Class Columns are written twice a year by alumni who have volunteered to be correspondents for their class. If your class year has a correspondent and you’d like to share news with them, just look for their contact information at the end of their column.
1942
Class Column: Since I’ve had no response from or about any of my classmates for some time now, sadly I must assume that at 99, I am the last member of the class, particularly since it’s been almost three years since I last heard from any fellow member. That may very well be simply the fortuitous result of my entering Rutgers at the age of 16, while most of my classmates were then 18, which means that if there are any other survivors, they would have to be around 101.
Having said that, I am happy to report that I still enjoy being alive, although I had to give up driving this past year. I am able to continue to work, thanks to Zoom, for my local bar association as an arbitrator in fee disputes between clients and lawyers. I can also enjoy, when COVID-19 conditions permit, occasional local travel and walks and outings with my companion, for which I am very grateful.
I’m also very thankful for the many emails and messages from other Rutgers graduates who read my report; if I have failed to respond appropriately or at all, I ask for forgiveness and understanding.
My best wishes for a very healthy and happy future for all who read this.
Berne Rolston RC’42: 2245 S. Beverly Glen Boulevard, Apt. 303, Los Angeles CA 90064; 424-208-3820; br@rolston.net
1943
Class Column: The Class of 1943 has now dwindled down to a precious few, Stan Ross AG’43, Rich Snethen AG’43, and me. Stan and I each have a daughter to keep us from eating alone, while Rich has just moved into a retirement facility. Stan and I each have a driver’s license valid until our 101st birthdays.
I just turned 99 and I still walk a mile each day after breakfast (and then nap for an hour). On my walks, I see more peacocks than people. The Los Angeles Arboretum, a vast nature preserve, is 10 miles east of me and some of their peacocks have emigrated to my small town.
Over the years, I have repeatedly tamed squirrels and blue jays both in Yosemite, where I have a small cabin inside the park, and at home. Both a squirrel and a blue jay take peanuts from my fingers.
Lastly, I’m a library volunteer and I drove Meals on Wheels for years prior to the pandemic. I plan to live to 105, after which I’ll just take life day by day.
William Suter AG’43: billsuter1319@icloud.com
1945
Class Column: Recipients of the Jack Dempsey Memorial Scholarship for 2021 were: Mariam Abass, Alim Memon SAS’21, and Joseph Volfman, all at the School of Arts and Sciences. As the scholarship grows, so does the number of students who benefit from it.
So far, no contacts from the 1945ers who are still alive. Write, call, or visit. Stay well.
Mort Burke ENG’45, GSNB’48: 109 Harbor Lights, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753; 848-217-7350; mortburke109@gmail.com
1948
Class Column: In the winter 2021 Class Column, we reported that David Keller RC’48 and his wife, Barbara, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, as the article was going to press, Barbara died, and we were not able to note her passing. We send our sincere condolences to David and his family.
I heard from Bob Archibald RC’48 and he is still in North Palm Beach, FL, recovering from some medical issues. He sounded just fine and hopes to return north to New Jersey in late spring/early summer.
There are fewer than 100 ’48ers still around and that is remarkable, considering that we all are in our 90s. Let’s stay in touch and send us information on your activities and your family.
Remember, Class Notes no longer appear in Rutgers Magazine. We were able to mail you hard copies of the last two columns but may not be able to do so going forward. You can read our Class Notes online at alumni.rutgers.edu; click on Stay Connected and then Class Notes.
Bart Klion RC’48: 43 Abby Lane, Ballston Lake, NY 12019; 518-930-0509; bbklion@aol.com
1953
Class Column: The owner of the veterinary practice that Burleigh P. Anderson AG’53 started years ago recently updated me on him. After Burleigh completed studies in veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, he founded Tri-County Veterinary Service in Loysville, PA (near Harrisburg). Over subsequent decades, Burleigh treated both small and large animals. He retired in 1994 and died unexpectedly in 2008. Today, under Clyde McMiller, the practice continues—as do our fond memories of Burleigh.
Alfred B. Dayton RC’53 informs me from California that his wife of 65 years, Joan, passed away April 12, 2021. He nonetheless sounds okay. Al tested positive for COVID-19 on his 90th birthday in January. “I had a mild case and got infusion therapy. On April 27, I got my final shot with no aftereffects. I feel great.” Al’s telephone number is 530-263-6773; his email address is daytonal@sbcglobal.net.
Barbara Gruninger informs me that she and Fred (Frederick E. Gruninger ED’53, GSE’61) have moved locally. Their new address is 15450 Tamiami Trail North, Unit 312, Naples, FL 34110. Their telephone number remains 239-676-1617.
As I write this (early May 2021), a local men’s group, the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), is resuming its monthly breakfast meetings, which had been suspended because of the pandemic. My friends and neighbors are adopting new postpandemic “normals”: elbow bumps in lieu of handshakes, online shopping for practically everything, virtual doctor’s visits, and so forth. Perhaps you have adopted a hitherto unheard of postpandemic normal, something our classmates would find interesting—in addition to personal milestones. In short, I need fodder for the next column and would love to hear from you.
William (Bill) Sansalone AG’53, GSNB’61: 6835 Old Stage Road, Rockville, MD 20852; 301 881-0063; ws31@verizon.net
1955
Class Column: President Jack Witemeyer AG’55 asked that we highlight the status of our class-funded scholarship. At the time of our 65th reunion one year ago, we had collected over $32,500 for the year and had a scholarship account balance of more than $304,000. This was achieved through donations from 53 donors out of 222 remaining class members, roughly 24 percent of our class. Current undergraduate recipients include students from engineering, biological sciences, and arts and sciences. Your continued participation in this very worthwhile endeavor is appreciated, and to those who were not able to donate last year, please join us in making a gift this year. Thank you for your support.
Evan Crook RC’55 was a Henry Rutgers Scholar and graduated Phi Beta Kappa, earned a doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania, and spent 40 years with Rohm and Haas as a research chemist. He was a leader in his church in Haddonfield, NJ, and a loving and dedicated head of his family. He is listed in the Camera Shy section of our yearbook. We just received notice that he died May 11, 2017, and wanted to extend belated condolences to his family and classmates.
Paul Bedell ED’55 checked in again from Bellmore, NY, where he rides his bike 20 miles each day whether he likes it or not and finds time to enjoy his family of five sons, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is an ordained deacon in his church and heavily involved in parish activities.
Martin Giesbrecht RC’55 recently published another book, Now, That Makes Sense (Cincinnati Book Publishing, 2020), a description of economics for every appetite. After graduating from Rutgers, he earned a doctorate in economics at the University of Munich while on a Fulbright scholarship, spent more than 40 years teaching at Wilmington College in Ohio, provided economic commentary on National Public Radio, and authored more than a dozen books on the subject. He now lives in Villa Hills, KY, where he is professor emeritus of economics at Northern Kentucky University when he is not playing his clarinet, his musical outlet since he was in fifth grade.
Malcolm Busch RC’55 and Dan White RC’55 both reported the passing of Allen J. Ross RC’55 at his home in Detroit on April 17, 2021. After service in the U.S. Navy, Allen entered the family meat business, which focused largely on Detroit-style all-beef hot dogs. As a transplanted New Yorker, he became a strong supporter of community activities in Detroit, where he lived for several years, helping restore and maintain many of the social, civic, and cultural features of that city. His love of books led him to create the Allen Ross Library Fund at Rutgers early in his career. He was an outstanding student and classmate at Rutgers, and he will be missed.
Charles Benson ENG’55 also passed away, on March 30, 2021. He will be buried in Punch Bowl in Honolulu as soon as approval is received from the U.S Navy. Charlie was a great contributor to our Class Notes for many years.
Ken Andersen RC’55 from Sigma Phi Epsilon reports on a slowdown in business at the University of New Hampshire due to the pandemic, giving him an opportunity to get in more cross-country skiing. He is hoping things will open up a bit so that he and his wife can travel to Denmark and Germany soon to visit family. He also is sad to report the passing in Phoenix, AZ, of classmate Arthur Brownstein RC’55, who died January 12, 2021. Arthur was a chem major who rose through the ranks to become a vice president at ExxonMobil.
Robert McBride RC’55: 6409 Buckskin Lane, Roseville, CA 95747; 916-773-3603; mojomom@surewest.net
1957
Class Column: We encourage you to get ready for our 65th reunion in 2022. We have been around a long time, so watch for information regarding this wonderful event.
Speaking about events, we are trying to plan a class dinner during Homecoming and Alumni Weekend, October 9. In conjunction with the game, Tom Carpenter RC’57 is planning our usual tailgate party in the scarlet parking lot. Make plans to come to the game and the party. I hear we are going to have a very much improved team. It should be fun. If you plan to attend, contact Tom at tcarpenter71@verizon.net so we can make proper arrangements. Tickets to the game are on your own. Also, tell Tom if you would be interested in the dinner and renewing old friendships. We won’t know the time until they announce game time.
We could also use help with the reunion, anyone interested? Contact Tom.
On a sad note we lost two classmates since we last posted a column: John Goldsmith RC’57, who died March 17, 2021, and Ted Lukacs RC’57, who died December 27, 2020.
As usual, we are in the mountains in North Carolina for the summer. However, you can still contact me at the number and email address below.
Our class is in the process of finding another project that we can physically put the Class of 1957 on in bold type. Will advise when available. In the meantime, please remember the Class of 1957 Unrestricted Fund. We are still going strong in building our legacy. I hope to see you at Homecoming. I will be there.
Harold J. Kaplan RC’57: P.O. Box 941313, Maitland, FL, 32794; cell 407-592-6488; hjk@ufg-lease.com
1958
Class Column: Dick Ossi RC’58 and Carol moved to Amelia Island, FL, and are enjoying a lot of golf and exercise activities.
Bob Baechtold RC’58 left his law firm and is now “a solo practitioner doing arbitration and counseling for intellectual property litigation.”
Don Cook ENG’58 is “still working; not as much when I’m in Florida, but I make up for it when I get back to NJ. Yes, I still enjoy it.”
Crosby Houston ED’58, GSE’59 is “still traveling to officiate at collegiate track and field meets. I’ve slowed down a lot but am doing five-mile power walks a few times a week.”
Tony Grifa RC’58 took his first flight to Baton Rouge, LA, where his daughter teaches at Louisiana State University. He took his grandchildren on a swamp boat ride and saw gators, snakes, and turtles. They also visited a refurbished WWII destroyer.
Otto Zingg RC’58 recommends for summer reading The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson. It’s about Jennifer Doudna and her role in the development of gene editing and the CRISPR process.
From Bill Whitacre RC’58: “We left France in March 2020 as the pandemic started and can’t wait to go back. We’re fully vaccinated and will go back to YMCA workouts.”
From Hank Goetz RC’58: “I’ve been blessed with an interesting life, 40 years in a jet cockpit, over 21,000 hours of jet time, which equals 2.4 years in a jet cockpit. Been to 85 countries, lived in Europe for three years. Been around the world three times. Wife is Aussie so visited there 12 times (mostly airline perks). Thousands of stories but little time to tell them. No regrets and still fairly healthy.”
Don Taylor RC’58, GSE’65,’73, our first and only class president and most Loyal Son, passed February 17, 2021. His contributions to Rutgers and our class were immeasurable. Don represented our class and was a great leader through the many decades. He was something special! To say that he will be missed is an understatement. I was proud to be his friend and roommate!
Don Cook ENG’58 was elected our class president via an internet election. He is already hard at work!
From Allan Maitlin RC’58: “Just a note: still practicing law from my house and keeping up with family and friends. Had dinner with Ed Cohen RC’58, NLAW’61, who finished a tough battle with the virus. He is out of the hospital and at home, battered and bruised but alive and doing well. I speak to Don Horowitz RC’58 periodically, who also practices from home. My oldest grandson, Josh, is getting his master’s in sports administration and works for Major League Baseball. He runs the projection of the strike zone on every pitch on the major league TV games. He also does the ball rerun of its trajectory. He is an avid Yankees fan and cannot believe he gets paid to watch the games. We are looking forward to full attendance at the football games.”
My recommended summer reading: Ian Toll and James Hornfischer, who write on the U.S. Navy during World War II, and Rick Atkinson, who writes on WWII Europe.
Robert Max RC’58, GSE’78: 12 Danbury Road, Woolwich, NJ 08085; 856-467-8148; bbmax96@comcast.net
1959
Class Column: Hal Baird RC’59 and Dick Burnon RC’59 both report being in downsizing mode and are preparing to sell their homes in Wall Township and Dumont, NJ, respectively. A major challenge, they say, is hundreds/thousands of books. Hal reports getting together with Phi Ep roommate Ron Graniero RC’59 in Florida and New Jersey. Dick is looking to get back to his active retirement life teaching, lecturing, and heading a seniors group.
Retired Miami University of Ohio professor Don Daiker RC’59 has continued to teach literature virtually. His essay “Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises: The Centrality of Jake’s Paris” appears in the spring 2021 issue of The Hemingway Review, where he serves on the editorial board.
Now the sad news:
Pete Fleischner ENG’59, GSNB ’63,’66 died on January 30, 2021, at his retirement home in Osprey, FL. He was 83. A ceramic engineer with a doctorate from Rutgers, Pete held executive positions at tech companies in New York, California, and New Jersey. He is survived by his wife, Martha Marlow, three sons, a stepson and stepdaughter, two grandchildren, a step-granddaughter, and a great-grandson.
Harry Hasson RC’59 of Ventnor, NJ, died on January 6, 2021, at age 84. A native of the Jersey Shore and a varsity swimmer, Harry was never far from the sea. He operated the family floral business founded in 1919 in Atlantic City, was a member of the Margate City Beach Patrol, and had a second home in Key Largo, FL. He was also an accomplished artist in a variety of media. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law and two grandchildren.
David Keefe ED’60 of The Villages, FL, died at 84 on December 28, 2020. A longtime resident of Brookfield, CT, where he served as police commissioner, he owned and operated five gypsum distribution centers in the state before selling them to U.S. Gypsum. He was later North American sales manager for Louisiana-Pacific’s fiberboard products line. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, two sons, and six grandchildren.
Alan Schreihofer RC’59: 3776 Ashford Lake Court NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319; 770-458-7766; aschreihofer@bellsouth.net
1961
Class Column: We lost two classmates: Edwin Garling Jr. RC’61, a resident of Goshen, NY, passed away on December 24, 2020. He was a distinguished city planner. A widower, Edwin is survived by three daughters and numerous grandchildren.
Gene Buckno RC’61 passed away on April 14, 2021. He qualified as a CPA in 1964 and was a shareholder and senior partner emeritus of Buckno, Lisicky and Co. Gene was a past president of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, the first not representing a “Big Eight Firm.” A resident of Allentown, PA, Gene is survived by his wife, Marcia, and two children.
Planning is underway for our 60th class reunion to be held in October. You will receive a series of mailings informing you of the specifics. Our class gift will be to the Class of 1961 Scholarship.
Tom Siegel RC’61: 3739 Waldorf Drive, Dallas, TX 75229; 214-351-1009; tsijag06@gmail.com
1962
Class Column: Our class officers are reaching out to classmates to underscore the opportunity to meet for our 60th reunion in 2022. Class reunions will be held during Homecoming weekend, a change from reunions previously held in the spring. You will be able to attend the outstanding football team’s Homecoming game and go to any number of other events. Details of the dates of those events and campus activities for alumni, plus football ticket information, will be shared when available.
I’m very happy to report the names of our Public Service Scholarship winners for 2020–2021. The student recipients represent a major focus of our class’s commitment to public service, which began at our 10th reunion. Continued thanks to class members for their generous donations and for support from university administrators. The two scholarship winners are: Chhavi Kapoor, a rising senior in the School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, who is studying human resources management, and Natasia Ortiz SEBS’21, who just graduated from the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences with a major in food science. The recipient of our Class of 1962 Presidential Public Service Award will be announced later.
We congratulate Kapoor and Ortiz for being committed to public service for both personal growth and the benefit of others. When more information about their backgrounds, their public service achievements, and their plans is available, we will share it in both the online Class Notes and on our class website, www.rutgers62.org. The website, incidentally, has been beautifully revamped by Barry Pavelec RC’62, its creator and editor, aka “webmaster.”
Please contact classmates and plan to attend our 60th in 2022!
Geoffrey Gould RC’62, GSE’66,’74: 500 Magnolia Drive, Vestal, NY 13850; 607-757-0499; ggould@binghamton.edu
1963
Class Column: Hopefully, by the time you read this, you have received your second “pinch” and your lives have returned to some semblance of “normalcy.”
“We men of Rutgers bow our heads in prayer” as we mourn the loss of Robert “Bob” Sofka ED’63, GSE’66, who passed away February 3, 2021, after a brief illness. Perhaps some of you will remember reading in this column that he and I met every month at the same restaurant, sat at the same table, and each always had two slices of pizza and a Coke. We always tried to understand and then humbly propose solutions to the problems confronting our world, nation, and state. Bob, an outstanding educator and supervisor of social studies in the Edison Township, NJ, school district, leaves behind his wife, Patricia; his daughter, Carolyn Sofka RWJMS’95; and his son, James.
Many of us have experienced changes in our professional pursuits since our days “on the Banks.” In reference to our classmate Phillip Gordon AG’63, GSN’75, this is a gross understatement. Phil, an animal science major, first worked for a pharmaceutical firm, taught science in a junior high, and attended three grad schools—Florida State, UC-Berkeley, and Rutgers, where he studied microbiology, genetics, and zoology, respectively. After co-authoring a book on the science of the extension of life, Phil wrote grants for the University of Miami School of Medicine. He then moved to California, where he helped companies computerize their businesses. Ultimately, he chose to teach management information systems, sustainable business, and technology and society at the Haas School of Business, the Norwegian School of Management, and the Lorri I. Lokey School of Business and Public Policy at Mills College. Phil did find the time to marry his college sweetheart, Steffi, and continue his passion for fencing.
Adrian Zapotocky ED’63: 570 West Inman Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065; 732-910-2858; abzap@verizon.net
1965
Class Column: Dennis Brodkin RC’65, NLAW’81 reported that he and his wife were vaccinated and will drive to Vegas and SoCal to catch up with family and friends; they’re also planning a much-delayed family get-together in Michigan in July. He says Portland, OR, is almost back to normal, but a small group continues to cause mayhem and property damage.
Stephen Bosin RC’65, NLAW’68 still practices law and lives in Fort Lee, NJ; he specializes in employment and long-term disability claims.
Robert Arkus RC’65 sent a thank-you.
Jim Hackett RC’65 is working back to “normalcy” by first staying more connected to family, then getting a haircut by a professional, as he was “tired of looking like Willie Nelson.” He was able to go out to a fitness center, to dinner to celebrate his 39th wedding anniversary, and to resume volunteer work at the local hospital. Finally, “the guys and I started up our weekly beer club, where we tell the same old stories and talk about our medications and ailments. Still to come is church. The local bishop canceled the need to go to Sunday mass and told everyone over 60 to stay home.”
Bob Reardon RC’65 has chosen the path of downsizing, simplifying, and finding satisfaction in playing with an Irish session group on Sunday afternoons to a packed house and bringing entertainment to people who enjoy live music. He still writes columns that appear in various newsletters and is on the activity committee where he lives.
I received a nice thank-you from Joe Ramieri RC’65 for keeping memories alive!
Mike Goodkind ENG’65 has not been outside of the Chicago area since January 2020. He was supposed to be in Paris in December, then May, but that was canceled because of closed borders and lockdowns. He also canceled a trip to Traverse City, MI, because of problems throughout the state and additional issues with anti-vaxxers. His health club has been open since last summer with limited participation, so that has been a source of getting out and getting exercise.
Tom Clark RC’65 said he’ll be happy to get away from all the building and road work going on in Tampa and get back to traveling.
Darryl James RC’65, GSNB’67 made a trip to the Florida Keys that had been postponed a year.
Rich Smolenski ENG’65 related how he’s dealing with prostate cancer in a humorous article, which will be shared separately.
Chuck Hennings RC’65: c2hennings@yahoo.com
1966
Class Column: The history of our four years at Rutgers is reflected in the pages of the Daily Targum. Class Historian Hal Shill RC’66 and I reviewed the headlines gathered for Paul Clemens’s book Rutgers since 1945 (Rutgers University Press, 2015) and recently shared them with classmates. The responses recalled life back then. If you haven’t received them, please contact Hal at hbs2@psu.edu.
“What a treasure trove!” Michael Perlin RC’66 replied. “I especially remember the editions from late November 1963,’’ Charles Mandell RC’66, CLAW’69 said, referring to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Steve Frakt RC’66, GSNB’68 noted the special one-page Targum “extra“ on the news from Dallas that Friday. “An incredible year,’’ Bill Pollinger RC’66 said of the 1965–66 headlines. “Much to look back on with fond, and sometimes not so fond, memories. I think I still have a clay pipe somewhere. I know I didn’t break it.”
Eddie Dauber RC’66, our Student Council president, shared with classmates “War of Mediocrity,” an address he delivered at the spring convocation in May 1966. He countered those who emphasized “the sad plight of the Rutgers student with the Princeton complex’’ by noting “Rutgers has nothing to be ashamed of.’’ Class President Ted Hardies RC’66 said most of the address is “just as pertinent today as it was 55 years ago.”
Mick RC’66 and Rick Weisz RC’66 reported that they came to Rutgers from Dallas “because of its reputation as a first-rate university that offered us an education and undergraduate experience on par with the Ivies.’’
Seven graduating seniors received financial aid from the Class of 1966 Scholarship this year. Their majors are impressive: cognitive science, physics, astronomy, genetics, biological sciences, psychology, philosophy, and English.
We have lost a distinguished classmate with the passing of John Woloszyn RC’66, who died January 7, 2021, after a long illness. He was a longtime Baltimore corporate attorney before cofounding Intralytix Inc., a company fighting infectious disease in environmental, food processing, and medical settings. John loved playing squash and golf and appreciated film, history, and science publications.
Larry Benjamin RC’66: 122 Almond Road, Freehold, NJ 07728; 732-625-9797; llbenj@optimum.net
1967
Class Column: Thanks to Michael Wolf RC’67 for writing with news that our classmate Fred Gerber RC’67 passed away March 17, 2021, following a lengthy illness. Fred graduated from Rutgers with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in education, and obtained his master’s degree in botany from Connecticut College. In 1970, he was hired by the Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing, NY, where he founded its educational department and had a distinguished 50-plus-year career. Fred developed an array of educational programs and trained many people over the years in the environmental sciences. His memorial service included touching testimonials on the impact he had on the lives of staff, administrators, and educators throughout the New York City area. He was considered a kind and generous mentor. A section of the garden was renamed in Fred’s memory. He will be sorely missed.
Mike Moran RC’67: revmoran@gmail.com
1968
Class Column: Thanks to Dave Cairns RC’68’s comprehensive report on his TKE fraters, there is a lot of information to share about our 1968 classmates from that fraternity, beginning with former Rutgers football player Don Riesett RC’68. A retired advertising executive who now lives in suburban Baltimore, Don is involved in a number of volunteer activities, including teaching writing to former addicts, former inmates, and youths. During his career, he lived and worked for about 10 years in London.
Another former Rutgers football player, Harry Sundik RC’68, is also retired and lives in Portland, ME, overlooking the harbor. He combined a business career in New England with service in the U.S. Army Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Sadly, his wife, Patty DC’68, died April 1, 2021.
Also officially retired are Larry Matteis RC’68, a former teacher, and Bob Burdulis RC’68, who worked in information systems. Of Dave’s list, only Al Rezza AG’69 and Steve Wolschina RC’68, CLAW’71 appear to be still gainfully employed.
Bill Dvoranchik RC’68 also enjoyed a successful business career. After earning a master’s degree at the University of Arizona, he joined H. Ross Perot’s EDS and retired as one of the company’s top executives. Bill worked for EDS in Iran at the time of the hostage crisis, but in an instance of good timing, was in the states and, fortunately, out of harm’s way. He was also an expert poker player and participated in several World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Sadly, Bill died in 2015. TKE lost two other brothers with the deaths of Phil LaPenta RC’68, a lawyer, in 2014, and Bruce Anderson RC’68, who had a career in commercial real estate development. He died in 2003.
Also earning advanced degrees after Rutgers were John Granacki RC’68 and John Bausher RC’68, both of whom earned doctorates. Now retired, John Granacki worked in the University of Southern California’s advanced computing laboratory and now lives in Rolling Hills, CA. Not content with a doctorate from the University of Vermont, John Bausher also earned a medical degree from the same school. He practices general medicine in Washington State and is a public health officer in Grays County, where his expertise has been put to good use in the campaign against COVID-19.
Thanks again to Dave for this list; as he says, I owe him. Now to find someone as helpful for the next column. In the meantime, best wishes to all members of the Class of 1968.
John Zinn RC’68, RBS’70: jzinn84@comcast.net
1969
Class Column: Bruce Hubbard RC’69 writes: “Bryant Mitchell RC’69, Chuck Bowers AG’69, NJMS’74, Jerry Harris RC’69, GSNB’72, and I have been involved over the last year with Blacks on the Banks Legacy Circle, a subset of the Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance (RAAA), which includes black alumni from the 1960s and 1970s. We Zoom meet to raise funds for scholarships, address issues affecting black students, and coordinate with the RAAA, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Rutgers University Foundation, and the university generally. We have been encouraged and inspired by the three-book series produced by Rutgers, Scarlet and Black; the leadership, foresight, and knowledge of President Holloway, senior vice president Anna Branch, and many other administrators; and the attention and care that has been devoted to race, diversity, and inclusion!”
From Jim Cuviello RC’69: “Thank you to all our classmates who contributed over the years to our two scholarship funds. This past fall, we were able to award almost $20,000 to deserving students who have financial need. A total of 12 students each received at least $1,000, some received a higher amount. We now have a combined total of over a half a million dollars in our two scholarship funds. They are both endowed funds and will always continue to assist students in need.”
As the pandemic began to wind down this spring, I was able to attend a lacrosse match at the stadium with two of my Newark high school classmates who graduated from Johns Hopkins. The Scarlet Knights beat the Blue Jays 17–11 and went on to the NCAA tournament, where they won a first-round match against Lehigh before losing to No. 1-ranked North Carolina in sudden-death overtime.
Almost 42 years ago, in my earlier stint as class correspondent, I welcomed my second child, a daughter, hoping she would be a member of the Rutgers Class of 2001. No such luck. It’s been a long and winding road for her, including a couple of troubled stints at Ohio State, a bachelor’s degree from a French university, and a master’s degree from a British university. This year, she fulfilled a dream by earning a law degree from an Ohio university.
David Lieberfarb RC’69, GSE’72: dmlieb@optonline.net
1971
Class Column: I have received no correspondence this time. For those who don’t know, Claude White RC’71, NLAW’74, our class president, passed away August 10, 2019. Jim Savage AG’71 has taken over those duties. Other deaths include David Helming RC’71, who died January 10, 2021, and Joseph Lachac RC’71, who died January 31, 2021.
Ken Common RC’71: 12804 SE 302nd Street, Auburn, WA 98092; 253-887-9174; kdcruod@yahoo.com
1972
Class Column: Michael Levine RC’72, M.D., and his wife, Barbara Holtz Levine DC ’72, have been living in Society Hill since returning to Philadelphia in 2008, by way of Baltimore (1976–2003) and Cleveland (2003–2008). Their daughters, Sara Levine Kornfield, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, and Elizabeth Levine Greene, M.D., a psychiatrist, each have two children.
Barbara retired several years ago as a partner at Hahn Loesser, a Cleveland-based law firm, where she worked in estates and trusts. Michael has been at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, serving as chief of endocrinology and diabetes for 10 years, and is now director of the Center for Bone Health. He is a professor emeritus of pediatrics and medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. His work with Professor Bob Niederman and meeting his future wife at a freshman mixer at Records Hall are two of his most precious Rutgers experiences.
Jeffrey Brinker ENG’72, GSNB’75 worked at Sandia National Laboratories and is a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of New Mexico. He was recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences and as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for his discoveries and pioneering work in nanomaterials science.
Curt Hagedorn RC’72, RWJMS’74, M.D., recently joined the University of New Mexico School of Medicine as a professor and the New Mexico VA Health Care System as chief of gastroenterology. He has done research on RNA, hepatitis C, and genomics since he was a fellow at the National Institutes of Health and has led gastroenterology and medicine departments/divisions. Curt has published more than 100 papers, started working on hepatitis C while on the faculty at Emory University, and has made contributions critical to the development of highly effective hepatitis C treatments.
Dan Kramer RC’72: Dankramer50@gmail.com
1973
Class Column: Well, here we are in 2021…finally! And if I didn’t say it last time around, I find myself living in North Carolina—but still flying a Rutgers flag on my house and with a Scarlet Knights license plate on the front of my car!
I am now calling myself a “golfer” (loose definition) and loving it. And pickleball…yeah, that’s retirement! Also training to be a court-appointed special advocate working with foster kids in the courts. Trying to be helpful to the community.
I’ve asked classmates to tell me what they’re doing so I can report; life apparently is very quiet. PLEASE tell me what you are doing in life, where are you living, how many grandkids. Others would like to know.
Writer-director Tom Musca RC’73 was recently featured on the RUAA website:
https://alumni.rutgers.edu/stay-connected/alumni-news-and-stories/getting-some-screen-time/. Tom, now living in Miami, commented on his RU experience: “I was a kid from the suburbs and at Rutgers I was introduced to a bigger world. I interacted with an incredible range of people.” Read how he’s helping Mason Gross students make it in film.
I encourage you to consider donating to Rutgers, specifically the Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship. At last accounting, I believe we are providing two full scholarships. Interested? Go to give.rutgers.edu. Under “Explore Causes,” click on “Scholarships and Student Support,” then click on “Give Now,” where you’ll be able to search for our class scholarship.
Hoping everyone is safe and healthy. Let me know what you’re doing so we can spread the good news.
Bob Cancro RC’73, GSE’78: scarknight@aol.com
1974
Class Column: Gus Haritos RC’74, CLAW’78 and Bill Fernekes RC’74, GSNB’78, GSE’85 write that they have been vaccinated. Given the average age of members of our class, it does appear that we are at the top of the list when it comes to priorities for the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, we are also deemed one of the “sensitive population groups.” Your correspondent received his Moderna shots in March and April, yet there is still frustration, given that many places do not quite know how to treat vaccinated persons.
Bill and his colleague Gloria T. Alter of DeKalb, IL, have signed a publishing contract for a book on human rights education and global teacher education, with anticipated publication in 2022 by Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. Bill says that his wife, Sheila RC’76, has also been fully vaccinated.
I am writing this column in early May. There are indications from around the country that things may be returning somewhat to the old normal. Oh yes, there will be a new normal but what that will be remains to be seen. I am hoping that come September, I will be able to hop on a plane in San Francisco and get back to New Jersey for my yearly Rutgers football fix. 2020 was the first year that I did not get to watch a game in person since childhood, so I look forward to a trip East and a game in Piscataway.
Rick Stier AG’74: rickstier4@aol.com
1976
Class Column: My own perspective on news during the pandemic is that there has been more bad news than usual and far less good news to offset it—so no surprise that I haven’t heard from pretty much all of you lately. But the question on my mind, since we would have come together for our 45th reunion this spring, is whether we might be able to celebrate and convene later in the year. Alumni Weekend (reunion) will coincide with Homecoming in the fall, on October 9. So I’ll keep you all posted when further details become available. Until then, take it easy…stay well…and drop me a line!
Frank Viverito RC’76: fviverito@stlsports.org
1978
Class Column: Congratulations to my friend and our classmate Bob Lazarczyk RC’78, who retired earlier this year after an illustrious 40-plus-year career at ABC News. During that time, he accumulated some awesome items to display in his home—five Emmys, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Peabody Award, and an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award. For most of his time at ABC, Bob worked as an associate director at Good Morning America.
To his surprise on his last day on the job, Bob received a wonderful tribute at the end of the broadcast. The on-air acknowledgment (accompanied by a photo of Bob) was made by host Robin Roberts with colleagues George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan at her side. Roberts’s thoughtful comments congratulated Bob on his retirement and thanked him for playing “an integral role in getting us on the air.” Of course, Roberts didn’t miss the opportunity to share that “Bob has repeatedly said he’s looking forward to not setting that alarm clock and getting to sleep past 2 a.m.!”
Bob has always been a talented and humble guy—a class act—and it was nice to see his loyalty and dedication to the network and Good Morning America recognized by his colleagues. Truly well deserved. As for retirement, like so many of us, Bob has a list of things to do as well as places to see, and he won’t be setting that alarm clock. Congratulations, Bob! Enjoy the adventures that await.
Until next time.
Mike Blishak RC’78: mikealan@att.net
1979
Class Column: Lawrence C. Kleinman RC’79, M.D. was among those featured in Rutgers Magazine’s fall 2020 issue about the university’s wide-ranging response to the pandemic. Larry is a professor of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a professor of urban global health at Rutgers School of Public Health who has written about COVID-19 risks to children.
Linda Van Zandt Morris RC’79: lvzm@optonline.net
1985
Class Column: Learning is lifelong, as the saying goes. You can learn a lot from Scarlet Speakers, a series sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Check out the event page, sas.rutgers.edu/news-a-events/events, and see the wide variety of subjects being covered.
Linda Tancs RC’85: lindatancs@gmail.com
1989
Class Column: The Class of 1989 lost three classmates recently. Mary Ann Olsen NLAW’89 died at the age of 72 on January 6, 2021. She lived in Bayonne, NJ, where she had a law practice with a specialty in eldercare. Mary Ann will be remembered for her spirit, intellect, and extraordinary singing voice.
William A. Blose RBS’89 died at the age of 74 on March 5, 2021. He received an MBA at Rutgers and worked at Eaton Corporation for more than 20 years, retiring in 2004. He had lived in North Ridgeville, OH, for the past 27 years. William was a sports fan, enjoyed tennis, and coached Little League softball.
Laura Anderson Morales CC’89 died at the age of 69 on February 17, 2021. She graduated with a degree in public health from Rutgers. A lifelong resident of Edison, NJ, she held various positions at JFK Medical Center. Laura was outgoing and fun, and enjoyed travel, especially to New York City and the Jersey Shore. She also enjoyed movies, spending time with friends, and dancing, and was a dedicated parishioner of her church in Metuchen.
John Fagan RC’89, GSNB’95: johndfagan@verizon.net
1990
Class Column: Dr. Mark Robinson Karaczun RC’90 says “G’day!” He now lives in central Brisbane, in southeast Queensland, Australia, where he is a general practitioner in the northern suburb of Murrumba Downs.
In March 2020, Mike Sullivan RC’90 became associate director, sales training, at Intra-Cellular Therapies, a pharmaceutical company based in New York City. He was promoted to director, strategic partnerships, in December. Mike has identical twin daughters, Julia and Olivia, who are seniors at Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His son Caleb is a senior in high school. Mike recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife, Shari. They met at Doll’s Place in New Brunswick in 1990.
Rob Bardsley RC’90: robbardsley@alumni.rutgers.edu
1996
Class Column: This column was due five days before the silver anniversary of our graduation from Rutgers. Granted, I am looking at this from the perspective of a Rutgers College graduate, so your day may be slightly different than mine, but a quarter of a century is still a long dang time.
I hope that this small note of congratulations finds you well, healthy, and happy. Congratulations on 25 years, my friends. Reach out to me at briannealtobin@gmail.com if you want—I’ll be there for a chat any time.
Brian Tobin RC’96: briannealtobin@gmail.com
