John Kooistra: My brother Frank '65 and I have both published poetry collections, perhaps the first twin duo to have accomplished this literary feat in Kenyon history. Frank, now in a care facility in Avon Lake, published a collection titled, Assisted Living, gleaned from first-hand experience, available from Amazon Books. My collection, titled, Long Voyage Gathering Light won the 2021 Vern Rutsala Book Prize, and should be available from Cloudbank Books or Amazon by mid-May, 2021. We both offer hearty salutations to everyone we know in the Kenyon community and particularly our fellow survivors in the class of '65.
David Langston: Thanks for keeping after us, Fred. This last year has been one of survival for me and I believe, all of us: aging, avoiding the pandemic, now carrying two vaccine shots, watching the national political drama, preserving capital, extending love and support to the next generation(s), walking the dog and keeping up with daily life. The progress at Kenyon under our outstanding President Decatur is wonderful. Planning for future events and travel begins to seem possible. I trust there will be class notes next year, too.
Len Lodish: I am a co-host of a new TV show on Amazon Prime-called The Wolf Pac of Philadelphia. Five of us advise and may invest in one business per episode. Here is the link to a trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrj59eu4RDs. All of the "Wolves’" profits are being donated to charity. Mine are going to Neighborhood Bike Works, and the Philadelphia ALS Association.
James Miller: After being locked out of Anna’s nursing home for 381 days, I was able today to go in and to stay as long as I wanted. In the interim we were able to enjoy each other’s company electronically, but we are so excited to be sitting and talking in the same room again.
Howard Sperry: Still working as a primary care internist at ECMC, Buffalo’s only Level 1 trauma hospital. I have a busy clinical practice and am responsible for teaching medical & dental residents as well as PA & NP students. Mu wife of 45 years, Denise, is a nationally recognized watercolor artist. Our daughters, Judy and Tashia, work and live locally in the WNY area. Life is good - working out every day and staying healthy despite COVID-19.
Robin Goldsmith: Last summer at a Maine flea market we frequent, a shopper asked about my Kenyon sweatshirt. His wife is a Rhode Island Kenyon (who knew?). His son goes by Kenyon and applied but did not attend.
Fred McGavran: Alex Valchuk inspires us all with a dazzling piece of detective work that located long lost classmate, Bill Webster. Over a year ago I gave Alex an old email and street address for Bill. I had sent an email but when there was no reply, I assumed he had moved. Valchuk took this as a challenge and wrote Bill a letter at the address. One week short of a year after mailing the letter, Webster called him from Little Rock, Arkansas, where the letter had finally been forwarded by the Postal Service.
I called Bill to catch up. After leaving the Air Force following a tour of duty in Thailand, he went to film school and kicked around Hollywood. Then he joined the FAA, where he retired in 1995 after a long and successful career in air traffic controlling. Then he became a CPA and has practiced accounting ever since. When I asked how an English major wound up as a CPA, he said his ability to write clearly and convincingly to the IRS about his clients’ positions was the result of learning to write at Kenyon. There are several lessons in all this. Let’s not give up on finding lost classmates, because their lives are fascinating and surprising and often validate our Kenyon experience.
Edward Heimerdinger: Dear Folks. I am getting my second jab this Friday. Relief, more than I expected, being rather happy with isolation. I do worry about all my co-workers in theater, opera, ballet, film back in San Francisco who are not working. I hope for a quick, and safe, return to work for them. And for all of you.
John Schofield: According to CDC guidelines, I am "fully vaccinated" on March 17th after exactly one year of isolating.
I've really been enjoying the Kenyon Zoom events to keep alumni informed in the meantime.
The only exception made during the year was swimming at a health center operated by a local hospital, which has taken extraordinary precautions to keep everyone safe. Now that I'm safer (86% safer according to the studies I've read), I’m not going crazy, but I will venture into Aldi and Trader Joe's at quiet times. And talking with my friends in China about when international travel might again be possible.
Alan Vogeler’s wife Lucy sent word of his death and the following obituary. Alan was a good friend and a brilliant lawyer.
Alan R. Vogeler, Jr., age 77, passed away on Tuesday, February 2 in New York City. He is survived by his devoted wife and dearest friend Lucy Vogeler of 43 years, his brother Dr. Douglas M. Vogeler ’71 (Susan), and sister Sara King Vogeler (Norman).
He is predeceased by his parents Alan R. Vogeler, Sr., and Sara Biggs Vogeler and his brother Edwin Biggs Vogeler, Sr. (Mary Josephine).
He graduated from Mariemont High School (1961), Kenyon College in Gambier (1965) and Columbia Law School (1968). He also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
Upon graduation from Law School, Alan was invited to join the multinational law firm of Shearman & Stirling. Approximately five years later he fulfilled his dream of establishing his own law firm Boyle, Vogeler and Stebbings. His firm later merged with Thelen, Reed & Priest. Alan loved the law and practiced in New York City for 50 years. He was an avid golfer who regularly played a game of 72 or better. Alan loved to read and write poetry. He loved music and especially enjoyed playing his guitar and piano. Alan was a great husband, devoted to Lucy. It was love at first sight for both. Alan was a good friend, loved and admired by many. He made a difference in many people’s lives. Alan will be greatly missed.
