Class Columns: 2000s

2000

Diane Pisseri Lindemann
dmpisseri@yahoo.com

President: Joshua W. Ruthizer
Fund Manager: Daniel Turrentine
Reunion Chair: Open

While it is hard to believe that we graduated from Lafayette 10 years ago, it was great to make the trip back for reunion this summer. I met up with fellow alumni Keri Grunther Brady, Marianne Gawler, Janelle Maginnis, and Josh Ruthizer, and we had a lot of fun hanging out in South College and getting a late night Dean’s Special.

Heather Stoltz was excited about her two-person exhibition, “Text and Texture: Midrash through Making,” at Park Avenue Synagogue, New York City. The exhibition, which ran through early November, featured Heather’s fiber art as it related to prayer and the ceramic art of Jo Kamm.

Bryce Murray opened his own law practice in Metairie, La., where he was named one of the top 50 attorneys in the Greater New Orleans area by CityBusiness magazine. Bryce’s firm focuses on three distinct areas: civil rights, small business advocacy, and representation of nonprofit organizations.

There is baby news to report. Congratulations to all those who welcomed future ’Pards! Keri Grunther Brady gave birth to Meghan Jean Dec. 19. She was 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and 21 inches long. Meghan joins big sister Kayla, who celebrated her second birthday in June. Sara Hoffmann Joy was preparing to welcome her second daughter at the end of August. Sara’s 2-year old daughter, Madeline, cannot wait to be a big sister!

Sarah Ferraro was set to finish her postdoctoral in late August. She loves the California weather and stays active in her free time. James Abels writes that he has launched a web video news network, Three Minute Media (www.tmmnews.com). As the network’s anchor, James targets stories toward consumers who like media and are interested in its future.

Holly Baseski Shackman and her husband, Jonnie, trained for a half marathon during the summer heat wave! They also adopted their third Shih Tzu this past spring, Emily, who joins Chloe and Baxter. Emily came from the nonprofit that Holly and her husband volunteer for, Shih Tzus & Furbabies. In April, Holly and Karen Kainer took a girls-only trip to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and had a fabulous time!

Heather McCormick was promoted to vice president/cash management sales officer for TD Bank. She covers Philadelphia and the South Jersey Shore. Dan Turrentine joined TechNet in its Washington, D.C., office as vice president for emerging technologies and special initiatives.

Karl Klingmann II was married Aug. 14, 2009, to Candice Hardy in Lancaster, Pa., and honeymooned in Spain for two weeks. Karl is in his fifth year of owning his own investment and insurance agency, Penn Rise Benefits Inc. His practice provides investment and insurance services to individuals and small businesses. The couple lives in Coatesville, Pa., with their black lab, Riley.

My family spent a great week up in Rangeley, Maine, with Keri Grunther Brady’s family. The kids enjoyed the hot weather by swimming in the lake during the day and searching for moose at night. My son, Trent, and Keri’s daughter Meghan have become fast-growing friends, and we seem to have a love connection blossoming.

Kate Todd and her band and placed #1 on the Ourstage.com Indie Pop chart for August as well as finishing #1 of all artists and genres on the site. They performed at Lilith Fair 2010 in July in Chicago and were included in a Lilith Fair documentary that aired Sept. 17, 2010.

Thanks to everyone for the updates; cannot wait to hear from you next time!

2001

Paige Olek Ingelsby
1321 Statesman Road
Norristown, PA 19403
paige.o.ingelsby@gmail.com

President: Sara Viehman Diehl
Fund Manager: Rebecca Waxman Kaufman
Reunion Chair: Nicholas M. Groch

Hello! Hope you enjoy the news for this issue. Please keep the wonderful updates coming. Feel free to friend me on Facebook or email me to send your news.

Michelle Bastinelli Cuvo reports: “In May 2009, I completed my master’s program at DeSales University. I wrote my thesis on the correlation of students reading aloud and their confidence levels. My focal groups were English-language learners and students with learning disabilities in seventh and eighth grades, both groups I am still teaching during the school year. This marks my eighth year in teaching, and I cannot believe that I am now considered one of the veteran teachers—pretty scary. On June 12, 2009, my husband, Joe, and I welcomed a baby girl to the world. Her name is Alexa Michelle, and she is our little princess. My son, Joey, is now 4 and loves being a big brother. We thoroughly enjoyed the summer of 2010 and look forward to whatever adventure we are going to endeavor each day.”

Nancy Berrier Andreski and her husband, Adam ’00, welcomed their third child, Lucie Josephine, March 30. Nancy is at home with Lucie and their other children, Rose, 5, and Ben, 3. The entire family attended Adam’s class reunion in June.

Sarah Bellows Upbin announces the birth of her daughter, Olivia Elaine, July 2. Olivia weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Jake Ruggles writes: “I left Wells Fargo Advisors in January with a partner to start up our own investment firm, KMJ Financial Group in Whitehall, Pa., just outside Allentown. We came up with the name to represent the first initials of our kids’ names. So far, it has been going great and better than what we could have expected. There is nothing better than being your own boss! This past year, I served as an alumni admissions representative for the College and assisted in two enrollments for the new class. I could not have done all of this if not for the support from my family, and especially my wife, even though she is a Bucknell grad!”

Jessica Calaman Snyder reports: “I work for the same company, although it is now The Dow Chemical Co. instead of Rohm and Haas Co., which got bought out. I work at the same manufacturing facility in Croydon, Pa., as Dan Connolly ’02.”

Jessica also writes that she and her husband welcomed their second daughter, Claire Elizabeth, May 11. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces. Jessica adds, “She is starting to sleep through the night, so I’m very grateful for that!” Jessica talked with a few fellow alumni: Kathy Gelato is finishing her postdoc in Germany and will be there at least until the end of the year; Christine Kelleher Childress is expecting her first child; and Becky Chmielowski is engaged to her boyfriend, Tim.

Bruce Edwards writes: “I practice child welfare law in the Baltimore, Md., area. I am actually a court-appointed attorney for abused and neglected youth. My career is definitely a lot to handle, but the joy that I help bring to families by ensuring the welfare of children is priceless. On June 19, I was married in Cancun, Mexico. My destination wedding was truly a remarkable event. We honeymooned in the Riviera de Maya in Mexico. A big shout-out goes to Kenya Allen ’02, who served as a groomsman for my big day. My wife is an assistant attorney general for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. We met while working on related projects at court in Baltimore.”

Bruce Adcock writes: “My wife, Mousam Kayastha Adcock, and I had our first baby boy, Rayhan Kayastha Adcock, Feb. 4. In early July, we were in Nepal, Mousam’s home country, where we celebrated Rayhan’s rice-feeding ceremony (see photo section). We live in Columbus, Ohio. Mousam is an architect at Acock Associates Architects. I am finishing my Ph.D. in computer science and look forward to graduating this December.”

As for me, I started a new job in April at CBIZ Insurance Services in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. I work as a marketing associate in the property and casualty business unit for the Mid-Atlantic region. My husband, Mike, and I are also expecting our first little one in October!

Congratulations to everyone on their exciting news. Cheers, and take care!

2002

Christine D. Socha
(908) 451-9159
christinesocha@yahoo.com
President: Clifford C. Michaels
Fund Manager: Cara E. Belardi
Reunion Chair: Tracy Kirwan Fay
Web Page Administrator: Christine D. Socha

Hello, Class of 2002! There is much to report this issue, so I will get right to it.

On May 1, Lindsay Carifi married PJ Mingle at a beautiful ceremony and fun reception in Winter Haven, Fla. Other Lafayette alums in attendance included her father, Vincent Carifi ’67, and her sister, Lisa Carifi Giglio ’95, plus Kaye Powell, Heather Vaughan, Lauren Comer Formento ’01, Andy and Megan Dolan Grover, Lauren Schwartz ’03, Ned and Melissa Fiorelli Allis, and me. The couple, who honeymooned in Hawaii, lives in Jacksonville.

Chris Scott reports that he and his fiancée, Jessica Ostroff, to whom he proposed in February, planned a November wedding.

Abbey Santoro Goff reports that she and her husband, Matt, welcomed their second child, Emma James, May 17. Emma was 9 pounds, 4½ ounces, and 21¼ inches long. Her big brother, William, now 3 years old, cannot get enough of her! The whole family is doing well.

Maria Fekete Brugg and her husband, Jordan ’03, welcomed their first child, Adeline Grace, July 21. She was 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and 17¾ inches long. Mom and baby are doing well and thank all of their friends for the good wishes.

That is all for now! Enjoy the rest of your year, and don’t forget to email or Facebook me with your updates.

2003

Liza Lesser
lizalesser@gmail.com

President: Morgan Albus Mooney
Fund Manager: Melissa Mitchell Pizarro
Reunion Chair: Alison Ahart Williams
Web Page Administrator: Michael De Lisi, delisim@comcast.net

Hi, Class of 2003! It feels like the summer flew by. Can you believe the holiday season is right around the corner? Let’s get to the updates…

Emily Myers Royle writes that she and Chris ’04 “welcomed a baby boy, William Jacob, Jan. 19. Chris took a new job at Boeing, which relocated us back to the Philly area, near John and Alyson Gross ’04 Ricketts and Mark Brault and Elizabeth Hallowell ’04. A few of us got together to celebrate Katie Fina’s graduation from Widener Law School in May. She resides in Philly and was studying for the bar this summer. Katie Schrack Poor was selected chief resident of ophthalmology at Temple Medical Center. Dana Emerson Cartwright is set to finish her master’s in environmental policy at Oxford University this fall and plans to work in the U.K. after that.”

Peter Susi and his wife, Meg, welcomed their second little boy, Aiden John, May 3.

Crystal Taylor gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Taylor Mackenna Torres, in April.

Amanda Carey Faulkner is pleased to announce that daughter Adrienne was born healthy and happy June 21.

MaryKate Giufurta Burd started a new job as an associate drug supply manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, N.J. She is excited to report that she enjoys her new job and also celebrated her five-year wedding anniversary in August 2009. MaryKate’s daughter turned 2 this November.

Dan Fitzgerald got engaged to Cathy Pushchak, who attended Syracuse University. They plan to marry next fall.

Sara Yevics is engaged to Alexander Beccia. They planned an October wedding.

Michael Muffley is engaged to Alissa Grell, and they plan to wed in September.

Ryan Fullerton was set to marry Pam Vogt Sept. 25 in Hackettstown, N.J. Joe Carson and Dylan Noyes planned to be in the wedding party.

Erin North is excited to announce that she passed her professional engineer exam in April.

Over the summer while at a beach weekend in Brigantine, N.J., Kate Curcio, Sue Ferry Hoey, Beth Gulotta, Jenna Menard, and Jill Tibbs had the opportunity to catch up and remember their time together at Lafayette. Kate Curcio lives in Bethlehem, Pa., where she is a lawyer. She enjoys traveling, including to San Francisco to visit Jessica Hammett. Sue Ferry Hoey is now happily married and lives with her husband, Brian, and dog, Bogey, in Brigantine. She received her licensed professional counselor degree and is working toward her doctorate in clinical psychology at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia. Beth Gulotta received her master’s in public relations and corporate communications at New York University and is back to school for her second master’s in counseling. Lafayette was not enough for her! She lives in New Rochelle, N.Y., with her twin sister and is training for her first half Ironman in San Diego. Jenna Menard lives in New York City, where she works as a makeup artist. Represented by the Art Department agency, she works for fashion designers, magazines, and celebrity clients. Her work has given her the opportunity to travel all over the world, including Iceland, Japan, and Peru. She completed the New York City Marathon in 2009 and trained to run in 2010. Jill Tibbs is married and lives in New Jersey. She got her master’s in teaching and is a fourth grade teacher in Ridgewood, N.J. She received tenure and looked forward to a new school year with new students. The beach weekend was not the same for these friends without Kara Henry, who was unable to make the trip, although she was part of the many memories and stories shared that weekend. Kara lives in Boston, where she is a high school teacher and coaches both girls’ diving and boys’ lacrosse. She has taught for four years and continues to further her education by taking graduate courses in history.

As for me, Liza Lesser, I spent the July Fourth weekend in Philadelphia, where I caught up with Carrie Chaitt and Alex Pelberg Slawter ’02.

Thanks to everyone who continues to email me with updates. Keep it up! Many  classmates sent pictures of their weddings, babies, and other celebrations; you can view them in the photo section of this online edition of class notes. Until next time…

2004

David R. Norton
3415 B. Holmead Place NW
Washington, D.C. 20010
david.r.norton@gmail.com

President: Alex L. Karapetian
Fund Managers: Megan Longo Villanella, Christine L. Bender
Reunion Chair: Amy A. Giacobone

After a hot summer, I hope everyone is enjoying the fall. Lafayette always looks best in the fall, and after reading the last issue of Lafayette Magazine, I realized that I must get back to campus. Lafayette has so many development projects in the works that parts of the campus are unrecognizable from when we left almost seven years ago. Should I return to campus this fall, I hope I saw a few of you at a Homecoming tailgate or at Lafayette-Lehigh. Whether I spoke with you on campus or not, your best bet for news is always in this column. You can submit any time, so keep the updates coming.

For the class of 2004, April showers brought May flowers—and May babies.

Casey Wyant Remer and husband Matt ’02 welcomed their first child, son Arlo Harrison, May 10.

Stephanie Napolitano Mejia and husband John welcomed their first child, Michael Louis, May 31.

We have already printed the Class of 2032 shirts for both future ’Pards. Congrats!

Kristen Gibbons married Nicholas Feden Dec. 19. The happy couple embarked on a cruise to the Bahamas in August. Kristen graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law this year and clerks for a judge. She is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Jim Sarruda married Tara Sheedy ’06 July 3 in Albany, N.Y., in front of a large gathering of Lafayette graduates. Dave Homsher served as best man, and Ross Dodd and Dave Phillips served as groomsmen. Dave Norton, Lance Leimberg, Chris Mack, and Michelle Ferguson Homsher also attended, along with fellow Leopards from other years, including groomsman Jeremy ’05 and wife Liz Cassidy ’05 Cooke, maid of honor Hannah Tuson ’06, bridesmaid Megan Fromuth ’06, Tom Brennan ’06, Mike Kauffman ’05, Nick ’06 and Kirby Waldinger ’07 Baldwin, Mark Wells ’05, Nick Birosik ’06, and Charlie Mellina ’06.

Shara Gregory married Robert Schopf Aug. 4, 2007. Shara teaches German for the Palisades School District in Kinthersville, Pa.

Cassandra Appel and Robert Frederickson of Charlestown, Mass., were set to marry Sept. 4. Cassandra is a senior consultant with NaviNet, a health care information technology company in Cambridge, Mass. Robert holds bachelor’s degrees in computer science and business from George Washington University and a law degree from Boston College. He is an attorney with Goodwin Proctor in Boston.

Vincent Ross and Sarah Barnes were set to marry Oct. 3 in Jamestown, N.C. Vincent has been a longtime employee of Catalent Pharma Solutions. The couple lives in Cary, N.C.

Danielle DeVita and Springfield College alumnus Michael McWilliams planned to wed Oct. 30 in New York City. The couple had been dating since junior year of high school.

Amy Magos and Craig Alexander are engaged and will marry Sept. 10 in New Jersey.

Alyssa Picchini moved to Washington, D.C., where she is a fellow with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and works in science policy regarding anti-bioterrorism in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Brian Clark was promoted to project manager in the office of the president at the University of Chicago. Brian is responsible for furthering the planning and implementation of the University’s global initiatives, including the development of two international research centers in Beijing and New Delhi.

Garret Nicodemus earned a Ph.D. in chemical and biological engineering from University of Colorado–Boulder in November 2009. A professional research associate in the department, he works on course materials for active teaching styles.

Brandon Ripley is the project manager for Forrester Construction in Rockville, Md., and has started working toward an MBA at George Washington University.

That is all the news this time around. Please keep the updates coming, and I encourage you to follow Lafayette—especially Lafayette sports—on Twitter. It’s a great way to feel like you are still on campus. Hope to see you all at a game soon. Until next time, go Leopards, beat Lehigh!

2005

Catherine A. Hobby
29 Rowan Road
Chatham, NJ 07928
(973) 769-0012
cahobby@gmail.com

President: Louise A. Boudart
Fund Manager: Lee M. Goldfarb
Reunion Chair: Erin C. McKan
Web Page Administrator: Yashpal Subedi, yashpals@gmail.com

You know it is fall when a few things happen: the air gets cooler, the leaves change color, and Lafayette Magazine shows up in your mailbox!

Thanks again to everyone who submitted updates, and please continue to do so!

Richard Jackson is engaged to the beautiful Danielle Bovelle (Muhlenberg ’05). The couple will wed July 16. Congratulations, Richard and Danielle! Please send an update and pictures after the wedding.

Matthew Hontz wed Lori Carita in August. Best wishes to the newlyweds! Lindsay DiBiase was married to Eric Saccullo Aug. 14 in a gorgeous ceremony with numerous Lafayette alumni in attendance! Please send pictures for the next update, Lindsay, and congratulations!

By the time this update is released to the public, Kelly Foran and Mike Tuller will have taken that long stroll down the aisle! Kelly and Mike were married Aug. 14 in a beautiful ceremony at St. Joseph’s Church, Philadelphia, Pa. The couple’s reception was held at The Grand Ballroom at the Bellevue in Philadelphia and was amazing! Congrats on your new life together, Kelly and Mike! And Kelly, you were a gorgeous bride, so glad I was there to share your day with you!

Steve Connlain was married July 10 to Alecia White (Towson ’07) in Moorestown, N.J. Jay Amarillo was Steve’s best man, and fellow Lafayette alumni in attendance were Stephanie Benash, Jakub Pritz, Derek ’04 and Melissa Mitchell ’03 Pizarro, Daniele Menard ’06, Brandon Cochenour ’03, Carrie Abildgaard ’04, and JB Worster ’08. Congrats, Steve and Alecia, and best wishes for your new life together!

Shanette Leree and Liam-Lovestone Senam Yao ’06 were married Dec. 12 in Upper Marlboro, Md. The couple resides in Fairfax, Va., where Shanette works for the National Academy of Public Administration as a research associate. Congratulations, Shanette and Liam!

Robert McEwen finished his Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Virginia and will be starting a position at the National Ground Intelligence Center soon. Robert also became engaged to Amanda Driscoll ’06, in early October. Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Robert!

On the baby front, Caitlin Sullivan Allen and husband Adam ’04 were expecting a beautiful baby boy around Nov. 5. Caitlin informed me that she and Adam are thrilled and cannot wait for their Lafayette football-star-in-the-making to come into this world! Adam got a new job closer to home, still working as a civil engineer, and Caitlin teaches chemistry and coaches tennis. Congrats, you two, and I cannot wait to meet your baby boy! Please be sure to send pictures with your next update.

Samanatha Lucas-Walley and husband Scott had their first bab, Harrison Peter, on April 6. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 22 inches long. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy, Samantha and Scott!

Kate Robbins works at good ol’ Lafayette and is enrolled in a psychology certificate program at the Wescoe School of Muhlenberg College. Good luck, Kate! While Kate works on her education, Michelle Railsback graduated summa cum laude in May from San Francisco State University with her master’s in public administration. Impressive, Michelle; congratulations on all your accomplishments!

When Erin McKan isn’t attending baseball games in Maryland with me, she lives in Washington, D.C., and loves it. In August, Erin started graduate school at George Washington University for her masters’ in higher education administration. In July, she completed her first triathlon in 1 hour, 45 minutes. Impressive, Erin! She was also sure to tell me she wanted to thank everyone who attended the five-year reunion, and she is sorry she was not in attendance. Well, you should be sorry, Erin, as it was a great time. Good luck with school, and I hope we can catch up soon; perhaps another baseball game? I will buy!

Jack Furlong informed me that he is finishing his second year leading the pep band in support of our Lafayette athletes. Jack also took over the job of running the percussion ensemble for the fall semester while Professor Larry Stockton is on sabbatical. On the baseball front, Jack completed year four of New Jersey certified umpiring and was wrapping up year two as manager of the Hopewell Valley Senior Babe Ruth team, featuring top players from the Pennington, N.J., area, ages 15–19. Jack is an animated umpire apparently, as he dislocated his shoulder calling a player out at home plate! Most important, The Jack Furlong Quartet, featuring Sean Gough ’09, Pat Kelley ’09, and John O’Keefe ’96, was set to record an album in August and will play a huge release concert on the main stage in Morris R. Williams Center for the Arts Friday, Feb. 4. Get free tickets for the event at the Lafayette box office. Congrats on all your accomplishments, Jack, and best of luck with the release concert! Any chance I could score a free album?

As for me, I reside in Bethlehem, Pa., and work as a special education teacher at the Centennial School of Lehigh University. I am taking a few graduate courses in educational leadership at Lehigh as well, despite the fact that I already obtained a master’s in special education in 2008. I think I am subconsciously trying to remain a lifelong student and never grow up! If you are ever in the Lehigh Valley, please feel free to give me a buzz, as I am always looking to see familiar faces!

Welp, those are all the updates I have for now, but please feel free to send me updates at any time during the year! A special thank you to everyone who sent updates for this column and people who continue to do so! And always remember: We are ’05, we do what we want.

2006

Eiko Suzuki
161 E. 96th St., Apt. 5D
New York, NY 10128
(917) 599-6672
suzukie@alumni.lafayette.edu

President: Kelly E. Barrows
Fund Managers: Kelly E. Barrows, Melissa J. Spitz
Reunion Chair: Melissa J. Spitz
Web Page Administrator: David G. Glasser, david.glasser@gmail.com

Hello from your new class correspondent! It is tough to fill Amy Schwartz’s shoes after four years of her engaging updates, but I will try! Thanks for keeping us connected, Amy, and good luck with your studies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Since Amy’s last update, our accomplished class kept our minds and bodies busy, traveled the world, and reached exciting milestones. Nkosi Aberdeen celebrated the launch of his second book, Home of Jahism: the 019696910 Spiritual Path of Creation, Lifeforce and 9Movement, published in July. His degrees in anthropology & sociology and Africana Studies played an integral part in his achievement. Check out his other book, A Caribbean Footballer’s Guide to Study Abroad, available on Amazon.com. Nkrumah Pierre also earned press in the form of prestigious articles about a July 11 soiree in The Hamptons, N.Y., that his PLG Consulting Group organized with Jaguar and the marketing consultancy Diversity Affluence. The inaugural brunch series and awards presentation unveiled the new 2011 Jaguar XJ and celebrated the achievement of individuals who are advancing the diversity agenda in America. Wow, Nkosi and Nkrumah, we want signed copies of your books and invitations to next year’s bash!

In professional and academic news, Nicole Black was admitted to the Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York bar associations! She works at Clair & Gjertsen in Scarsdale, N.Y., which handles foreclosures and bankruptcies. Andrew Genco moved from Missoula, Mont., to Fort Collins, Colo., to attend graduate school at Colorado State University. Before he begins school, he will travel the northern Rockies to ride singletrack, race mountain bikes, and swim in mountain rivers. Liam Yao is pursuing an MBA at American University in Washington, D.C., and lives in Fairfax. Va., with his wife, Shanette Leree Yao ’05.

Jenna Breslin graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine this past spring. She works as an associate veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest and is engaged to boyfriend Justin Peterson, who works for the Chicago Bears! She is excited to be planning a wedding for summer 2011. Congrats, Jenna! Kristine Kath is a new homeowner in Phoenix, Ariz., where she works as an occupational therapist in a school district and does pediatric home health and hospital work on the side. When she is not busy working, she cools off in her swimming pool with her two dogs and kitten to beat the Arizona heat. Kristine was back on the East Coast last summer for Katie Rose and Matt Gately’s wedding.

And speaking of weddings, I’m happy to report that Colleen Walsh married Marc Cardella June 5 in Spring Lake, N.J. The alums who celebrated their nuptials were Claire Bourquin ’07, Christine Burke ’07, Steve Caruso, Maureen Weissmueller Costello ’05, Laura Danberg, William Dietz, Jared Doucette, Austin Holtsclaw, Gregory Heitmann ’09, Lauren Hugel, Michael Johnson, John Jorizzo, Alex Kenney, Jonathan Kurz ’05, Kristen Linderoth ’10, Kristan Lucas, Nick Masluk, Kristin Rhebergen, Matthew Robinson ’05, Bud Rose ’72, Matthew Spencer ’05, Michael Slattery ’08, Tacie Steidel, Laurel Waterhouse, Eric Wilson ’09, and Michael Xanthopolous. The couple sent us a lovely photo from the wedding, which could easily be mistaken for a Lafayette reunion, with all those alums in attendance! Colleen graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in May and moved to Charlotte, N.C., to start her residency at Carolinas Medical Center. Marc works as a senior fund administrator for TIAA-CREF.

I had the pleasure of seeing Claire Bourquin and Jared Doucette when Kristen Rabuck and Cedric Lourie tied the knot May 30. Among the guests were Mike Altmeier ’04, Brendan Carroll, Mike Kent ’07, Alex Kharaz, Andy Phillips ’05, and Conor Stephens ’07. Alex Kharaz also celebrated Maureen Coleman and Kris Bower’s “I do’s” March 20, along with Melissa Boskey, Danielle Martin, Tim Nish, Siobhan Pattwell, Matt Phillips ’07, Jason Richman ’08, Amy Schwartz, and me. (We could be playing six degrees of weddings here).

Finally, the award for the best summer vacation goes to Mike Xanthopoulos for seeing all of Team USA’s games at the World Cup in South Africa, including the wild win against Algeria that sent them through to the Round of 16! I was streaming the games in Spanish on my computer at work, so I am incredibly jealous. Mike also is leaving his job as senior hedge fund analyst at Cambridge Associates to pursue his MBA full time at Carroll School of Management at Boston College.

As for me, I handle the communications for incredibly innovative aviation companies at the PR agency Edelman, and I live in New York City. I am lucky to be reporting all of your great achievements, so please keep in touch! I look forward to hearing updates and seeing your photos!

2007

Jillian M. Gaeta
gaetaj@alumni.lafayette.edu

President: Meghan J. Hargrave
Fund Managers: Carli A. Siger, Matthew J. Potter
Reunion Chair: Lauren M. Fisher
Web Page Administrator: Frank R. Giannelli III, devilsfan30@att.net

2008

Lauren Steinitz
1530 Spruce St., Apt. 325
Philadelphia, PA 19102-4513
(206) 459-0687
steinitzl@alumni.lafayette.edu

President: Carolyn R. Romney
Fund Managers: Steven T. Roe, Andrew L. Stella
Reunion Chair: Amanda L. Niederauer
Web Administrator: Stefan J. McVeigh, mcveighs@lafayette.edu

2009

Colleen Sullivan
3 Dunhill Road
Jackson, NJ 08527
colleensullivan12@gmail.com

President: Arthur P. Ernst Jr.
Fund Manager: Sarah E. Maxwell
Reunion Chair: TarynAnn H. Barry
Web Administrator: Robert A. Follett, rafollett@gmail.com

Hi, Class of 2009! I hope everyone is doing well and is enjoying this fall season! Here are some updates from our class:

Gina Colaizzo and Kathleen Kretzmer matriculated in the BSN to MSN Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Upon completion of the program, they will both be nurse practitioners. Good luck, Gina and Kat!

Stephanie Ernestus started at the State University of New York–Albany this fall in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program. Her program will last until 2015, so if anyone is up in Albany, please visit Stephanie.

Julie McNeish completed her first year at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She performed rigorous research this summer at UConn and looked forward to her school year this fall. Keep up the great work, Julie!

Lauren Jones is a financial control specialist at J.P. Morgan in Wilmington, Del. She has the opportunity to travel, including spending two weeks in London! Lauren loves her job, and all of the interesting people she has met through work.

Paul Sommers works at the American Institute for History Education and has begun his master’s in guidance counseling. Best of luck, Paul!

Jaclyn DiSanti continues to pursue her master’s in industrial psychology at Montclair State University, which she will finish in May. This fall also marks Jaclyn’s second year as assistant field hockey coach at Montclair. Good luck this season!

Jacquelyn Marchese is an environmental analyst at CSC in Alexandria, Va. In her spare time, she trains for marathons, which included running in the Disney World Marathon last fall. She is also a member of a semi-professional women’s soccer team in Virginia, which plays teams throughout the southeastern coast.

As for me, I completed my first year in Arcadia University’s doctorate of physical therapy program, and I spent the fall in Idaho on my first clinical rotation.

Please continue to send updates.

2010

Marie A. Garofalo
marie.garofalo@alumni.lafayette.edu

President: Jeffrey D. Zimmer
Fund Manager: Teevrat Garg
Reunion Chair: Gabriel M. Rivera
Web Page Administrator: Brandon S. Gold, bgold@alumni.lafayette.edu

To the recent graduates of Lafayette College, and in the words of Elle Woods: We did it! I hope everyone has dried off from what was an exciting yet rainy graduation day in May.

By June 1, I had started my job with a television show on WFMZ, the local network in the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania. I quickly moved to Northampton, Pa., since my office is in Bethlehem (don’t worry—not too close to Lehigh!). Since graduating, I joined the Northern New Jersey Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter, I attend many events with the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and I get to share in the excitement of being a Lafayette alumna with my mom, Angela DiChiara Garofalo ’82, and my aunt, Maria DiChiara Campolattaro ’90.

Our class president, Jeff Zimmer, has been working since June at The Solidarity Center in Washington, D.C., as a program assistant for the Middle East and North Africa. He also started at American University this fall, pursuing a master’s degree in international affairs, Middle East studies. Ally Lando is pursuing a Ph.D in organic chemistry with Dr. Amir Hoveyda at Boston College. Dennis Waldron lives in Hampton, Va., near the NASA Langley Research Center, where he is pursuing his Ph.D in electrical engineering at the National Institute of Aerospace through a program with the University of Virginia.

Since September, Sara Peterson has been teaching English to children in Beauvais, France, with a program by the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the French Ministry of Education. The program lasts for nine months. Jonathan Werkmeister headed to the Austrian Alps in October on a Fulbright teaching grant. He teaches high school students in the town of Irdning until June.

New York City is where Amanda Pisetzner now calls home, as she works as an executive assistant for a nonprofit organization called Computers for Youth. Austin Kennedy is the assistant to the program manager with the Blue Mountain Project in Hagley Gap, St. Thomas, Jamaica. This nongovernment organization works in education, economic development, water systems, and health. Hannah Smock works in Washington, D.C., for CitiHope International, a nongovernment organization.

After spending the summer in California working for Proximity Theatre, Liz Witmer headed back to Pennsylvania in September and now works at InterAct Theatre in Philadelphia.

Alyson Fitzpatrick is a case manager at St. Mary’s Villa for Children and Families in Ambler, Pa.

Wystan Carswell spent her summer in Philadelphia, training at the Undine Barge Club to continue her career in competitive rowing. She competed at the Royal Canadian Henley, an international regatta, in August. Wystan now lives in Massachusetts, where she is pursuing a master’s in structural engineering at UMass–Amherst.

Rob Curley and Mark Leggiero are members of the Carlstad Crusaders of Sweden, a European football team. Curley led the team to a 27–0 victory over the London Blitz in June, which advanced the team to the championship game of the European Federation of American Football Cup. Both were stars on the Lafayette football team. In addition, another former football player, Evan Nardone, moved to LaGrange, Ga., where he is an assistant football coach for the LaGrange College Panthers. Nardone is also working on his master’s in teaching.

After graduation, Sarah Mulford traveled for three weeks in Europe, visiting Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and England. She now works as a corporate sales assistant at Polo Ralph Lauren in Midtown Manhattan. Julia Bateman works as an account executive in advertising sales for CBS Radio in Philadelphia.

Anthony Romanoski, Andrew Kotsopey, Laura Bochner, Billy Kingston, Jenn Bell ’11, Bryan McAtee ’11, and Tom Voltz ’09 converted a 1982 Blue Bird Mini Bus into a motor home and took a road trip to 12 national parks over the summer. Their five-week trip took them through 21 states and one province in Canada. Romanoski is pursuing a master’s degree in geology at Texas Tech. Kingston is working toward a master’s in civil engineering. Voltz is pursuing a master’s in civil engineering at Penn State. Kotsopey is searching for a job in engineering, and Bochner is searching for a job in land conservation.

I wish the Class of 2010 so much good luck! I look forward to further wonderful updates in the future. Go ’Pards!