: Woodstock III.
Good things continue happening at Kenyon. Which is why I support it year after year with a gift to the Kenyon Fund. To keep the good news coming, I give for a variety of reasons, but this year it was important to bolster the emergency assistance fund that got dozens of students home when the spring semester went virtual on a dime.
I also give to make it possible for the College to award more in financial aid, particularly now, when so many families are budget strapped. And then there are the innovative scholarship funds like the Kenyon Women’s Annual Scholarship and the exciting new 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 times like these, alumni support is more critical than ever. Join me 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.
Thank you and stay well!
Sincerely,
Jim Desrosier
P.S. Scroll down to read our fall class notes.
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| Introducing the Lowry Center & Scholarship
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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.
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| Upcoming Virtual Events for Alumni
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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
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Class AgentsClass agents are your connection to campus. If you would like to learn more about becoming a class agent, contact Tracey Wilson at wilson1@kenyon.edu.
• John Bogasky
• Jim Desrosier
• Pat Edwards
• Denese Fink Giordano
• Jerry Mindes
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David Conrad
We are enjoying life with our family and friends. I am still working as a partner at Bricker & Eckler, a law firm in Columbus. My wife Janet and I recently downsized to a house near New Albany, OH. We also spend time at our place in Scottsdale, AZ. Our oldest Kelsey works in NYC and lives in New Jersey having recently married Michael Fitzpatrick. Our second child Mieley is an actuary at Nationwide Insurance near Columbus. Our youngest, Ben is completing his final year at Ohio State. We are all healthy but did need to cancel 30th anniversary travel plans to Barcelona, Provence and Paris. Hope to reschedule in 2022.
Kristin Knopf
We are hunkering down in Seattle surviving COVID and the poor air quality from wildfires. Our first big “outing” since March was camping at the end of September in the same park where we had last camped. Very busy mostly RV’s leaving the one “iffy” part (bathrooms) less crowded. We enjoyed different surroundings, rode our bikes and did bird watching. Good change from Seattle.
Denese Fink Giordano
I retired from nearly 4 decades of leadership with Waldorf Schools on June 30th…but called back due to COVID downsizing and plan to retire (again) next June. All four of my daughters are married and we are blessed to date with 5 grandchildren. I plan to spend lots of time with those wonderful little ones. Enjoying the once per month Zoom call with our classmates. Thanks to the organizing efforts of John Bogasky, attending the call reminds me that the friends I made in Gambier years ago remain alike with me in thinking, are facing the same life challenges with the conversation and kindness cheering my heart!
Joe Dreher
Now sharing my time between my horses at Grey Horse Farm in Liberty Township Ohio (outside of Mt. Vernon) and my home in Charleston, SC.
Julie Stern D’Alessandro
I hope everyone is surviving these difficult times. I will be retiring in January after 16+ years with the City of Seattle. The first 10 were as a labor negotiator and the last 6 as the Human Resources Director of the Seattle Fire Department. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m ready for some new adventures. I’m especially looking forward to seeing my Kenyon buddies in a non-virtual way, post COVID.
John Bogasky
Jerry Mindes and I have organized monthly Class of ’77 Zoom calls on Sunday nights. Typically, 15-20 classmates attend. If you wish to join in, send me an email to: johnbogasky@hotmail.com
Beshara Doumani
After decades of separation, I am finding Kenyon again. I recently returned and loved the faculty and students I met. Walking along Middle Path raised bittersweet memories. I would not give up my 4 years as a student for anything, but happy that Kenyon is now a more diverse, inclusive and intellectually open institution. After many years at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkley, I am happily settled at Brown University. Having lost touch with many friends and loved ones, I welcome hearing from you @: beshara_doumani@brown.edu
Richard Harris
We welcomed our first grandchild, Tatiana Adelaide Zink, in July. Unfortunately, as a result of the pandemic, we are not able to see her as often as we would like as our daughter and family relocated to LA. I am still practicing law in trusts and estates in Akron, OH while also spending time at our condo in Pelican Bay, Naples, FL during the winter.
Margaret Ann Murphy
As a sociologist, I met people at Kenyon who shared my perspective and helped me name it. While attending the recognition/retirement celebration for my mentor Howard Sacks in 2016, I realized he is only 5 years older! After years as a research associate at the University of Michigan medical school, a few years ago I got married, moved and became a lecturer at Oakland University. Prior to distance learning I received Oakland University’s Excellence in Teaching Award. After completing a challenging Quality Online Teaching course, I have adjusted my attitude to “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”. Now it’s all about learning to connect with people in new ways.
Mary Jansen
I am renovating a 1920’s era lake cottage in Guilford, Ct after living on a houseboat for 4 years! Still working part time as APRN, painting with Erica Lindberg Gourd ’80. VOTING BLUE and doting on granddaughter Cora!
Kim Cline (Hawkins)
I retired from 36 years of Internal Medicine practice at the end of August. Now I’m trying to figure out how to spend my time. We have 5 grandkids, 3 close by keeping us busy. Our children have active lives, one GI MD in practice with my husband; a malpractice defense attorney in Nashville; a physical therapist in NC; and an insurance underwriter in Chattanooga. We are blessed.
Kathy DeCoster (Bingley)
Excited to have joined the Board of the Philander Chase Conservancy, the land trust working to protect and preserve the rural landscape around Kenyon. My first meeting was virtual, but maybe next year! I am looking forward to putting my professional skills and deep passion to work on behalf of this special place, with the side benefit of getting to know similarly dedicated Kenyon alums on the board and staff.
Jayne Danska
Demanding time to be an immunologist in a large academic research hospital navigating the demands of Covid in our work, community and family. Thankfully family and friends are safe and well in Toronto with most Canadians abiding by best practices in facing the winter and second wave. Exciting research at a rapid pace. Involved in the election with Democrats Abroad and buoyed by lively connection with class of ’77 classmates via FB and Zoom happy hour calls (thank you John Bogasky!). My daughter Fiona ’22 studying remotely from home this semester-missing her friends, faculty and the magic of the Hill in autumn. Hopes to return in February. All my best to Kenyon friends…make sure to vote and help others.
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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.
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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.
1977
Annual Fund Total: $178,909
Class Participation: 36.98%
President's Society
Donors of $50,000 or more
Matthew A. Winkler P'13 H'00*
Kokosing Society
Donors of $25,000 to $49,999
Nina P. Freedman H'92*
Philander Chase Society
Donors of $10,000 to $24,999
Patricia H. Grodd*
Carol B. Mitchell
Timothy M. O'Neill*
Bexley Society
Donors of $2,500 to $9,999
Laurence G. Bousquet*
William J. Burke III
Kathryn H. Flynn*
Trice Koopman P'11*
Constance K. Varnhagen*
Stanley Varnhagen*
Kenyon Society
Donors of $1 to $2,499
Terry D. Abeles*
Karen H. Abrams*
Susan Allen Ford*
Jonathan A. Baxter*
Mrs. Rosemary P. Begley
John J. Bogasky P'10*
Mieke H. Bomann*
Diane K. Braunstein*
Mara H. Brazer P'21*
Matthew J. Burday*
Rebecca A. Byam*
Steele R. Chadwell*
Anne M. Connell*
Karen D'Arcy Couzens*
Craig L. Davidson*
Katherine B. DeCoster*
James N. Desrosier*
David L. Dink*
Patrick J. Edwards*
Todd H. Faus*
Denese Fink Giordano P'05*
Jeffrey V. Fisher*
Floyd M. Fishleigh*
Amy Wylie Gardner*
James E. Gardner*
Andrew L. Gespass P'07*
Deborah J. Gespass P'07
John R. Gregg Jr.
Karen Handel Walker*
Richard H. Harris III*
John A. Hellman*
Karen Holland Chadwell
Mark C. Holub
Bradley T. Hughes*
David W. Jamieson*
Mera Jetton Kohler*
Jennifer C. Kinder*
William J. Kirby
Amy Kirshbaum Harbison
Connie Kleinjans
Paige E. Knipp P'15
Kristin Knopf*
Rachel S. Kull
John R. Layton*
Steven J. Lebow
Nancy S. Love*
Lindsay M. Lowdon*
Keith A. MacFie*
Lee M. Markowitz*
Michael R. Matteson
Patricia Mauro Warrick*
James R. McDonald*
Jacqueline McEwen-Griffith*
Scott G. McGinnis*
Shari B. Miller Sims*
Marc F. Millon*
Jerome Mindes*
David L. Morris MD*
David W. Munves*
Stacy K. Offner P'98*
Judy R. Parnes*
Marc L. Parnes MD*
William C. Portman III*
Lisa Riker Stuckey*
Evan R. Roberts*
Paul W. Rutter
Jeffrey C. Salt*
Matthew Shanahan
Edwin S. Sheffield Jr.*
Linda Sofman Bullock*
Michael J. Spetrino P'15*
Julia Stern D'Alessandro*
Paula A. Stoeke*
Donald B. Taber
Mark A. Teitelbaum*
Janette Thomas Greenwood H'11*
Michele M. Thomas*
Thomas R. von Schrader*
William T. Wadsworth
Sandra M. Wendler P'04*
John B. White P'10 '13
John A. Whittier-Ferguson
Dennis P. Wipper*
Anthony M. Woeltz*
Susan Woog Wagner
Victoria Wyatt H'15
Roger H. Young*
George Wharton Mariott Society
These alumni have included Kenyon in their estate plans or have made other planned gifts.
Jacqueline McEwen-Griffith and David E. Griffith
Laurence G. Bousquet
Cheryl L. Carlisle
David L. Dink
Peter L. Gray
Ellen W. Griggs
John A. Hellman
Nancy Holt Weber
John R. Layton
Philip D. Pierce
Evan R. Roberts
Mallory Samson
David B. Weber
Anthony M. Woeltz
Roger H. Young
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Kenyon College
105 Chase Avenue, Gambier, OH 43022
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