ZooBits Winter 2025

Click a button to jump to that decade’s class notes.

David Fischer ’59 writes, “Following the death of my wife, Mary Ellen ’61, in January 2023, I started dating again at the end of 2023. I am now engaged to a friend from my church, Geraldine King, and we plan to be married in the spring of 2025. As she faces selling her home and downsizing, and I face making more space available in my condo, we both wonder, ‘Oh, what have we done now?’”

Dave Bellingham ’63 and his wife, Jan, are enjoying retirement on Torch Lake in Rapid City, Michigan. They recently lunched with Don Schneider ’63 and Jean Chin at Pearl’s in Elk Rapids.

In July 2024, Pat and Dennis Lamb ’63, of Fort Collins, Colorado, hosted a visit at their Crystal Lake, Michigan, cottage with Don Schneider ’63 and Jean Chin. While returning to Colorado, they stopped in Aurora, Illinois, for a brief visit with Louise and Ken Van Andel ’63. Pictured, from left, are Ken, Louise, Dennis and Pat.

Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) honored Of Counsel Ralph Wellington ’68 with the 2024 PVLA Award for Exceptional Service. Ralph serves as an attorney in Dilworth Paxson’s Legal Department. His dedication to the arts extends beyond his legal support; he served on PVLA’s board from 1993–2003, including a term as board president (1999–2001). A talented jazz musician, he exemplifies his commitment to supporting the arts inside and outside the courtroom.

Michael Gibson ’69 writes, “After a 10-year hiatus (following what I thought was formal and final retirement), I have gone back to teaching. Following a heated dinner party discussion about trends in education in Florida, I decided to re-enter the fray. I am now an instructor at Ringling College’s Osher Lifetime Learning Institute in Sarasota, Florida. Courses include modern Chinese history and politics, and intelligence and U.S. foreign policy. It’s a lot of work, but I am having a blast.”

Steve Chapman ’71 wants classmates to know he is alive and well and living in Muskegon, Michigan. Steve spent 20 years at private college-prep schools as a biology teacher, wilderness program director and high school principal. Next followed 25 years as founder and president of a consulting company, where he focused on helping top executive teams (mainly of independent schools and PBS TV stations) establish healthier organizational cultures. Now he gardens, cooks, fly-fishes, carves wood and attends no meetings. The K courses that have had the greatest impact on his life turned out to be religion with Dr. John Spencer and ornithology with Dr. H. Lewis Batts—neither one predictable at the time.

Sally Madsen ’73 writes, “This is my year for running into other K alumni. First, I was able to participate in the wonderful trip to Germany in May with President Gonzales and about 35 other K alumni, most of whom I did not know. Then, on the way back from Germany, in the Newark airport I just happened to start talking with another passenger waiting for luggage off the Berlin-Newark flight only to discover that I was talking to Margaret (Todd) Dickerson ’68. Her husband, Douglas Dickerson ’70, was also there. He was in my sister Linda (Madsen) Linton’s class. Then, I was at a somewhat obscure small magic show here in Denver and learned that one of the other attendees, Cameron Goodall ’15, also had graduated from K. Here’s a photo. It really is a small world!”

Carol Markov Bast ’74 was a Spanish major at K and studied abroad in Madrid. She tries to practice her Spanish as much as possible. She is currently a legal studies professor at the University of Central Florida. During the 2015–16 academic year, she spent a sabbatical in Barcelona, earning a master’s in World Trade Organization law at the University of Barcelona. Carol and her husband, Richard, continue to explore various parts of Spain.

Randy Gepp ’74 writes, “Greetings from Atlanta, where I have lived since 1975. I recently retired from a large law firm. My wife, Alice, and I have three children who are in their 30s. All of us are doing well. No grandkids yet. Alice and I travel four months each year, usually to places like Europe and Miramar Beach, Florida, where we have a home, and on cruises. I like visiting Spanish-speaking countries, and I am still trying to improve what I learned in Madrid on foreign study. (I was not very good then or now.) I play golf three days a week and pickleball five days, and I participate in many tournaments in both sports. Life is very good for us. Visit or call anytime. Best wishes.”

Paul Guenette ’74 is enjoying partial retirement with some continued work strengthening nongovernmental organizations. He and his wife, Deb, are raising their new puppy and visiting their adult kids in New York and California.

Scott Tempel ’74 writes, “Happy 50th reunion from sunny southern California! I’m still enjoying the ‘career life’ doing what I love…working with leaders and their organizations in developing healthier and more high-performing cultures that make a positive impact on the world! A lot of my consulting work has been in the healthcare industry, particularly since I have learned a lot over the last 35 years about brain injury and the health care industry due to my son Alex’s diagnosed brain tumor in 1989. Alex is now a delightful 38-year-old who lives with us and engages in a daily work program with other adults who have special needs. His sister, Larissa, is an executive director in film marketing with Sony Pictures in Los Angeles, married to a great French guy, Romain, and they have two charming kids—Olivia (8 years old) and Elio (5 years old). Cheryl and I have been married for 46 years, and we’ll be exploring the Andalucía area this fall (Granada, Marbella, Sevilla, Córdoba, Arcos de la Frontera), which was the same trip my fellow K colleagues did while we studied in Madrid in 1972…this will be my first time back to that area in Spain since then, 52 years ago! The photo is of our family in 2022, on our favorite pandemic walking trail near our home in San Juan Capistrano. Congratulations to all for a happy 50th year celebration!”

Jon Grier ’75 was among the winners of the 2024 Call for Scores for Solo Piano by contemporary chamber group Ensemble for These Times (E4TT). The works chosen will be performed by E4TT emerita pianist Dale Tsang on February 22, 2025, at the Berkeley Piano Club in Berkeley, California, and online on E4TT’s YouTube channel. E4TT received roughly 110 scores from 50 composers and chose 11, including Jon’s Quantum Entanglement (2024) for speaking pianist. Jon was instructor of music theory and history, and composer in residence at the Greenville Fine Arts Center, a magnet high school of the arts in Greenville, South Carolina, from 1988 to 2019. He continues as a substitute instructor at the center and as a board member of the Sigal Music Museum. Jon composes chamber music, songs, and jazz in Greenville, where he lives with wife, Marion, and rescue dog, Roxanne.

Continuing the worldwide travel tradition that started 50 years ago at K, friends Bonnie (Damask) Frenkel ’76 and Marty (Staff) Stone ’76 reunited for a trip to Ireland, Iceland and Scotland. In addition to checking off several “bucket list” items such as kissing the Blarney Stone, the two visited Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík, where they enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of sea-salt scrubs, energizing sauna and mist treatments, an invigorating cold plunge and soothing geothermal waters.

Deborah (Boverhof) Kennedy ’78 recently retired from teaching after 46 years, the last 28 of which were spent in Marshfield, Wisconsin, where she created Spanish classes for all levels from first grade through honors level senior year Spanish V. Deb also created the school Mission Team and has led a student trip to orphanage Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in Lurin, Peru, every other year since 2014. Students bring suitcases full of donations and help with projects around the orphanage. This year, they hosted a Casa Hogar 2024 Olympic Field Day. When Deb returned from the mission trip in August, she officially retired. That same night, she received notice that the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers chose her as the association’s Distinguished Language Educator of 2024. “I truly give credit to my K experiences for my style of teaching,” Deb writes. “I was living in Madrid the year after Franco died and King Juan Carlos was giving the people a vote to ask them how they wanted him to rule…and all the cultural experiences that I had while living in Madrid and traveling Europe…and the importance of not just learning a new language but understanding the people and the culture of the people.”

A group of alumni gathered for lunch in Burlington, Vermont, during the summer. Pictured, from left, are Liz (Cohen) Bailey ’79, Jane (Woodworth) Pettit ’79, Holly (Ernst) Groschner ’79, Brent Bailey ’77 and Heather (Gilchrist) Campbell ’79.

The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) has added Larry J. Bell ’80 to its volunteer Board of Directors. In 2020, Larry lost a kidney due to kidney cancer and became an active supporter of the NKFM. Since retiring in 2021, Larry has remained active philanthropically by donating to and supporting Michigan organizations.

Joanne Stewart ’82 has received the 2024 James Flack Norris Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Chemistry from the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society. Along with two colleagues, Joanne was honored for creating the Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists, a supportive community for inorganic chemistry faculty members. The network has enhanced the teaching of chemistry through providing its members with the opportunity to collaborate on workshops, webinars and research. The Elmer Hartgerink Professor of Chemistry at Hope College in Michigan, Joanne has taught courses on general, inorganic and organometallic chemistry there since 1988. She has held several positions, including chair of the department of chemistry and faculty representative to the Board of Trustees. Currently, her research focuses on teaching and learning in inorganic chemistry, specifically how faculty can learn to become effective teachers. Joanne holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from K and a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

Linda (Fleetwood) Burk ’83 writes, “Several K ’83 friends met for a mini reunion in South Haven, Michigan, at the home of Jon Ghastin and Mary VanderWeele. We shared lots of great memories, and we’re making plans to start an annual event.” Pictured standing in top row, from left, are: Jon Ghastin, Rick Barber, Jean (Ingebritson) Smith, Dan Burk and Linda (Fleetwood) Burk. Pictured sitting in bottom row are: Jay Roberts, Mary VanderWeele, Julie (Arnold) Fitzgerald, Laura (Parker) Grabijas and Marty Grabijas. Photo by Bob Smith.

Broward Health announced the appointment of Donald Eachus ’88 as president of the Broward Health Foundation, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Don will lead the foundation’s fundraising efforts, major gifts, annual giving, special events and all capital campaign initiatives. Don holds an M.B.A. in marketing from Wayne State University in Detroit and a B.A. in economics from K.

Gila Dorostkar ’88, Hakan Koymen ’95 and Colleen Greene ’05 are pediatric dentists and all currently serving on the board of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). They are pictured at the AAPD’s recent Annual Session in Toronto. “We serve as trustees on the board representing different parts of the country and membership,” Gila writes. “How remarkable is that?! Three K alumni from different classes all serving at the same time on a national board. It’s been very special for me to connect with Hakan and Colleen and work together to advance optimal oral health for all children. All three of us have held many different roles in organized pediatric dentistry roles, and it is an honor to serve on our specialty’s national board.”

Sonja Dean ’94 and Josh Hall ’91 have mostly remained in Kalamazoo since their time at K. Sonja writes, “Thanks to The Kalamazoo Promise, we successfully ushered two of our three kids toward K, officially making us a three-generation K family. Matt, Kiernan ’22 and Tara ’27 are all grown up and we mostly have an empty nest and are thinking about ‘what comes next.’ I continue to work in the nonprofit sector, currently as the deputy director of LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) Kalamazoo office, managing our local team’s programming and lending initiatives to help create places of choice, opportunity and economic prosperity for all residents. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion, and hearing where all of our Lux Esto ‘Be Light’ journeys have taken us for the last 30 years.”

Kelly Denawetz ’94 writes, “I cannot believe it has been 30 years! What K brought to me is something I do not believe I could have received at any other school. It’s the gift that keeps on giving: intelligent, kind, well-rounded, caring, lifelong friends; the K-Plan getting me out of my comfort zone with study abroad, career development and SIP; unparalleled education, including comprehensive exams; playing college softball; opportunities to be involved in student commission, the alumni association, become a residential assistant, and so much more! K was the perfect launching pad for a wonderful life. Thank you for making my time at K and these last 30 years special and full of friendship, experiences, successes and love! I hope that you are all enjoying life and, most importantly, sharing it with the people you love.”

Erin Lee ’94 writes, “Greetings from Milwaukee! I’m still here running a nonprofit called Fight Asthma Milwaukee and walking my dog daily. Last year, I completed an Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability, so I’m seeking new career adventures!”

Froedtert ThedaCare Health Inc. announced Robert Cavagnol ’96 is president of the North Region. He will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and strategic direction of the North Region of the combined organization. After K, Robert received his master’s degree in health care administration from Missouri State University and a medical degree from Wayne State School of Medicine.

The Michigan Education Association announced Erik Edoff ’97 as its new senior executive director. A former teacher, MEA member and administrator, Erik has spent his entire career in L’Anse Creuse Public Schools in Macomb County, Michigan—the past seven years as superintendent. Erik has served as president of the K-12 Alliance for Michigan and the Macomb Association of School Administrators. He is a member of both the Institute for Educational Innovation and the Educational Research and Development Institute. He earned an M.A. in educational administration and leadership from Michigan State University and an Ed.S. in educational leadership from Oakland University. Erik and his wife—who is also an educator and MEA member of 26 years—live in Metro Detroit with their three children.

Allison Cole ’98 was promoted to professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. Allison studies the implementation of evidence-based interventions in primary care settings and teaches residents and medical students at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She lives in Seattle with her husband, Ajai, and two children, Evan (17) and Will (14).

Miller Nash welcomed Amy Weston ’98 as partner to the firm’s consumer products and services team. Based in the firm’s Seattle office, Amy assists emerging technology companies at all stages of their corporate lifecycle. She drafts, develops, reviews and negotiates client-favorable terms in complex high-volume commercial transactions. Amy also helps clients navigate the ever-growing patchwork of privacy laws, industry standards and best practices while safeguarding client proprietary inventions, systems, and processes. Amy also has been elected to serve as cochair of the Washington State Bar Association’s Privacy & Data Protection Security Law Committee. After K, Amy received her M.A. from the University of British Columbia and J.D. from Boston University School of Law.

Emily Crawford ’99 would like to wish a happy 25th reunion to her fellow classmates of 1999. She lives in Seattle with her husband and adorable black cat, Sophie. After graduating from K, Emily moved to Seattle, then Santa Fe, New Mexico, followed by graduate school in journalism at Columbia University in New York City. She practiced international journalism in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she added tango dancing to her many hobbies. After a decade-long stint back in New Mexico, she returned to Seattle in 2012 to take a marketing and PR position at Pike Place Market. In 2018, she started her own consulting business, Luminosity PR, working with arts and culture, conservation and environment, and social services organizations. She serves on the board of SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation and Research and enjoys paddling in the San Juan Islands in her sea kayak.

Timothy McNinch ’99 has been appointed director of the Master of Theological Studies program at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. As assistant professor of Hebrew Bible, Tim is known for his dedication to theological education and his innovative approach to teaching. His new role aligns with his commitment to fostering deep, analytical and creative thinking within a theological framework. As director, Tim’s responsibilities include administering the program, recruiting new students and serving as an academic advisor.

Mandy Brookins ’00 started a new role as the executive director of the Rinker Center for Global Affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Nathan Allen ’02 received his Doctorate in Ministry from Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University in May. His thesis, “One in Mission: A Study of Best Practices for Federated Lutheran/Episcopal Congregations,” examined cross-denominational church mergers as a model for ministry. Nathan’s passion for ecumenical and inter-religious ministries began while he studied at K and has continued throughout his pastoral ministry with congregations in Oklahoma and Michigan. Since 2015, Nathan has served as pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Carla Kupe ’02 as the chief equity officer of the mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice. Carla will develop an implementation and oversight framework for advancing equity across city departments to propel a more just and inclusive Chicago for all. An attorney and longtime public servant, Carla holds a B.A. in political science with a minor in psychology from K and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She serves on various boards, including Women of Color in the Workplace and the Chicago Southside Birth Center.

Sean Smith ’08 was named a Distinguished Teacher by Noble Schools in Chicago, one of the leading public charter school systems in America. Sean is a chemistry teacher at Noble’s Pritzker College Prep. Since graduating from K, he earned a Master of Science Education from Lehman College in New York while working with the New York City Teaching Fellows to teach high-need subjects to the city’s students.

Britta Seifert ’12 and her husband, Jonathan, had their daughter, Phoebe, in May 2024. A very special fact about Phoebe is she was delivered by Britta and Jonathan’s dear K friend Ellen Murphy ’12. Britta, Jonathan and Phoebe live in Boston, where Britta works as a health policy researcher at Mathematica.

Hannah Olsen ’15 received second place in the Prix de Recherche at the 2024 20th and 21st Century French and Francophone Studies International Colloquium for her research examining how the legalization of contraception and abortion in France has impacted the lives of women in that country. Her research was supported by a $25,000 Jeanne Marandon Fellowship from the Professional Association of French Professors in the U.S. A Ph.D. student in French and Francophone studies at Michigan State University, Hannah has an M.A. in French from MSU and a B.A. in physics from K. She also has a graduate certification in Women’s and Gender Studies from the Center for Gender in Global Context at MSU.

Flashfood promoted Calli Brannan ’16 from director of partnerships to head of customer success. Calli was a critical member of the early team that built Flashfood’s retail presence and has worked in the food insecurity and food waste reduction space for a decade. By partnering with retailers across North America, Flashfood offers shoppers nutritious staples at affordable prices and reduces the amount of food going to landfills.

Maren Prophit ’19 writes, “Since graduating after studying biology and art, I have been making a living in Brooklyn as a freelance scenic fabricator and painter! Coming up on four years of living here, I’m thrilled to have found community among artists, Scrabble players, dancing groups and bird watchers. It’s a wonderful city to be exploring at this point in my life, and I’m thankful for the friends and K alums in the area.” In this photo, Maren is birding in Prospect, New York, with her cousin, musician King Strang.